Honda Shine 100 Vs Hero Splendor Plus: Differences Explained in 8 Pics

How well does “Honda ki sau” match up to India’s best-selling bike?

The Honda Activa has been the highest-selling scooter seemingly since time immemorial. Similarly, the Honda Shine 125 has been the highest-selling 125cc motorcycle for a long time. However, in terms of outright sales, the Hero Splendor Plus takes the cake. But now, with the launch of the Honda Shine 100, the Japanese bikemaker has its sights set firmly on the big price. 

So how does the smallest Honda bike compare with Hero’s best-seller? Let’s find out:

Engine

As the name suggests, the Shine 100 has a 100cc engine, marginally larger than the Splendor’s 97.2cc unit. That said, the Hero bike has slightly more power (8.02PS, as opposed to the Honda’s 7.61PS), though the torque figure on both is an identical 8.05Nm.  

Features

Both get a twin-pod analogue cluster, with the speedometer on the left and the fuel gauge and tell-tale lights on the right. The Hero further boasts i3S (idle start stop system) switch on the right side switchgear, which Honda lacks. However, Honda hits back with a side stand engine cut-off system, not seen on the Splendor Plus. 

Underpinnings & Hardware

Both get alloy wheels as standard, and drum brakes front and rear with CBS. The suspension hardware is also similar, with a conventional fork and twin rear shocks. But Hero has the upper hand here, as it offers preload adjustability for the rear, which Honda doesn’t.

Price & Availability

The Splendor Plus is priced between Rs 72,420 and Rs 74,710, and is of course already on sale. As an aside, Hero also has the Splendor Xtec on sale which, along with everything else the Splendor Plus packs, also boasts features like a digital speedometer, side stand engine cut off, and even bluetooth connectivity, though at a higher price point (Rs 75,840, ex-showroom Maharashtra)

The Honda Shine 100, meanwhile, undercuts both the SPlendor Plus as well as the Splendor Xtec by a significant margin, retailing at Rs 64,900 (both prices ex-showroom Maharashtra) onwards, though this is an introductory price tag. Nevertheless, bookings for the Shine 100 are open now, with deliveries set to start on May 23.