The Hero Splendor Plus is one of the most popular and reliable commuter motorcycles in India, known for its excellent mileage, low maintenance cost, and affordable price. As of 2024, the price of the Hero Splendor Plus ranges between ₹12,000 and ₹12,000 depending on the city and the variant you choose. For instance, in Delhi, it costs around ₹12,000 on the road, while in Mumbai, it can be slightly higher at ₹12,000
1. Overview and Legacy
The Hero Splendor Plus has been on Indian roads since the early 2000s, following in the footsteps of the original Hero Honda Splendor, which was first launched in the 1990s. It quickly became synonymous with reliability and affordability, catering to the needs of millions of Indian commuters. The bike’s legacy continues today, with the Splendor Plus maintaining its strong presence, despite fierce competition in the 100-110cc segment
Hero Motocorp, formerly Hero Honda, has ensured that the Splendor Plus retains its core values while incorporating subtle modern upgrades. It is one of the longest-running and best-selling motorcycles in India, owing much of its success to its ability to offer exceptional value for money.
2. Price and Variants
As of 2024, the price of the Hero Splendor Plus varies depending on the city and the variant chosen. The bike is available in several models, such as the:
- Hero Splendor Plus Self with Alloy Wheel
- Hero Splendor Plus Self with Alloy Wheel and i3S
- Hero Splendor Plus Black and Accent
Prices for the base variant start at around ₹76,000 (ex-showroom) and go up to ₹90,000 (on-road, depending on the city)
In cities like Delhi, the on-road price is approximately ₹83,000, while in Mumbai it is around ₹85,500
These prices make it an affordable option for first-time buyers or those looking for a cost-effective daily commuter.
3. Engine and Performance
The Hero Splendor Plus is equipped with a 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine that produces 8.02 PS of power at 8000 RPM and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6000 RPM
This engine is designed for fuel efficiency and reliability, making it perfect for city commuting. Its engine specifications have not changed drastically over the years, as it continues to deliver the right balance of power and economy.
The engine is paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, and the bike can reach a top speed of around 87-90 km/h, depending on road conditions
This top speed is more than sufficient for daily city commutes, where quick acceleration and nimble handling are more critical than outright speed.
4. Fuel Efficiency and Mileage
Fuel efficiency is perhaps the most significant selling point of the Hero Splendor Plus. The bike offers 60 kmpl in city conditions and 65 kmpl on highways, making it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in its class
With rising fuel prices, this kind of mileage makes the Splendor Plus highly desirable for budget-conscious riders.
The introduction of Hero’s i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) in some variants further improves fuel economy by shutting off the engine during idle periods (such as at traffic signals) and restarting it when the clutch is engaged. This system helps conserve fuel in congested city traffic, giving riders even more savings over time
5. Design and Build
While the Hero Splendor Plus may not have an aggressive or sporty design, its simplicity and understated styling have a timeless appeal. The bike features a traditional design with a rectangular headlamp, simple body panels, and clear lines. It has remained largely unchanged in appearance over the years, which contributes to its familiar and trusted image among consumers.
The Splendor Plus is available in a range of six color options, including popular choices like Black with Silver, Black with Purple, Black with Red, Nexus Blue, Candy Blazing Red, and Heavy Grey with Green
This gives buyers plenty of choices to personalize their bike, though the classic black variants remain among the most popular due to their elegant and timeless look.
6. Comfort and Features
Comfort is another key strength of the Hero Splendor Plus. Its well-padded, long seat ensures that both the rider and the pillion passenger can enjoy a comfortable ride, even during extended commutes
The upright riding posture and easy-to-reach handlebars make the bike well-suited for long journeys and daily city commutes.
Despite its budget-friendly nature, the Splendor Plus doesn’t skimp on essential features. Depending on the variant, it comes with:
- Self-start option (available in higher variants)
- Alloy wheels for added durability and style
- i3S technology for better fuel efficiency
- Integrated Braking System (IBS) for improved safety, especially under heavy braking
However, it lacks some of the more modern features found in pricier models, such as digital instrument clusters or Bluetooth connectivity, but this is acceptable given its low price point.
7. Maintenance and Reliability
One of the major reasons for the Hero Splendor Plus’s continued success is its low maintenance cost. Owners have praised the bike for its minimal servicing needs, which makes it a great long-term investment
The bike’s simple design and proven engine technology mean fewer chances of mechanical issues, contributing to its reliability.
Hero Motocorp also has an extensive service network across India, making it easy for owners to find service centers and genuine spare parts, which further enhances the bike’s appeal.
8. Market Competition
The Hero Splendor Plus competes in the highly competitive 100-110cc commuter motorcycle segment, going up against rivals like the Honda Shine 100, TVS Radeon, Bajaj Platina 110, and TVS Sport
BikeDekho. While each of these bikes has its unique selling points, the Splendor Plus continues to stand out due to its fuel efficiency, strong resale value, and Hero’s extensive service network.
One of its closest competitors, the Honda Shine 100, offers a slightly larger engine (109.51cc) but at a marginally higher price. The Bajaj Platina 110 and TVS Radeon also offer similar mileage and features but may not have the same brand recognition and resale value as the Splendor Plus
9. Why is the Hero Splendor Plus so Popular?
The Hero Splendor Plus remains a top choice for several reasons:
- Fuel Efficiency: The bike’s ability to deliver 60-65 kmpl ensures that riders can save significantly on fuel costs.
- Affordability: With a starting price of ₹76,000 (ex-showroom), the Splendor Plus is within reach for a large portion of the Indian population
- Reliability: The bike’s simple yet robust design and engine technology ensure longevity, even under demanding conditions.
- Low Maintenance: Its minimal servicing requirements and availability of parts make it easy to maintain over the years.
- Comfort: The ergonomic design and comfortable seating make it ideal for long commutes in urban and rural areas alike.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hero Splendor Plus continues to be one of the best choices for daily commuting in India. Its combination of affordability, fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and reliability makes it the ideal motorcycle for budget-conscious riders who require a practical, no-nonsense commuter bike. Whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising on highways, the Hero Splendor Plus is a reliable companion that offers great value for money. Its legacy as a best-seller is well-earned, and with new upgrades like the BS6-compliant engine and i3S technology, it remains relevant in 2024 and beyond
