Top 5 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Hero Splendor Plus Xtec

The Splendor has been around for over 28 years, however, it is now much smarter in its latest iteration

The Hero Splendor needs no introduction and has consistently been India’s best selling two-wheeler for several years. It has seen numerous variants throughout the years, since its inception in April 1994. Hero recently launched the Splendor Plus Xtec, which received numerous updates that brought it up to date in technological terms.

While the bike has been well-received by bikers in India, prompting Hero to deck the bike with new smart upgrades, giving its iconic commuter more cred. However, like every other product, the Splendor Plus Xtec has its share of pros and cons. Hence, we list the top five points that you must know about the Hero Splendor Plus Xtec, before finalising it as your next purchase.

1) Loaded to the brim with features

In its newest avatar, the Hero Splendor Plus Xtec gets tonnes of new features, such as a segment-first all-digital display with Bluetooth connectivity that provides calls and message alerts, two tripmeters, real time mileage indicator and low fuel indicator, apart from run-of-the-mill info like fuel gauge, speedometer and odometer. It also is equipped with an integrated USB charging port.

From a safety point of view, it features a side-stand alert and side-stand engine cutoff along with a bank-angle sensor that cuts off the engine during a fall. And from an aesthetic perspective, it gets an LED DRL integrated into the headlamp cowl which is paired with the same headlamp as the other variants.

2) Every Penny Counts

The Splendor Plus Xtec is priced at Rs 73,200 ex-showroom Delhi, which positions it higher than its bigger 110cc competitors. Its closest rival, the TVS Radeon, which shares a similar design language is priced only Rs 866 higher, and has a more powerful engine and offers better safety in the form of a front disc brake. 

While the Splendor Plus Xtec does pack loads of features, the high asking price of the motorcycle isn’t completely justified. Other rivals include the Bajaj CT110 (Rs 65,453), Honda CD110 Dream (Rs 69,251), and TVS Sport (Rs 66,493), all of which are priced lower than the Splendor Plus Xtec and have a bigger engine.

3) Kitna Deti Hai?

The real world mileage of the Splendor Plus Xtec is mighty impressive in the city as well as on the highway. It comes equipped with the i3S (Idle Stop Start) system to aid fuel efficiency which cuts off the engine if the engine had been idling too long at a standstill, thereby saving fuel. A quick yank on the clutch starts the engine right back up.

In fact, we tested this commuter bike thoroughly and it returned a spectacular mileage of 83.2 kmpl in the city and 95.8 kmpl on the highway. Read more on how we achieved these figures here.

Based on our exhaustive tests, you can get anywhere between 800km and 900km of riding range with the 9.8-litre fuel tank filled to the brim, which should be more than enough for everyday commutes. Considering the high fuel prices we currently are experiencing, the Splendor Plus Xtec’s impressive mileage comes as a knight in shining armour.

4) Handling and Braking

The Splendor Plus Xtec weighs a meagre 112 kg, which coupled with a slim bodywork and skinny tyres makes it extremely nimble to handle. In fact, the front fork soaks in undulations well and ensures you’re not wrestling the handlebars for control. The rear can be adjusted slightly for preload and it doesn’t matter if you’re riding solo or with a pillion, the ride quality is more than adequate. The riding posture is very neutral and upright, and the well padded single seat gives more than adequate comfort.

While the braking on the Splendor Plus Xtec does not feel inadequate, it can be a whole lot better with a single disc brake setup in the front. The integrated braking system (IBS, Hero’s jargon for combined braking system) does ensure a progresive and linear drop to a full stop, but Hero could have offered a front disc brake at least as an optional extra. 

5) Built to last till the end of time

This motorcycle has a very reliable heart in the form of a 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that has stood the test of time across various parts of India. The build quality is tough and industrial, and yet it feels so refined and gentle. Being in production for over 28 years, this is a familiar bike across the country, thus being very easy to run and maintain.

The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec also gets a seat that features red coloured stitching, thereby giving a slight premiumness to the overall feel of the bike.