Hero Splendor 135: In the bustling streets of India, where the hum of two-wheelers forms the backdrop of daily life, one name has stood the test of time – the Hero Splendor. As we roll into 2025, the latest iteration of this beloved motorcycle, the Hero Splendor 135, continues to capture the hearts of millions while embracing the future of mobility.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Hero Splendor has been a household name in India for decades, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and no-nonsense approach to commuting. But as we hit the quarter-mark of the 21st century, Hero MotoCorp has given this stalwart a significant upgrade, breathing new life into a classic.
The 2025 Splendor 135 isn’t just an incremental update; it’s a bold reimagining of what a commuter motorcycle can be in the modern age. It retains the soul of the original Splendor while incorporating cutting-edge technology and design elements that speak to the needs and desires of today’s riders.
Design: Familiar Yet Fresh
At first glance, the 2025 Splendor 135 is unmistakably a Splendor. The iconic silhouette remains, a nod to the millions of loyal fans who have come to love the bike’s unpretentious charm. But look closer, and you’ll see a host of modern touches that bring this classic firmly into the present day.
The headlight, now a full LED unit, cuts a sleeker profile while providing superior illumination. The instrument cluster, once a simple analog affair, has evolved into a crisp, full-color TFT display. It provides all the essential information at a glance, from speed and fuel level to more advanced data like real-time fuel efficiency and maintenance alerts.
The body panels have been subtly reshaped, improving aerodynamics without sacrificing the Splendor’s approachable aesthetics. New color options, including some with a trendy matte finish, allow riders to express their personal style while still riding a Splendor.
Perhaps the most striking visual change is the new alloy wheel design. The 2025 model sports stylish, lightweight wheels that not only look great but also contribute to improved handling and fuel efficiency.
Heart of the Matter: The 135cc Powerhouse
The most significant upgrade in the 2025 Splendor 135 lies beneath its familiar exterior. The tried-and-true 100cc engine of yore has given way to a more potent 135cc unit. This isn’t just a bump in displacement; it’s a completely redesigned powerplant that brings the Splendor into a new era of performance and efficiency.
The new engine is a single-cylinder, air-cooled unit that produces a respectable 11.5 bhp and 11 Nm of torque. These numbers might not sound earth-shattering, but in the world of commuter motorcycles, they represent a significant leap forward. The extra power is immediately noticeable, especially when fully loaded or tackling inclines, situations where the old Splendor sometimes felt a bit breathless.
But power isn’t everything, especially not for a Splendor. Fuel efficiency has always been this bike’s calling card, and the 2025 model doesn’t disappoint. Despite the increase in displacement and power, Hero’s engineers have worked their magic to ensure that the new Splendor 135 still delivers jaw-dropping mileage figures. In real-world conditions, riders can expect to achieve up to 70 kmpl, a number that keeps the Splendor firmly at the top of the fuel efficiency charts.
The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed gearbox, an upgrade from the 4-speed unit found in earlier models. This extra gear allows for better power distribution and more relaxed high-speed cruising, a boon for riders who occasionally need to venture onto highways.
Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Control
The Splendor has always been known for its comfortable ride, and the 2025 model takes this to new heights. The suspension setup has been revised, with a telescopic fork at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. These units are now gas-charged and offer improved damping characteristics, soaking up bumps and potholes with aplomb.
The riding position remains upright and comfortable, perfect for long commutes through crowded city streets. The seat has been redesigned with better contouring and cushioning, reducing fatigue on longer rides. The pillion seat, too, has been given extra attention, making the Splendor 135 an even better family vehicle.
Braking duties are handled by a disc brake up front and a drum brake at the rear. This combination provides ample stopping power while keeping costs in check. ABS is now standard, a welcome safety feature that provides extra peace of mind, especially in wet conditions.
The new alloy wheels are shod with wider tires than before, improving grip and stability. This, combined with the bike’s inherently nimble nature, makes the 2025 Splendor 135 a joy to maneuver through tight traffic.
Tech-Savvy Commuter
In 2025, even a utilitarian commuter bike needs to pack some technological punch, and the new Splendor 135 doesn’t disappoint. The aforementioned TFT display is just the tip of the iceberg.
Bluetooth connectivity is now standard, allowing riders to pair their smartphones with the bike. This enables features like turn-by-turn navigation, displayed right on the instrument cluster, and the ability to control music and take calls via handlebar-mounted controls.
The Splendor 135 also comes with Hero’s new connected vehicle platform, which allows owners to track their bike’s location, receive maintenance alerts, and even monitor riding statistics through a smartphone app. This feature is particularly useful for fleet operators and adds an extra layer of security against theft.
A USB charging port is neatly integrated near the handlebar, allowing riders to keep their devices topped up on the go. LED lighting is used throughout, not just for the headlight but also for the taillight and turn indicators, improving visibility and safety.
One of the most innovative features is the new start-stop system, a first for motorcycles in this segment. This system automatically shuts off the engine when the bike is stationary for more than a few seconds, such as at a traffic light, and instantly restarts it when the clutch is engaged. This feature contributes significantly to the bike’s impressive fuel efficiency, especially in stop-and-go city traffic.
Practicality: The Splendor’s Forte
Despite all the upgrades and new features, the 2025 Splendor 135 hasn’t forgotten its roots as a practical, everyday motorcycle. The fuel tank capacity remains a generous 11 liters, providing a range of over 750 kilometers on a single tank – enough for weeks of commuting for many users.
Storage space has been cleverly incorporated into the design. There’s a small, lockable compartment perfect for storing documents or a mobile phone, and the under-seat storage has been expanded to accommodate a half-face helmet.
The side stand now comes with an engine cut-off feature, preventing absent-minded riders from moving off with the stand down. It’s a small touch, but one that speaks to Hero’s attention to detail and commitment to safety.
Maintenance remains straightforward, with easy access to all major components. Hero has also extended the service intervals, reducing the overall cost of ownership – a factor that has always been key to the Splendor’s success.
Environmental Consciousness
In 2025, environmental concerns are more pressing than ever, and the new Splendor 135 rises to the challenge. The engine is not only more powerful and efficient but also cleaner. It comfortably meets and exceeds the latest emission norms, thanks to advanced fuel injection technology and a sophisticated catalytic converter.
Hero has also made strides in making the Splendor 135 more sustainable from a manufacturing standpoint. A significant portion of the plastics used in the bike are now recycled, and Hero has committed to making the Splendor’s production carbon-neutral by 2027.
Market Position and Competition
The commuter motorcycle segment in India has always been fiercely competitive, and 2025 is no different. The Splendor 135 faces stiff competition from rivals like the Bajaj Discover, TVS Star City, and Honda Shine. However, the Splendor’s legendary reputation, combined with its thoughtful upgrades, helps it maintain its position at the top of the sales charts.
Priced competitively, the Splendor 135 offers an attractive package for buyers looking for a reliable, efficient, and now, surprisingly modern commuter motorcycle. Its blend of traditional virtues and contemporary features allows it to appeal to a wide range of customers, from young professionals buying their first bike to families looking for a dependable two-wheeler.
The Splendor Legacy Continues
As we look at the 2025 Hero Splendor 135, it’s clear that this is more than just another update to a long-running model. It represents a careful evolution of an icon, one that respects its heritage while embracing the future. The Splendor has always been more than just a motorcycle in India; it’s a part of the country’s cultural fabric, a trusted companion to millions in their daily lives.
With the 2025 model, Hero MotoCorp has ensured that the Splendor remains relevant in a rapidly changing world. It still embodies the values that made it a success – reliability, efficiency, and value for money – but now does so with a host of modern features and improved performance.
The 2025 Splendor 135 is a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-designed, thoughtfully engineered motorcycle. In a world increasingly dominated by complex, high-tech vehicles, there’s something refreshing about a bike that focuses on getting the basics right while still offering the conveniences expected by today’s consumers.
As millions of Indians continue to rely on two-wheelers for their daily transportation needs, the Hero Splendor 135 stands ready to serve, just as its predecessors have done for decades. It’s a bike that doesn’t just move with the times – it helps define them, continuing to shape the landscape of Indian mobility well into the 21st century.
Whether you’re a long-time Splendor fan or a newcomer to the world of two-wheelers, the 2025 Splendor 135 offers something to appreciate. It’s a bike that proves that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to remember where you came from. In the case of the Splendor, that means continuing to provide reliable, efficient, and now, surprisingly advanced transportation to the masses.
As we look to the future of mobility in India and beyond, it’s clear that the Hero Splendor, in its new 135cc avatar, will continue to play a significant role. It’s more than just a commuter motorcycle; it’s a symbol of progress, a trusted friend, and a continuing legacy of Indian engineering prowess. The 2025 Hero Splendor 135 isn’t just carrying forward a name; it’s carrying forward a promise – of dependability, efficiency, and a brighter tomorrow on two wheels.