Hero Splendor Plus Xtec Review Photo Gallery

Here is what we liked and disliked about the most feature-rich Splendor in eight images

Hero MotoCorp recently launched the Splendor Plus Xtec variant, which is loaded to the gills with modern day features and tech, making it a more attractive buy, but also increasing the cost of the old reliable 100cc bike. We have ridden the bike and here is what we think.

In terms of design, the Xtec variant retains the iconic Splendor styling with a simple design and minimal body panels. A slight update on the same would have been appreciated, but as they say, don’t fix what’s broken, which works in this context.

The Splendor Plus has one of the most reliable engines that has seen changes in emission norms and skyrocketing fuel prices for three decades and has endured it all well. The 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine is more refined and churns out a decent 8.02PS and 8.05Nm, which coupled with the 112kg kerb weight makes it a puppy daily driver.

Getting back to the fuel prices, yes, the new Splendor still retains its insane fuel economy. It offers a mileage of 83.2kmpl in the city and 95.8kmpl on the highway in our tests, making it one of the most fuel-efficient machines out there. With a fuel tank of 9.8-litres filled to the brim, the bike should be able to offer a range of 900km between stops. That means you can ride from Pune to Bengaluru on a single tank of fuel.

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The Splendor is known for its reliability and its capability of taking everything that is thrown at it. The front fork soaks in undulations well and ensures a comfortable ride, offering a more than adequate ride quality, may it be in the traffic or over the potholes. The well padded single seat makes it easier to ride the bike for long commutes, along with a neutral and upright riding posture. With drum brakes on both ends, the Splendor Plus doesn’t feel inadequate while braking, but it could have been better if only a disc brake was given as an option.

The most significant change on the latest Splendor Plus Xtec is the features which are a USB charger and a digital LCD instrument cluster that comes with Bluetooth connectivity for call and notification alerts. It features two trip metres, real time mileage indicator and a low fuel indicator, along with regular information like a fuel gauge, speedometer and odometer. These features are seamless to access and we are glad to see the iconic motorcycle move forward with the times.

It all boils down to what the bike will cost, right? Well, the Splendor Plus Xtec variant is priced at Rs 73,200 (ex-showroom Delhi) and commands a premium of Rs 2,500 over the i3S variant (Rs 70,700, ex-showroom Delhi). This pricing makes it enter the 110cc commuter motorcycle territory, where bikes are obviously more powerful and might also come with a disc brake, case in point TVS Radeon (Rs 59,925 - 74,966, ex-showroom, Delhi). That said, the Splendor Plus is still a great buy for those looking for a reliable yet tech-laden commuter motorcycle.