नमस्कार दोस्तों! आज हम बात करने जा रहे हैं एक ऐसी legendary motorcycle के बारे में जिसने भारत के हर गली-मोहल्ले में अपनी पहचान बनाई है। जी हां, हम बात कर रहे हैं Hero Splendor Plus की – वह bike जो पिछले 25+ सालों से भारतीय सड़कों पर राज कर रही है और आज भी देश की सबसे ज्यादा बिकने वाली motorcycle है।
क्या यह simple commuter bike आज भी 2025 में relevant है? क्या modern features की कमी के बावजूद यह खरीदने लायक है? आइए इस iconic bike का detailed analysis करते हैं।
Splendor की Legacy – एक सुनहरा इतिहास
जन्म और विकास
1994: Hero Honda (अब Hero MotoCorp) ने Splendor launch की – Honda engine technology के साथ।
Game-Changing Formula:
- Affordable pricing
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Low maintenance
- Reliable performance
- Easy availability of parts
Success Story Numbers:
- 3+ Crore units बिक चुकी हैं (सबसे ज्यादा बिकने वाली bike globally!)
- हर महीने 2-2.5 lakh units की sales
- India की 25-30% market share (commuter segment में)
क्यों इतनी सफल रही?
Trust Factor: हर गांव, हर शहर में Splendor देखने मिलती है। यह trust बनाता है।
Affordability: Middle-class family के budget में perfect fit।
Fuel Economy: ₹100 के petrol में 70+ km – यह सबसे बड़ा USP।
Low Running Cost: कम maintenance, सस्ते parts, कम repairs।
Simplicity: No complicated technology – कोई भी mechanic ठीक कर सकता है।
Design और Styling – Classic Look
Exterior Design
Front Profile: Splendor Plus का design traditional और conservative है। Round headlamp classic look देता है। Simple visor (ऊपर wali variants में) basic wind protection। Chrome highlights minimal लेकिन effective।
Side Profile: Clean, simple lines। Straight horizontal stance। Step-up seat design। Exposed engine और mechanicals। Overall silhouette timeless है – dated नहीं लगती।
Rear Section: Basic tail lamp (LED in newer variants)। Simple grab rail। Number plate holder integrated। Overall functional design।
Build Quality
Materials: Mostly steel body panels। Plastic quality basic but functional। Chrome plating decent (rusting issue हो सकती है time के साथ)।
Fit and Finish: Adequate for price point। Panel gaps acceptable हैं। Paint quality decent। Overall build serviceable है – premium नहीं।
Aging: Bike well रहती है अगर maintain करें। 5-6 साल बाद भी decent दिखती है। Paint fading हो सकती है खासकर direct sunlight वाले areas में।
Color Options
Hero Splendor Plus कई colors में available है:
- Heavy Grey Self – Most popular
- Black with Red – Sporty appeal
- Metallic Nexus Blue
- Radiant Red
- Black with Sport Red (special editions में)
Graphics simple और tasteful हैं। Overall color palette mass market को appeal करता है।
Dimensions और Weight
Length: 2,025 mm Width: 720 mm Height: 1,075 mm Wheelbase: 1,235 mm Ground Clearance: 165 mm Kerb Weight: 112 kg (बेहद हल्की!)
हल्का weight handling को easy बनाता है – ladies और beginners के लिए perfect।
Engine Performance – Proven Reliability
Engine Specifications
Engine Type: 4-stroke, Air-cooled, Single Cylinder Displacement: 97.2cc Max Power: 7.91 PS @ 8,000 RPM Max Torque: 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 RPM Bore x Stroke: 50mm x 49.5mm Compression Ratio: 9.2:1 Fuel System: Carburetor (BS6 compliant) Transmission: 4-speed manual Starting: Self-start + Kick-start (दोनों variants available)
Real-World Performance
Power Delivery: Smooth और linear। Sudden jerks नहीं। Predictable throttle response। Perfect beginners के लिए।
Acceleration:
- 0-40 kmph: ~5 seconds
- 0-60 kmph: ~12-14 seconds
यह sports bike नहीं है – acceleration adequate है daily commute के लिए।
Top Speed: Speedometer 80 kmph तक indicate करता है। Real-world top speed ~75-80 kmph। Comfortable cruising 50-60 kmph।
City Performance: Traffic में perfect। Easy gear shifts। Smooth clutch। Light weight maneuvering easy बनाता है। Overall city riding stress-free है।
Highway Capability: 60-70 kmph comfortably cruise कर सकती है। 80+ पर vibrations increase होते हैं। Wind protection minimal – long highway trips ideal नहीं।
Fuel Efficiency – The Crown Jewel
यह Splendor की सबसे बड़ी strength है।
Mileage Figures (real-world):
- City Riding: 65-70 kmpl
- Highway: 75-80 kmpl
- Mixed Conditions: 70-75 kmpl
- Careful Riding: 80-85 kmpl possible!
Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.8 liters
Range Calculation:
- City: 635-685 km per tank
- Highway: 735-780 km per tank
- Mixed: 685-735 km per tank
यह phenomenal range है! एक tank में लगभग 700+ km चल सकती है।
Monthly Fuel Cost (example):
- Daily commute: 30 km (15 km one way)
- Monthly distance: ~900 km
- Fuel consumption @ 70 kmpl: 12.8 liters
- Monthly cost @ ₹100/liter: ₹1,280
यह बेहद किफायती है!
Why Such Good Mileage?:
- Small, efficient engine
- Lightweight (112 kg only)
- Optimized gear ratios
- Simple technology (less power loss)
- Aerodynamic enough for its purpose
Riding Dynamics – Easy और Accessible
Handling Characteristics
City Maneuverability: Excellent!
- Light weight makes U-turns easy
- Narrow profile traffic weaving allow करता है
- Short wheelbase tight turns enable करता है
- Parking hassle-free है
Stability: Moderate speeds (40-60 kmph) पर very stable। High speeds (70+) पर slightly nervous feel हो सकती है। Overall predictable handling।
Cornering: Ground clearance adequate है। Lean angles reasonable हैं। MRF/CEAT tyres decent grip provide करते हैं। Not a sporty handler लेकिन safe है।
Braking System
Front Brake:
- 130mm drum brake (base variants)
- 240mm disc brake (optional/higher variants)
- Adequate stopping power
- Progressive feel
Rear Brake:
- 130mm drum brake
- Integrated Braking System (IBS) in newer variants
- Balanced braking
Braking Performance: Adequate for bike की power और speed। Emergency braking में IBS helpful है। Overall safe braking setup।
No ABS: यह segment में ABS rare है। IBS (Integrated Braking) available है जो partial compensation है।
Suspension Setup
Front Suspension:
- Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers
- 120mm travel
- Basic but functional
Rear Suspension:
- Swing arm with hydraulic shock absorbers
- 80mm travel
- 5-step adjustable
Ride Quality: City roads में comfortable। Small bumps well absorbed। Big potholes थोड़ा जार देते हैं। Overall acceptable ride quality daily commute के लिए।
Pillion Comfort: Short distances में okay। Long rides में seat थोड़ी hard लग सकती है। Overall better than many competitors।
Comfort और Ergonomics
Riding Position
Handlebar: Wide और upright। Natural wrist position। No strain long rides में।
Seat Height: 785mm – बेहद accessible! 5’4″+ riders easily feet flat रख सकते हैं। Ladies के लिए भी comfortable height।
Footpeg Position: Mid-set, natural। No awkward leg position। Comfortable stance।
Overall Posture: Upright, relaxed। Perfect daily commute के लिए। Long distances में भी fatigue minimal।
Seat Comfort
Seat Design:
- Step-up design (rider + pillion)
- Adequate cushioning
- Vinyl material (basic but durable)
Rider Comfort: First 50 km very comfortable। 100+ km में भी acceptable। Long touring में okay लेकिन not ideal।
Pillion Comfort: Short city rides में fine। Long rides में seat थोड़ी firm लग सकती है। Grab rail adequate है।
Features और Technology
Instrument Cluster
Type: Analog speedometer + Digital display
Analog Section:
- Speedometer (0-80 kmph)
- Fuel gauge (bar type)
Digital Section (small display):
- Odometer
- Trip meter
- Service due indicator
Readability: Clear day और night में। Simple, no-nonsense layout।
Lighting System
Headlight:
- Halogen bulb (base variants)
- LED (newer BS6 variants में some models)
- Adequate illumination
- Not very bright – caution रात में
Tail Light:
- LED in newer variants
- Bulb in older/base models
- Adequate visibility
Turn Indicators: Bulb-type, amber color। Adequate brightness।
Overall Lighting: Functional लेकिन not impressive। Improvement की scope है।
Additional Features
i3S Technology (Idle Stop-Start System):
- Some variants में available
- Engine auto shut-off at traffic lights
- Fuel saving (~5-10% improvement)
- Restart on clutch press
Side Stand Indicator: Engine warning when stand down।
Pass Switch: Headlight flasher।
Engine Kill Switch: Standard safety feature।
Missing Modern Features
❌ No Bluetooth connectivity ❌ No digital speedometer option ❌ No USB charging port ❌ No ABS (only IBS) ❌ No smartphone integration ❌ No LED headlight (all variants में)
यह limitations हैं modern perspective से।
Variants और Pricing
Available Variants
Hero Splendor Plus:
- Kick-start version
- Self-start version
- i3S (Idle Stop-Start) version
- Drum brake / Disc brake options
- Black with Sport Red (special edition)
Pricing Structure
Ex-Showroom Prices (approximate):
- Kick-Start Drum: ₹64,850
- Self-Start Drum: ₹69,225
- Self-Start Disc: ₹72,150
- i3S Self-Start: ₹70,890
On-Road Prices (Delhi approximate):
- Base Variant: ₹73,000-75,000
- Top Variant: ₹80,000-82,000
(Prices vary state-wise due to different tax structures)
Value Analysis
At This Price You Get: ✅ Proven 97cc engine ✅ 70+ kmpl mileage ✅ Hero’s service network ✅ Low maintenance costs ✅ Excellent reliability ✅ Strong resale value
But Missing: ❌ Modern features ❌ Premium feel ❌ Performance edge ❌ Advanced technology
Competition Pricing:
- Bajaj Platina 110: ₹66,000-72,000
- TVS Sport: ₹65,000-70,000
- Honda Shine 100: ₹64,000-68,000
Splendor competitively priced है और brand value ज्यादा है।
Service और Maintenance
Service Network
Hero MotoCorp का 6,000+ service centers India में – सबसे widespread network!
Accessibility: हर छोटे town में Hero service center है। Rural areas में भी presence excellent। Parts हर mechanic के पास available।
Maintenance Schedule
Service Intervals: Every 6,000 km या 6 months
Service Costs:
- First Free Service: 700-1,000 km
- Routine Service: ₹400-600
- Oil change
- Filter cleaning
- Chain lubrication
- General checkup
- Major Service (12,000 km): ₹800-1,200
- All routine items
- Spark plug check
- Carburetor cleaning
- Thorough inspection
Annual Maintenance Cost: ₹2,000-3,000 (बेहद किफायती!)
Spare Parts
Availability: Exceptional – हर छोटी दुकान में parts मिलते हैं।
Pricing: Very affordable – genuine Hero parts reasonably priced।
Common Replacements (costs):
- Engine oil (1 liter): ₹200-350
- Oil filter: ₹100-150
- Air filter: ₹80-120
- Brake shoes: ₹150-250
- Chain sprocket set: ₹800-1,200
- Headlight bulb: ₹50-100
Third-Party Parts: Extensively available और even cheaper।
Reliability और Durability
Engine Longevity: Well-maintained Splendor easily 1-1.5 lakh km चलती है। कुछ तो 2 lakh km+ भी चली हैं!
Common Issues (over time):
- Carburetor tuning needed occasionally
- Chain maintenance regular चाहिए
- Brake shoes replacement frequent (drum brake)
- Paint quality degradation (cheap touch-ups available)
Overall Reliability Rating: 9.5/10 – exceptionally reliable!
Warranty
Standard Warranty: 5 years / 70,000 km (whichever earlier)
यह segment में best warranty है! Hero का confidence दिखाता है।
Real-World Ownership Experience
Daily Commuting
Ideal Use Case:
- 10-30 km daily office commute
- City traffic riding
- Quick errands
- Short trips
Owner Satisfaction: Very high – bike exactly यही करने के लिए बनी है।
Long Distance Riding
100-200 km Trips: Manageable लेकिन tiring। Highway cruise uncomfortable हो सकती है।
200+ km: Not recommended regularly। Possible है लेकिन rider fatigue high होगी।
Touring Rating: 4/10 – occasional medium trips okay, regular long trips नहीं।
Two-Up Riding
City Riding: Absolutely fine। Engine power adequate है।
Highway: Slightly underpowered feel होगी। Speed reduce हो जाती है।
Overall: Two-up city commute के लिए acceptable।
Running Costs
Monthly Breakdown (30 km daily):
- Fuel: ₹1,280 (@ 70 kmpl)
- Maintenance (prorated): ₹200-250
- Total: ₹1,500-1,550/month
यह incredibly low running cost है!
Yearly Cost:
- Fuel: ~₹15,360
- Maintenance: ~₹2,500
- Insurance: ~₹2,000
- Total: ~₹20,000/year
Resale Value – Strong Investment
Depreciation Pattern
Year 1: ~12-15% (better than most bikes) Year 2: ~10-12% Year 3: ~10-12% After 3 years: Stable, slow depreciation
Why Good Resale?:
- High demand in second-hand market
- Proven reliability
- Low maintenance
- Easy to sell
- Buyers trust Hero brand
Resale Value Example:
- Purchase: ₹75,000 (on-road)
- After 3 years: ₹50,000-55,000 (well-maintained)
- After 5 years: ₹35,000-40,000
यह excellent retention है!
Pros and Cons – Honest Assessment
Major Advantages
✅ Best-in-Class Mileage: 70-80 kmpl unbeatable ✅ Reliability: Proven track record, worry-free ownership ✅ Service Network: 6,000+ centers, parts everywhere ✅ Low Running Cost: Cheapest to run long-term ✅ Resale Value: Strong secondary market demand ✅ Easy to Ride: Beginners, ladies, seniors – सबके लिए ✅ Lightweight: 112 kg – extremely manageable ✅ Affordable Pricing: Value for money excellent ✅ Proven Engine: 25+ years का track record ✅ Low Maintenance: Minimal upkeep needed ✅ Warranty: 5 years industry-leading ✅ Brand Trust: Hero की reputation strong
Notable Disadvantages
❌ Outdated Design: Modern styling नहीं ❌ Basic Features: Technology पुरानी है ❌ Limited Power: 97cc adequate only, not exciting ❌ Build Quality: Premium feel missing ❌ Vibrations: High speeds पर noticeable ❌ No Disc Brake (base variants): Drum brakes only ❌ Halogen Lights: LED नहीं सभी variants में ❌ No ABS: केवल IBS available ❌ Highway Discomfort: Long rides में tiring ❌ Basic Seat: Cushioning improve हो सकती थी ❌ No Smartphone Features: Connectivity zero
Competition Comparison
vs Bajaj Platina 110
Platina Advantages:
- Larger 110cc engine (slightly more power)
- Softer suspension (claimed)
- ComforTec technology
Splendor Advantages:
- Better fuel efficiency (70+ vs 65+)
- Superior service network
- Stronger resale value
- Better brand trust
Verdict: Splendor overall better package है।
vs TVS Sport
Sport Advantages:
- Slightly better build quality
- Smoother engine (subjective)
- Modern styling
Splendor Advantages:
- Better mileage (70+ vs 65-70)
- Wider service network
- Better resale
- Lower running costs
Verdict: Close competition, Splendor service edge है।
vs Honda Shine 100
Shine Advantages:
- Honda refinement
- Better build quality
- Premium feel
Splendor Advantages:
- ₹5-8k cheaper
- Better fuel economy
- Wider service network
- Proven track record
Verdict: Shine refined है, Splendor practical है।
vs Bajaj CT 110X
CT 110X Advantages:
- Rugged design
- Better ground clearance
- Spoke wheels
Splendor Advantages:
- Better on-road manners
- Superior fuel efficiency
- Better resale value
- Widespread service
Verdict: CT rural के लिए, Splendor urban के लिए।
Who Should Buy Hero Splendor Plus?
Perfect For
✅ Daily Commuters: 10-30 km office travel ✅ First-time Buyers: Easy, forgiving riding ✅ Budget-Conscious: Low purchase + running cost ✅ Ladies Riders: Light, accessible, manageable ✅ Senior Citizens: Comfortable, reliable, simple ✅ Rural Users: Service accessibility excellent ✅ Delivery Services: Fuel economy critical ✅ Students: Affordable, low maintenance ✅ Families: Trusted, economical second bike
Not Recommended For
❌ Performance Seekers: Power inadequate ❌ Long-Distance Tourers: Comfort limitations ❌ Tech Enthusiasts: Features outdated ❌ Style-Conscious Youth: Design conservative ❌ Highway Riders: Cruise capability limited
Buying Tips
New vs Used
New Bike Benefits:
- Full warranty (5 years)
- Latest BS6 engine
- No hidden issues
- Peace of mind
Used Bike Considerations:
- ₹20-30k cheaper (2-3 years old)
- Well-maintained Splendor reliable
- Check service history
- Test ride thoroughly
Variant Selection
Kick vs Self-Start:
- Self-start worth the ₹4,000 extra
- Convenience in traffic invaluable
- Kick-start only if very tight budget
Drum vs Disc:
- Disc ₹3,000 extra
- Better braking, especially wet conditions
- Recommended if budget allows
i3S Feature:
- ₹1,500-2,000 extra
- 5-10% fuel saving in heavy traffic
- Worth it for city riders
Negotiation Tips
Best Time to Buy:
- Month-end (dealer targets)
- Festival seasons (Diwali, etc.)
- New model year transition
Expected Discounts:
- ₹1,000-2,000 direct discount
- ₹2,000-3,000 exchange bonus
- Freebies (helmet, accessories)
Final Verdict – Should You Buy in 2025?
Overall Rating: 8/10 (for intended purpose)
Category Scores:
- Fuel Efficiency: 10/10
- Reliability: 10/10
- Service Network: 10/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Ease of Use: 9/10
- Running Costs: 10/10
- Performance: 5/10
- Features: 4/10
- Build Quality: 6/10
- Design: 5/10
The Verdict
Hero Splendor Plus king है commuter segment का – कोई doubt नहीं। 25+ साल बाद भी यह relevant है क्योंकि यह fundamentals में excel करती है:
Strengths:
- Unbeatable fuel economy (70-80 kmpl)
- Rock-solid reliability
- Incredible service accessibility
- Lowest running costs
- Strong resale value
- Easy riding for everyone
Weaknesses:
- Outdated technology
- Basic features
- Limited performance
- Conservative design
The Reality: यह bike practical choice है, exciting choice नहीं। अगर आपकी priority है:
- Low costs
- Reliability
- Easy maintenance
- Fuel efficiency
- No-hassle ownership
तो Splendor perfect है। लेकिन अगर चाहिए:
- Modern features
- Exciting performance
- Stylish design
- Latest technology
तो alternatives देखें।
Final Recommendation
Strong Buy for:
- Budget-conscious commuters
- First-time riders
- Daily 10-30 km travel
- Reliability priority
- Low running cost critical
Consider Alternatives if:
- Modern features important
- Performance matters
- Style priority है
- Highway riding frequent
Bottom Line: Hero Splendor Plus boring है, लेकिन brilliant है उसमें जो यह करती है। यह smartphone नहीं, यह सिंपल फोन है – और sometimes that’s exactly what you need।
25+ years, 3+ Crore bikes, Still #1 – There’s a Reason! 🏍️
Disclaimer: यह review extensive owner feedback, long-term usage data, और real-world testing पर based है। Mileage figures riding conditions से vary कर सकते हैं। Prices approximate हैं और location-wise differ करती हैं। Test ride strongly recommended है purchase से पहले।
Review Date: January 2025 Based On: 25+ years market presence, millions of satisfied owners, comprehensive analysis
Splendor owners – अपना experience और mileage figures comments में share करें! Community insights valuable हैं future buyers के लिए।
