In the world of two-wheelers, few names have managed to achieve the kind of legacy and trust that the Hero Splendor commands. Since its debut in the early 1990s, the Splendor has been more than just a motorcycle—it has become a cultural icon in India. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, affordability, and ease of use, the Splendor has consistently been the top choice for daily commuters across the country. Over the years, Hero MotoCorp (previously Hero Honda) has refined and updated the Splendor series to meet changing customer needs, while keeping its core promise of practicality intact.
This article provides a comprehensive introduction to Hero Splendor, covering its history, evolution, design philosophy, performance, variants, and its continued relevance in India’s highly competitive two-wheeler market.
1. The Birth of an Icon
The Hero Splendor was first introduced in 1994 as a successor to the highly successful Hero Honda CD100. At the time, Hero Honda (a joint venture between Hero Cycles of India and Honda of Japan) aimed to create a motorcycle that would serve the masses—a product that was affordable, durable, fuel-efficient, and easy to maintain.
The Splendor struck the right balance between performance and practicality. Powered by Honda’s tried-and-tested 97.2 cc four-stroke engine, the bike quickly gained the trust of Indian consumers. It was positioned as a no-nonsense commuter motorcycle, ideal for daily rides in both urban and rural areas.
2. Why the Splendor Stood Out
The reason behind the Splendor’s massive popularity lies in its simplicity and dependability. While other bikes in the 1990s tried to attract buyers with style and speed, the Splendor focused on what really mattered to the Indian middle class:
- Exceptional fuel efficiency (often delivering 60–70 km/l).
- Low maintenance costs, making it pocket-friendly.
- Strong build quality, capable of handling rough roads.
- Comfortable riding position, suitable for all age groups.
This practical approach made the Splendor the preferred choice of office-goers, small business owners, students, and even families who needed a reliable second vehicle.
3. Evolution Over the Years
One of the key reasons for Splendor’s sustained dominance has been Hero MotoCorp’s strategy of evolving the bike while retaining its core identity. Over the years, several variants of the Splendor have been introduced, each catering to slightly different customer preferences.
Major Variants in the Splendor Line-up:
- Hero Splendor+ – The most iconic and widely sold variant, offering simplicity and efficiency.
- Splendor iSmart – Equipped with i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology for improved mileage.
- Super Splendor – A slightly more powerful version with a 125 cc engine for riders who want extra performance.
- Splendor Pro – Added modern design elements to attract younger buyers.
- Splendor Xtec – A modern take on the classic, with features like digital display, Bluetooth connectivity, and LED DRLs.
Through these variants, Hero managed to cater to multiple segments of buyers while ensuring that the Splendor brand retained its reputation for dependability.
4. Design Philosophy
The Splendor’s design has always reflected practicality with simplicity. The bike was never about flashy looks—it was about timeless appeal. Its upright stance, flat seat, and simple lines made it approachable to riders of all ages.
Over the years, Hero has added small design updates—such as sleeker headlights, refreshed graphics, alloy wheels, and dual-tone color options—to keep the motorcycle looking modern without deviating from its familiar character.
The latest Splendor Xtec variant adds contemporary features like LED DRLs, a digital instrument console, and smartphone connectivity, proving that the design philosophy has evolved with the times.
5. Engine and Performance
The backbone of the Hero Splendor has always been its engine reliability. The original Splendor came with a 97.2 cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine, delivering around 7.9 bhp of power. While these numbers may seem modest, they were more than enough for daily commuting.
Today, the Splendor is available with BS6-compliant engines, ensuring lower emissions and better performance. Depending on the variant, you get engines ranging from 97.2 cc to 125 cc (Super Splendor).
Performance Highlights:
- Smooth and refined engine for city riding.
- Excellent fuel efficiency (one of the best in its segment).
- Reliable gearbox with easy gear shifts.
- Comfortable cruising speed around 50–60 km/h, ideal for city traffic.
The Splendor was never meant to be a performance bike, but rather a dependable commuter—and it delivers on that promise better than most rivals.
6. Riding Comfort and Usability
The Splendor’s ergonomics have always been one of its strong suits. The upright seating posture, well-cushioned seat, and simple handlebar layout make it comfortable for long hours of commuting.
The lightweight body makes it easy to handle, even for first-time riders or elderly individuals. Its low seat height ensures that riders of varying heights can ride it with confidence.
Whether you’re navigating through congested city traffic or riding on village roads, the Splendor feels natural and easy to control.
7. Affordability and Low Maintenance
One of the biggest reasons for the Splendor’s success has been its affordable pricing. It has always been positioned as a value-for-money product. Even today, Hero ensures that the Splendor is priced competitively to remain accessible to the majority of Indian households.
Additionally, the maintenance costs are minimal. Spare parts are easily available even in the remotest corners of the country, and Hero’s vast service network ensures hassle-free ownership. Many owners proudly claim that their Splendor runs smoothly even after 10–15 years of usage.
8. Splendor as a Symbol of Trust
For millions of Indians, the Splendor is not just a motorcycle—it is a trusted companion. It has become synonymous with reliability, so much so that the phrase “Fill it, shut it, forget it” perfectly describes its ownership experience.
From small-town shopkeepers to office commuters in metros, the Splendor has touched lives across demographics. It represents dependability, hard work, and practicality, values that resonate deeply with Indian consumers.
9. Competition and Market Position
Despite competition from other commuter motorcycles like the Bajaj Platina, TVS Star City+, and Honda Shine, the Splendor continues to dominate sales charts. In fact, it consistently ranks among the top-selling motorcycles in India month after month.
Its unbeatable combination of brand value, reliability, mileage, and affordability ensures that rivals struggle to match its appeal. Even in the age of advanced features and stylish bikes, the Splendor’s practical charm remains unmatched.
10. The Future of Splendor
Hero MotoCorp has shown that it is committed to keeping the Splendor brand alive and relevant. With the introduction of BS6-compliant engines, modern variants like Splendor Xtec, and new color options, the company is ensuring that Splendor continues to attract both loyal customers and new-age riders.
Looking ahead, it is possible that Hero may also explore electric commuter motorcycles, and if that happens, the Splendor brand name could be a natural choice for the company to carry forward its legacy into the electric future.
Conclusion
The Hero Splendor is more than just a motorcycle; it is a part of India’s social and cultural fabric. Since its introduction in 1994, it has built an unmatched legacy of trust, reliability, and practicality. For three decades, it has been the go-to choice for millions of Indians who wanted an affordable and dependable two-wheeler for their daily needs.
Its timeless design, legendary fuel efficiency, low maintenance, and adaptability to modern features have ensured that it remains relevant even today. Whether you’re a college student buying your first bike, a professional commuting daily to work, or a shopkeeper in a small town, the Hero Splendor continues to deliver what it has always promised—a dependable ride for every journey.
In short, the Splendor is not just a motorcycle; it is a trusted companion of India, one that has truly lived up to its name and will continue to do so for generations to come.