Hero Splendor Plus 2025 : In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian motorcycles, few names resonate as strongly as the Hero Splendor Plus. As we delve into 2025, this iconic commuter continues to hold its ground, adapting to changing times while staying true to its core values of reliability, efficiency, and affordability. This comprehensive review explores how the 2025 Hero Splendor Plus maintains its relevance in an increasingly competitive market.
A Legacy Continued
The Hero Splendor has been a household name in India for decades, and the 2025 model year sees this venerable machine continuing its journey of subtle yet meaningful evolution. Since its inception, the Splendor has been synonymous with dependability and fuel efficiency, attributes that have been further refined in its latest iteration.
Design and Aesthetics
Timeless with a Modern Touch
The 2025 Hero Splendor Plus retains its classic silhouette, a design that has stood the test of time. However, Hero MotoCorp has introduced subtle updates to keep the bike visually appealing to a new generation of riders:
- Refreshed Graphics: The bike sports new, more contemporary decals that add a touch of modernity without compromising its timeless appeal.
- LED Lighting: In a significant upgrade, the 2025 model incorporates LED headlamps and taillights, enhancing visibility and giving the bike a more premium look.
- Alloy Wheels: Standard across all variants, the alloy wheels not only reduce unsprung weight but also add to the bike’s visual appeal.
- Color Options: The 2025 Splendor Plus is available in a range of colors, including vibrant new options that cater to diverse tastes. The palette includes Sports Red Black, Matt Grey, Blue Black, Black Red Purple, Force Silver, Black Grey Stripe, and Black and Accent.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Comfort remains a priority for the Splendor Plus:
- The seat height of 785mm ensures that riders of various statures can comfortably plant their feet on the ground.
- The well-padded seat provides comfort for both rider and pillion, even on longer journeys.
- The upright riding position, coupled with well-positioned footpegs and handlebars, ensures a fatigue-free riding experience.
Performance and Efficiency
Engine and Transmission
At the heart of the 2025 Hero Splendor Plus lies its tried-and-tested powerplant:
- Engine: A 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder unit
- Power Output: 8.02 PS @ 8000 rpm
- Torque: 8.05 Nm @ 6000 rpm
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox
While these figures might seem modest, they are perfectly suited for the Splendor’s primary domain – urban commuting. The engine’s refinement has been further enhanced in the 2025 model, with reduced vibrations and improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels.
Fuel Efficiency
The Splendor Plus continues to be a champion of fuel efficiency:
- Claimed Mileage: 70 kmpl
- Real-world Efficiency: Users report an average of 60-65 kmpl in mixed riding conditions.
This exceptional fuel efficiency is further bolstered by:
- i3S Technology: Hero’s Idle Stop-Start System, which automatically shuts off the engine at traffic stops and restarts it when the clutch is released, saving fuel in stop-and-go traffic.
- XSens Technology: A system of 10 sensors that continuously analyze riding conditions to optimize the air-fuel mixture, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency.
Performance Characteristics
The 2025 Splendor Plus is designed for effortless city riding:
- Acceleration: While not blistering, it’s adequate for quick getaways at traffic lights.
- Top Speed: Comfortable cruising speeds of 70-80 km/h, with a top speed of around 90 km/h.
- Refinement: The engine feels smooth throughout the rev range, with minimal vibrations even at higher speeds.
Technology and Features
The 2025 model year sees the Splendor Plus receiving several technological upgrades, bringing it in line with more premium offerings:
- Digital-Analog Instrument Cluster: A blend of traditional and modern, providing essential information at a glance.
- USB Charging Port: A convenient addition for keeping devices charged on the go.
- Side-stand Indicator: Enhancing safety by alerting the rider if the side stand is down.
- Real-time Mileage Indicator: Helping riders optimize their riding style for maximum efficiency.
- Low Fuel Warning: Ensuring riders are never caught off guard.
- Integrated Mobile Connectivity: Available in higher trims, allowing for basic smartphone integration for navigation and call alerts.
Safety Features
Safety has been given increased attention in the 2025 model:
- Combined Braking System (CBS): Enhancing braking efficiency and stability.
- Auto Headlamp On (AHO): Improving visibility in all conditions.
- Tubeless Tires: Reducing the risk of sudden deflation in case of punctures.
- Robust Build Quality: The bike is built on Hero’s reliable HEARTECT platform, ensuring durability and crash protection.
Ride and Handling
The 2025 Splendor Plus continues to offer a balanced ride:
- Suspension: Telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers provide a comfortable ride over most road surfaces.
- Wheelbase: At 1236mm, it offers stability without compromising maneuverability in tight city spaces.
- Ground Clearance: 165mm of ground clearance ensures the bike can tackle most urban obstacles with ease.
- Braking: Drum brakes on both ends, coupled with CBS, provide adequate stopping power for the bike’s performance envelope.
Variants and Pricing
The 2025 Hero Splendor Plus is available in multiple variants to cater to different needs and budgets:
- Splendor Plus Self Alloy: The base variant, priced at ₹74,931 (ex-showroom).
- Splendor Plus Black and Accent Edition: A stylish variant at ₹76,160.
- Splendor Plus Self Alloy i3S: Featuring the idle start-stop system, priced at ₹76,450.
- Splendor Plus XTEC: The top-end variant with all bells and whistles, priced at ₹80,750.
These prices make the Splendor Plus one of the most accessible motorcycles in the Indian market, contributing significantly to its enduring popularity.
Ownership Experience
The Hero Splendor Plus continues to offer a hassle-free ownership experience:
- Maintenance Costs: Known for its low maintenance requirements, with service intervals typically every 3000-4000 km.
- Spare Parts Availability: Wide availability of spare parts across the country, thanks to Hero’s extensive network.
- Resale Value: The Splendor Plus traditionally enjoys strong resale values in the used bike market.
- Warranty: Comes with a standard warranty package, with options for extended warranty for added peace of mind.
Environmental Impact
In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, the 2025 Splendor Plus makes strides in reducing its carbon footprint:
- BS6 Phase 2 Compliance: The engine meets the latest emission norms, ensuring reduced pollutant output.
- Fuel Efficiency: Its high fuel efficiency translates to lower carbon emissions per kilometer traveled.
- Recyclability: Hero has increased the use of recyclable materials in the bike’s construction, aiming for better end-of-life sustainability.
Market Position and Competition
The Hero Splendor Plus continues to dominate the 100cc commuter segment, but faces stiff competition from:
- Honda Shine 100
- Bajaj Platina
- TVS Star City Plus
- Hero HF Deluxe (its own stablemate)
Despite the competition, the Splendor Plus maintains its edge through:
- Brand Trust: Decades of reliability have built unparalleled brand loyalty.
- Value Proposition: Offering a balance of features, efficiency, and affordability that’s hard to beat.
- Widespread Availability: Hero’s vast dealership and service network ensures easy access to sales and after-sales support.
The Splendor Plus Experience
Riding the 2025 Hero Splendor Plus is an exercise in simplicity and efficiency. The bike starts with a characteristic thrum, settling into a smooth idle. As you set off, the light clutch and precise gearbox make navigating through traffic a breeze. The upright seating position provides excellent visibility, while the narrow profile allows for easy filtering through congested roads.
On open stretches, the Splendor Plus cruises comfortably at 60-70 km/h, with enough reserve power for occasional overtakes. The ride quality is pliant, soaking up most road imperfections without unsettling the bike or the rider. Braking is predictable and adequate for the speeds the bike is designed to achieve.
What stands out most is the bike’s frugality. The real-time mileage indicator often shows figures north of 65 kmpl in city riding, stretching even further on highways. This, combined with the 9.8-liter fuel tank, means you could potentially go weeks between fill-ups with regular commuting.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Splendor
As we look beyond 2025, questions arise about the future of the Splendor Plus in an increasingly electrified world. Hero MotoCorp has hinted at the possibility of an electric Splendor in the coming years, aiming to carry forward the legacy of efficiency and reliability into the electric age. However, for the foreseeable future, the internal combustion Splendor Plus is expected to continue its reign, especially in areas where EV infrastructure is still developing.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Simplicity
The 2025 Hero Splendor Plus is a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-executed, simple concept. In a world of increasing complexity, the Splendor Plus offers a refreshing focus on the essentials of motorcycling – reliability, efficiency, and affordability. It’s not the fastest, the most feature-laden, or the most stylish bike on the market. But it excels at being exactly what it’s meant to be – a dependable, economical, and comfortable commuter.
For millions of Indians, the Splendor Plus isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a trusted companion in their daily lives, a facilitator of livelihoods, and often, the first step into the world of personal mobility. The 2025 model carries this legacy forward, subtly evolving to meet modern expectations while staying true to its core values.
In essence, the 2025 Hero Splendor Plus continues to embody the spirit of “Fill it, Shut it, Forget it” – a philosophy that has served it well for decades and looks set to carry it forward into the future. It remains a solid choice for those seeking a no-frills, reliable, and efficient two-wheeler, proving that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most enduring.