Hero Splendor : In the bustling streets of India, where vehicles jostle for space and fuel prices keep rising, one motorcycle has maintained its throne for decades.
The Hero Splendor, affectionately called India’s mileage king, continues its reign with the 2025 lineup that promises to deliver even better efficiency without burning a hole in your pocket.
I’ve been tracking the evolution of this iconic motorcycle for years, and its journey from a simple commuter to a feature-packed daily companion is nothing short of remarkable.
The Legacy That Moves Millions
My first memory of the Splendor dates back to my childhood when my uncle would arrive on his shiny new Hero Honda Splendor, the pride of his modest income as a government employee.
“It will run for years and drink less fuel than a small bird,” he’d say while patting the fuel tank lovingly.
Twenty years later, that same motorcycle, now bearing only the Hero badge after the Honda separation, still runs in my family—a testimony to its legendary reliability.
The Splendor isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has put millions of Indians on two wheels since its inception in 1994.
In a country where value for money isn’t just desired but essential, the Splendor struck the perfect balance between affordability, reliability, and that magical word—mileage.
2025 Lineup: Refining the Winning Formula
The 2025 Hero Splendor range introduces significant refinements while maintaining the core DNA that made it India’s favorite commuter.
Hero MotoCorp has launched several variants of the Splendor for 2025, all meeting the latest OBD-2B emissions compliance standards, a necessary evolution in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
What’s truly impressive is how Hero has managed this regulatory compliance without compromising the motorcycle’s legendary fuel efficiency.
The entry-level Splendor Plus now delivers a reported mileage of 70 kmpl (kilometers per liter), while the more feature-rich Splendor Plus XTEC claims up to 73 kmpl under ideal conditions.
Even the more powerful Super Splendor with its 125cc engine manages a respectable 60-68 kmpl, depending on riding conditions.
Let me put that in perspective: at current fuel prices, you could potentially travel 100 kilometers on the Splendor Plus for less than what a decent cup of coffee costs in an urban café.
In a country where daily commutes of 30-50 kilometers are common, this translates to significant monthly savings.
Under the Simple Exterior: Engineering Excellence
The humble appearance of the Splendor often belies the engineering precision that goes into making it such a fuel-efficient machine.
The 2025 models feature Hero’s proprietary XSens technology, a sophisticated fuel injection system that constantly optimizes the air-fuel mixture based on riding conditions and engine load.
The base Splendor Plus is powered by a refined 97.2cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that produces 7.91 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm.
These numbers might seem modest, but they hit the sweet spot for urban commuting efficiency.
“We’ve recalibrated the engine mapping completely for 2025,” explains Rajiv, a veteran mechanic at a Hero dealership I visited.
“The new ignition timing and fuel injection programming make a noticeable difference in how efficiently the engine burns fuel.”
The lightweight chassis—the bike weighs just 112 kg—further contributes to its efficient nature.
Physics dictates that less mass requires less energy to move, and Hero’s engineers have clearly embraced this principle without compromising structural integrity.
Another efficiency booster is the i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) available on select variants, which automatically turns off the engine when idling for more than a few seconds and restarts it instantly when the clutch is engaged.
In stop-and-go traffic, this feature alone can improve real-world fuel efficiency by 5-7%.
Variant Breakdown: Finding Your Perfect Match
The 2025 Splendor family offers something for every budget and requirement, starting from the base Splendor Plus priced at approximately Rs. 77,176 (ex-showroom) and going up to the fully-loaded Splendor Plus XTEC 2.0 Disc brake variant at around Rs. 86,051.
Splendor Plus: The Essentialist’s Choice
The base model Splendor Plus offers the purest expression of the brand’s value-for-money philosophy. It comes with the essential features needed for daily commuting:
97.2cc fuel-injected engine with XSens technology
4-speed constant mesh transmission
Tubular double cradle frame
130mm drum brakes front and rear with CBS (Combined Braking System)
Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front
5-step adjustable twin shock absorbers at the rear
18-inch alloy wheels (on select trims)
Analog instrument cluster
At its price point, it delivers unmatched value with a claimed mileage of 70 kmpl and requires minimal maintenance.
For many budget-conscious buyers, especially in semi-urban and rural India, this variant represents financial sensibility on two wheels.
Splendor Plus XTEC: Modern Convenience Meets Efficiency
The XTEC variants push the Splendor into more contemporary territory with features rarely seen in this segment:
Bluetooth-enabled fully digital instrument console
Real-time mileage indicator
Call and SMS alerts
USB charging port
LED headlamp with auto headlamp on (AHO)
Side-stand engine cut-off switch
Front disc brake option (a first for the Splendor lineup)
Despite these additions, the XTEC maintains excellent fuel efficiency at 65-73 kmpl (depending on riding conditions) and only weighs marginally more than the base model.
The newly introduced front disc brake variant addresses one of the few criticisms the Splendor faced regarding braking performance.
Super Splendor: More Power, Still Economical
For those who need a bit more grunt for longer commutes or occasional highway stretches, the Super Splendor offers:
Larger 124.7cc engine producing 10.8 bhp
5-speed transmission for better highway cruising
Enhanced suspension travel
Wider seat for improved comfort
Sportier styling cues
Although its fuel efficiency drops slightly to around 60-68 kmpl compared to its smaller siblings, it still outperforms many competitors in its segment.
The Real-World Experience: Beyond the Specifications
Numbers and features tell only part of the story. The true value of the Splendor emerges in daily use.
During my week-long test ride of the 2025 Splendor Plus XTEC, several aspects stood out beyond the impressive mileage figures.
The engine’s refinement at city speeds is remarkable, with vibrations only becoming noticeable beyond 70 kmph.
The riding position is upright and comfortable, perfect for navigating through traffic or cruising along empty rural roads. The seat, while basic, provides adequate comfort for the typical 30-minute commute.
What impressed me most was the thoughtfulness in design. The side panels are shaped to prevent your legs from getting dirty in monsoon conditions. The headlight throw is excellent for nighttime visibility.
The underseat storage, while not cavernous, can accommodate essential documents and a small tool kit.
Maneuverability in tight spaces is another Splendor strength. With a tight turning radius and predictable handling, it makes navigating congested market areas and narrow streets relatively effortless, especially important for delivery personnel and those who commute in densely packed urban centers.
Economic Impact: More Than Just Fuel Savings
The Splendor’s value proposition extends beyond its purchase price and fuel efficiency. The motorcycle’s low maintenance requirements contribute significantly to its overall economy.
Service intervals are set at every 3,000 kilometers, with each routine maintenance costing between Rs. 500-1,000 depending on the service center and requirements.
Parts are inexpensive and readily available even in remote areas, thanks to Hero’s extensive service network of over 6,000 touchpoints across India.
The 2025 models come with a standard warranty of 5 years, highlighting Hero’s confidence in the product’s reliability. Over a typical ownership period of 5-7 years, the total cost of ownership remains significantly lower than most alternatives in the market.
Resale value is another often overlooked economic benefit. Even after years of use, Splendor motorcycles retain a substantial portion of their value in the second-hand market, making them a relatively safe investment for first-time buyers.
Not Without Criticism: Room for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, the 2025 Splendor lineup isn’t without shortcomings. The basic suspension setup, while adequate for most urban roads, struggles on severely broken surfaces.
Some users report vibrations creeping in at higher speeds, though this is expected given the motorcycle’s commuter-focused design rather than highway cruising.
The drum brake variants, while improved with CBS, still don’t offer the stopping power that a disc brake system provides—making the new disc brake option on the XTEC a welcome addition.
Some riders also note that the stock tires prioritize longevity over grip, which can be concerning in wet conditions.
User feedback suggests that the Bluetooth connectivity on the XTEC variants can be finicky at times, requiring reconnection whenever the engine is turned off.
While these are valid criticisms, they must be viewed in the context of the motorcycle’s price point and intended use case.
The Competition: Standing Tall Among Alternatives
The 2025 Splendor faces stiff competition from rivals like the Honda Shine 100, Bajaj Platina, and TVS Radeon. Each competitor offers its own set of advantages, but the Splendor continues to dominate sales charts for several reasons.
Honda’s Shine 100, with its refined engine and Japanese reliability, comes close but typically costs more and doesn’t match the Splendor’s extensive service network.
The Bajaj Platina offers compelling value and excellent mileage but lags in terms of feature set and brand perception. TVS Radeon brings modern features but doesn’t quite achieve the same fuel efficiency numbers.
What ultimately gives the Splendor its edge is the combination of tangible benefits—mileage, reliability, service network—and intangible factors like brand trust built over decades and the motorcycle’s proven track record across generations of users.
Looking Ahead: The Electric Horizon
While the 2025 Splendor continues the legacy of petrol-powered efficiency, the horizon shows signs of an electric future.
Hero MotoCorp has been developing electric two-wheelers under its Vida sub-brand, and industry rumors suggest that an electric Splendor might be in the pipeline for late 2025 or early 2026.
Such a development would represent the natural evolution of the Splendor’s core philosophy—affordable, efficient, reliable transportation—into the electric era.
If Hero can translate the same value proposition into an electric platform while maintaining the affordability that made the original Splendor a success, it could once again revolutionize personal mobility in India.
Hero Splendor Conclusion: The People’s Champion Evolves
In a rapidly changing automotive landscape where feature creep and price inflation seem inevitable, the 2025 Hero Splendor lineup stands as a reminder that the fundamentals still matter.
For millions of Indians, a motorcycle isn’t a lifestyle accessory but an essential tool for economic mobility and daily living.
The Splendor’s continued dominance isn’t an accident—it’s the result of Hero’s deep understanding of its core customer base and a steadfast commitment to delivering value where it matters most.
While flashier, more powerful motorcycles might capture enthusiasts’ imaginations, the humble Splendor captures something more important: the practical needs of everyday riders.
As fuel prices continue their upward trajectory and economic pressures mount on middle and lower-income households, the importance of the Splendor’s exceptional mileage and budget-friendly price point only grows.
In that sense, the 2025 Splendor isn’t just continuing a legacy; it’s responding to the present moment with the same practical wisdom that made it a success in the first place.
For anyone seeking the most economical and practical two-wheeled transportation in India today, the answer remains what it has been for decades—the Hero Splendor, the undisputed mileage marvel that keeps getting better with age.