Hero Splendor Plus: In the sprawling landscape of India’s two-wheeler market, where brands vie for attention through increasingly complex offerings, one motorcycle has maintained an unshakeable position at the summit of sales charts for over two decades.

The Hero Splendor Plus, with its distinctive combination of reliability, efficiency, and accessibility, has transcended its status as mere transportation to become a cultural touchstone—a vehicle so deeply embedded in the nation’s mobility fabric that it serves as shorthand for practical commuting itself.

Now, with the 2025 iteration, Hero MotoCorp has carefully evolved this stalwart model through thoughtful refinements that enhance the ownership experience while preserving the fundamental attributes that established its legendary status.

Hero Splendor Plus: Design Evolution Purposeful Refinement

The 2025 Splendor Plus represents Hero’s nuanced understanding of its core customer base.

Rather than pursuing radical redesign that would alienate loyal owners, the company has implemented subtle updates that modernize the motorcycle’s appearance while maintaining instant recognizability.

The signature fuel tank retains its distinctive shape but receives more pronounced knee recesses that improve rider ergonomics during extended journeys.

Side panels adopt more contemporary surfacing with subtle character lines that reduce visual mass without compromising the motorcycle’s straightforward aesthetic.

Lighting elements receive substantial modernization, with LED headlamps now standard across all variants—a meaningful functional upgrade that improves nighttime visibility while reducing power consumption.

The tail lamp similarly adopts LED technology with a distinctive light signature that enhances safety through improved conspicuity to following vehicles.

These practical enhancements align perfectly with the Splendor’s utilitarian philosophy, providing tangible benefits rather than merely cosmetic updates.

Color options expand to include contemporary choices beyond traditional conservative palettes.

While Classic Black, Heavy Grey, and Maroon continue to serve traditional preferences, new options like Sports Red, Pristine White, and Matt Shield Gold appeal to younger buyers seeking more expressive aesthetics.

Graphics remain tastefully restrained, avoiding the excessive decals often applied to entry-level motorcycles in misguided attempts at sportiness.

The most significant visual update appears in the premium “i3S Pro” variant, which introduces a distinctive two-tone paint scheme with color-matched grab rails and mirrors.

This model also features machined elements on the engine cases and alloy wheels, creating visual interest without compromising the motorcycle’s unpretentious character.

These enhancements acknowledge the Splendor’s expanding demographic reach beyond purely utilitarian transportation to include buyers who value design alongside functionality.

Engineering Excellence: Refined Reliability

The heart of the 2025 Splendor Plus remains the proven 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, though with meaningful refinements that improve both efficiency and durability.

While the basic architecture maintains its time-tested design, updated metallurgy in critical components reduces internal friction while enhancing longevity.

Revised port design improves combustion efficiency, contributing to both performance and emissions compliance without compromising the engine’s legendary reliability.

Output figures increase modestly to 8.2 horsepower at 8,000 RPM and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM—representing a 0.3 horsepower and 0.15 Nm increase over the previous generation.

While these gains appear minimal on paper, they translate to noticeable improvements in real-world usability, particularly when carrying passengers or navigating inclines.

More significant is the broader torque curve that enhances low-speed rideability in congested urban environments where the Splendor predominantly operates.

The transmission maintains its bulletproof 4-speed configuration, with revised gear ratios that better match the engine’s power delivery characteristics.

The shift mechanism receives particular attention, with improved detent design that provides more positive engagement while reducing effort—a small but meaningful enhancement for daily usability.

The clutch incorporates revised friction materials that improve durability while maintaining light lever action essential for comfortable operation in stop-and-go traffic.

Fuel efficiency—long the Splendor’s defining characteristic—improves further through these refinements, with Hero claiming an impressive 80 kilometers per liter under standardized testing conditions.

Real-world efficiency typically exceeds 70 kilometers per liter in mixed riding scenarios, establishing the Splendor Plus as one of the most economical powered transportation options available.

This exceptional efficiency directly translates to reduced ownership costs—a crucial consideration for the motorcycle’s core demographic.

The i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology returns in enhanced form, automatically shutting down the engine during extended stops and restarting instantly when the clutch is engaged.

This latest iteration improves restart consistency while reducing the slight hesitation noted in earlier implementations.

Hero claims this feature can improve real-world fuel efficiency by up to 7% in congested urban environments with frequent stops—a meaningful benefit in the motorcycle’s primary operating environment.

Chassis Dynamics: Balanced Capability

The Splendor’s chassis architecture maintains its proven tubular double-cradle configuration, though with subtle reinforcements that improve torsional rigidity without adding significant weight.

The motorcycle’s kerb weight increases marginally to 112 kilograms, primarily due to the addition of enhanced features rather than structural modifications.

This slight weight gain proves imperceptible in daily operation while the improved structural integrity enhances stability and durability.

Suspension components receive calibration updates rather than fundamental redesign.

The telescopic front forks feature revised damping rates that improve compliance over broken surfaces without compromising stability at higher speeds.

The twin rear shock absorbers similarly benefit from updated spring rates and damping characteristics, striking an improved balance between load capacity and ride comfort—a particularly important consideration given the motorcycle’s frequent use for carrying passengers or small cargo.

Wheel and tire specifications remain unchanged, with 18-inch alloy or spoke wheels (depending on variant) shod with 80/100 front and rear tires.

This configuration prioritizes stability and durability over aggressive handling characteristics—an appropriate compromise for a motorcycle focused on practical transportation rather than sporting pretensions.

The braking system sees meaningful enhancement through the standardization of integrated braking technology across all variants, providing more balanced deceleration with reduced rider input during emergency situations.

Perhaps most significantly, the 2025 model introduces a front disc brake option across the range—previously restricted to premium variants.

This 240mm rotor with single-piston caliper provides substantially improved stopping power and modulation compared to the traditional drum brake, enhancing safety without dramatically increasing cost.

The rear wheel maintains its 130mm drum configuration, offering adequate performance while keeping maintenance simple and affordable.

Instrumentation and Features: Thoughtful Modernization

The instrument cluster receives comprehensive modernization while maintaining the clarity and simplicity essential for the Splendor’s diverse user base.

The basic variant retains an analog speedometer with integrated fuel gauge, complemented by essential warning lights in a clean, easily readable layout.

Mid-level variants introduce a partial digital display showing trip information, real-time efficiency data, and service reminders alongside the analog speedometer.

The premium i3S Pro variant features a fully digital LCD instrument panel with expanded functionality, including gear position indicator, range-to-empty calculation, and Bluetooth connectivity that enables call and message notifications when paired with a smartphone.

This tiered approach to instrumentation acknowledges the Splendor’s diverse owner demographics, from rural users prioritizing simplicity to urban professionals seeking modern conveniences.

Practical features receive particular attention in the 2025 update. A USB-C charging port integrated into the headlamp nacelle provides convenient power for mobile devices—an increasingly essential feature as smartphones become primary navigation and communication tools.

Storage capacity expands through a larger glove compartment in the side panel, now capable of accommodating small personal items alongside essential documents.

The seating configuration receives subtle but meaningful improvements, with revised foam density and contour that enhance comfort during extended rides.

The two-piece seat design continues, allowing access to the underseat storage compartment without disturbing the passenger section.

Grab rail design evolves with a wider, more ergonomic shape that improves security for pillions—an important consideration given the motorcycle’s frequent use for family transportation.

Performance Comparison

Specification	2025 Hero Splendor Plus	2020 Hero Splendor Plus	Bajaj CT 125X
Engine	97.2cc Air-cooled Single	97.2cc Air-cooled Single	124.4cc Air-cooled Single
Maximum Power	8.2 HP @ 8,000 RPM	7.9 HP @ 8,000 RPM	10.9 HP @ 8,500 RPM
Maximum Torque	8.05 Nm @ 6,000 RPM	7.9 Nm @ 5,000 RPM	11 Nm @ 5,500 RPM
Transmission	4-Speed	4-Speed	5-Speed
Fuel Efficiency	80 km/l (claimed)	75 km/l (claimed)	65 km/l (claimed)
Kerb Weight	112 kg	110 kg	132 kg
Fuel Capacity	10 liters	10 liters	11 liters
Ground Clearance	165 mm	165 mm	170 mm
Seat Height	785 mm	785 mm	810 mm
Front Suspension	Telescopic Fork	Telescopic Fork	Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension	Twin Shock Absorbers	Twin Shock Absorbers	Twin Shock Absorbers
Front Brake	240mm Disc / 130mm Drum	130mm Drum	240mm Disc
Rear Brake	130mm Drum	130mm Drum	130mm Drum
Starting System	Electric / Kick	Electric / Kick	Electric / Kick
Price Range (ex-showroom)	₹72,956 – ₹79,450	₹64,850 – ₹69,380	₹72,000 – ₹76,500

Key Highlights:

Enhanced engine with improved torque characteristics for better rideability
LED lighting elements across all variants improving visibility and reducing power consumption
Optional front disc brake for improved stopping power and modulation
Advanced i3S Pro idle stop-start system reducing fuel consumption in urban conditions
Digital instrument option with Bluetooth connectivity for premium variants
USB-C charging port for mobile device convenience
Updated suspension calibration improving ride quality over varied surfaces
Integrated braking system standardized across all variants
Expanded color options appealing to broader demographic preferences
Revised seat foam density enhancing comfort during extended journeys
Improved shift mechanism for more positive gear engagement
Enhanced knee recesses in fuel tank improving ergonomics
Expanded underseat storage capacity for essential items
Ten-liter fuel capacity providing exceptional range between refills
Five-year warranty package demonstrating confidence in reliability

Ownership Experience: Total Cost Leadership

The 2025 Splendor Plus builds upon Hero MotoCorp’s unmatched service network, with over 6,000 touchpoints across India ensuring support even in remote regions.

Service intervals extend to 6,000 kilometers (from the previous 5,000 kilometers), reducing maintenance frequency and cost.

The warranty package expands to an impressive 5-year/70,000 kilometer coverage—an industry-leading position that addresses potential reliability concerns while demonstrating confidence in product quality.

Perhaps most significantly, Hero has focused on reducing total ownership costs beyond the motorcycle’s already exceptional fuel efficiency.

A simplified parts catalog with increased component sharing across the lineup ensures spare part affordability and availability throughout the motorcycle’s operational life.

Consumable items like filters, cables, and brake components see meaningful durability improvements that extend replacement intervals, further reducing maintenance expenses over time.

The ownership proposition extends beyond the physical product through Hero’s expanding digital ecosystem.

The Hero App provides maintenance scheduling, service history tracking, and riding statistics through Bluetooth connection on compatible variants.

Roadside assistance becomes available as a subscription option, addressing a traditional weakness in the motorcycling ownership experience compared to four-wheeled transportation.

Hero Splendor Plus

The 2025 Hero Splendor Plus demonstrates how thoughtful evolution can enhance an already winning formula without compromising the fundamental attributes that established its legendary status.

By focusing on meaningful refinements to efficiency, comfort, and practicality rather than chasing specification extremes or visual gimmicks, Hero MotoCorp has ensured the Splendor remains relevant in an increasingly competitive landscape.

In an era when many manufacturers pursue complexity in search of differentiation, the Splendor’s continued adherence to straightforward utility represents a refreshing alternative.

Its exceptional reliability, remarkable efficiency, and accessible maintenance create a compelling ownership proposition that transcends mere transportation to deliver genuine value enhancement to its riders’ lives.

For millions of Indians seeking dependable, economical mobility, the Splendor Plus continues to represent the definitive solution—a motorcycle whose success stems not from marketing hyperbole or fleeting fashion, but from the consistent delivery of its promise as the nation’s most trusted two-wheeled companion.

Its continued market dominance seems assured not through complacency but through Hero’s genuine understanding of its customer base and commitment to meaningful, customer-focused innovation