In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian motorcycles, the Hero Splendor has long stood as an icon of reliability and efficiency. The latest iteration, the Hero Splendor Xtech Plus, takes this legacy forward by infusing cutting-edge technology into the tried-and-tested Splendor formula. This comprehensive review delves into what makes the Splendor Xtech Plus a game-changer in the commuter segment.
Design Evolution: Blending Tradition with Modernity
The Hero Splendor Xtech Plus retains the classic silhouette that has made the Splendor a household name, but with notable modern touches. The front fascia now sports a sleek LED headlamp, flanked by an H-shaped Daytime Running Light (DRL) that gives the bike a distinctive presence on the road. This lighting setup not only enhances visibility but also adds a premium touch to the overall aesthetics.
Moving along the side, the Splendor Xtech Plus showcases a set of stylish alloy wheels, a departure from the wire-spoke wheels of its predecessors. The body panels have been subtly resculpted to give the bike a more modern appeal while maintaining the Splendor’s iconic stance. The rear end features an H-shaped LED tail light, completing the bike’s contemporary look.
Color options play a crucial role in the bike’s visual appeal. The Splendor Xtech Plus is available in a range of attractive colors, including Black Sparking Blue, Black Tornado Grey, Pearl Fadeless White, and Red Black for the drum brake variant. The disc brake variant, however, comes in three color options, excluding the Pearl Fadeless White shade.
Powertrain: Efficiency Meets Performance
At the heart of the Hero Splendor Xtech Plus lies a refined 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine. This powerplant is a testament to Hero MotoCorp’s engineering prowess, delivering a perfect balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The engine churns out 8.02 PS of power at 8000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. These figures might seem modest, but they are perfectly calibrated for urban commuting and occasional highway jaunts.
The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 4-speed transmission, which provides optimal gear ratios for both city riding and open road cruising. The gearbox’s precise shifts contribute to the overall riding experience, making the Splendor Xtech Plus a joy to maneuver through traffic or cruise on highways.
One of the standout features of this powertrain is its exceptional fuel efficiency. The Splendor Xtech Plus boasts an impressive real-world mileage of 83.2 kmpl in city conditions and an even more astounding 95.8 kmpl on highways. These figures make it one of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles in India, a crucial factor for budget-conscious commuters.
Enhancing the engine’s efficiency is Hero’s innovative i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology. This system automatically shuts off the engine when the bike is stationary for a prolonged period, such as at traffic lights. A simple twist of the throttle restarts the engine, seamlessly blending fuel conservation with convenience.
Chassis and Suspension: Comfort Meets Stability
The Hero Splendor Xtech Plus is built on a robust chassis that provides excellent stability and handling characteristics. The bike features a telescopic fork suspension at the front and a 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorber at the rear. This suspension setup strikes a fine balance between comfort and handling, soaking up road imperfections while maintaining stability during cornering and high-speed runs.
The bike rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels shod with tubeless tires. These larger diameter wheels contribute to better stability and improved ride quality, especially on uneven road surfaces. The tubeless tires add an extra layer of safety, reducing the risk of sudden deflation in case of punctures.
Braking duties are handled by a 130mm drum brake at the rear, while the front offers two options: a 130mm drum brake or a 240mm disc brake. The disc brake variant provides enhanced stopping power and better brake feel, a welcome addition for those who prioritize safety. All variants come equipped with Hero’s Integrated Braking System (IBS), which distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels for more balanced and efficient stopping.
With a ground clearance of 165mm, the Splendor Xtech Plus is well-equipped to handle Indian road conditions, easily clearing speed bumps and navigating rough patches. The bike’s compact dimensions and light kerb weight (112kg for the drum variant and 113.6kg for the disc variant) make it highly maneuverable in tight urban spaces.
Technology Integration: A Smart Commuter
The ‘Xtech’ in Splendor Xtech Plus isn’t just a name; it represents a significant leap in technology integration for the commuter segment. The bike features a full-digital instrument console with an orange backlight, providing clear readability in all lighting conditions. This console displays a wealth of information, including speed, fuel level, odometer, and real-time mileage.
One of the standout features is the Bluetooth connectivity option. When paired with a smartphone, the console can display call and SMS alerts, bringing a touch of premium connectivity to the commuter segment. This feature is particularly useful for riders who need to stay connected during their commutes without compromising on safety.
The Splendor Xtech Plus also comes equipped with a USB charging port, allowing riders to keep their devices charged on the go. This thoughtful addition addresses the needs of modern riders who rely heavily on their smartphones for navigation and communication.
Safety features haven’t been overlooked either. The bike comes with a side-stand engine cut-off feature, which prevents the engine from starting if the side stand is deployed. This simple yet effective feature can prevent accidents caused by riders forgetting to retract the side stand before moving off.
Another notable safety feature is the inclusion of hazard lights. This function, typically found on higher-end motorcycles, allows riders to quickly alert other road users in case of emergencies or sudden stops, enhancing overall road safety.
Variants and Pricing: Options for Every Rider
The Hero Splendor Xtech Plus is available in multiple variants to cater to different preferences and budgets. The lineup includes:
- Splendor Plus Xtech Drum: Priced at ₹81,001 (ex-showroom)
- Splendor Plus Xtech 2.0: Available at ₹82,911 (ex-showroom)
- Splendor Plus Xtech Disc: Offered at ₹84,301 (ex-showroom)
These competitive price points make the Splendor Xtech Plus an attractive proposition in the commuter segment. The incremental pricing for higher variants is justified by the additional features and enhancements, allowing buyers to choose a model that best fits their requirements and budget.
On-road prices vary depending on the location due to differences in state taxes and insurance costs. For instance, in Delhi, the on-road price starts at ₹93,750 for the base variant, while in Rajkot, it ranges from ₹95,328 to ₹98,307 across variants.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Purchase
Hero MotoCorp has put significant effort into enhancing the overall ownership experience of the Splendor Xtech Plus. The bike comes with a standard warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. This comprehensive warranty coverage provides peace of mind to buyers, reflecting Hero’s confidence in the product’s reliability.
For those seeking additional protection, Hero offers an extended warranty option that can increase the coverage to 5 years or 150,000 kilometers. This flexibility allows owners to tailor their warranty coverage to their specific needs and usage patterns.
Maintenance costs are kept in check thanks to the bike’s simple mechanicals and Hero’s extensive service network. The company has also introduced digital service platforms that allow owners to book service appointments, track service status, and access service history online, adding a layer of convenience to the ownership experience.
Market Impact and Competition
The Hero Splendor Xtech Plus enters a highly competitive segment, facing off against established rivals like the TVS Radeon, Bajaj Platina 110, and Honda Shine 100. However, its combination of trusted reliability, advanced features, and competitive pricing positions it strongly in the market.
The bike’s success is evident in its sales figures. Within just 13 months of its launch in July 2023, the Splendor Xtech (including all variants) surpassed the 100,000 sales mark, a testament to its popularity and market acceptance.
In the broader context of Hero’s lineup, the Splendor Xtech Plus plays a crucial role. It bridges the gap between basic commuters and more feature-rich offerings, appealing to buyers who seek a balance of traditional Splendor virtues with modern amenities.
Environmental Considerations
While the Splendor Xtech Plus is primarily a conventional petrol-powered motorcycle, Hero has taken steps to improve its environmental footprint. The engine is BS6 Phase 2 compliant, adhering to the latest emission norms in India. The i3S technology also contributes to reduced emissions by cutting down on unnecessary idling.
For those seeking even greener options, Hero offers a factory-fitted CNG variant of the Splendor. This version boasts an impressive fuel economy of 27.10 km/kg, providing an eco-friendly alternative for environmentally conscious riders.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in Commuter Motorcycles
The Hero Splendor Xtech Plus represents a significant evolution in the commuter motorcycle segment. It successfully blends the trusted Splendor DNA with modern technology and features, creating a package that appeals to a wide range of riders.
Its strengths lie in its exceptional fuel efficiency, robust build quality, and the integration of features like Bluetooth connectivity and a digital display – elements that were once the domain of more premium motorcycles. The inclusion of safety features like hazard lights and a side-stand engine cut-off further enhances its appeal.
While it may not boast the outright performance of sports bikes or the long-distance comfort of tourers, the Splendor Xtech Plus excels in its intended role as a reliable, efficient, and now, technologically advanced commuter. It’s a bike that doesn’t just meet the basic transportation needs but enhances the overall riding experience with thoughtful features and proven mechanicals.
For urban commuters, college students, or anyone looking for a dependable and efficient two-wheeler, the Hero Splendor Xtech Plus presents a compelling case. It’s not just a mode of transport; it’s a smart investment in mobility, offering a blend of economy, technology, and the peace of mind that comes with the Hero brand.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on connectivity and efficiency, the Splendor Xtech Plus stands as a prime example of how even traditional commuter motorcycles can embrace the future without losing sight of their core values. It’s a bike that respects its heritage while boldly stepping into the future, setting a new benchmark for what riders can expect from a commuter motorcycle in the modern era.