Hero Splendor 125: In the bustling streets of India, where two-wheelers reign supreme, one name has stood the test of time, becoming synonymous with reliability, efficiency, and accessibility: the Hero Splendor.
For decades, this humble commuter bike has been the backbone of Indian mobility, ferrying millions to work, school, and beyond. Now, in a bold move that’s set to redefine the commuter segment,
Hero MotoCorp introduces the all-new Splendor 125, a bike that promises to carry forward the legendary Splendor legacy while injecting a fresh dose of power, style, and technology.
The Legacy Continues
The Splendor nameplate has been a constant in the Indian automotive landscape since the early 1990s. Its reputation for unmatched reliability, exceptional fuel efficiency,
and low maintenance costs has made it the go-to choice for budget-conscious riders across the country. The introduction of the Splendor 125 marks a significant evolution in this storied lineage,
addressing the growing demand for more powerful commuter options without sacrificing the core values that made the Splendor a household name.
Design: Familiar Yet Fresh
At first glance, the new Splendor 125 is unmistakably a Splendor. Hero MotoCorp has wisely chosen to retain the iconic silhouette that has become ingrained in the Indian psyche. However, a closer look reveals a host of modern design elements that bring the Splendor firmly into the 2020s.
The front fascia features a redesigned headlamp cluster, now sporting a sleek LED daytime running light that adds a touch of premium flair.
The signature Splendor fuel tank retains its classic shape but now boasts sharper lines and more pronounced knee recesses, enhancing both style and ergonomics.
Moving to the side profile, new graphics and color schemes give the Splendor 125 a more youthful and dynamic appearance. The side panels have been subtly reshaped to accommodate the larger engine while maintaining the bike’s slim profile.
At the rear, a redesigned tail lamp cluster with LED elements not only enhances visibility but also adds a modern touch to the overall design.
One of the most notable design updates is the new instrument cluster. While retaining an analog speedometer for ease of readability,
it now incorporates a digital display that shows essential information such as fuel level, trip meter, and service reminders. This blend of analog and digital elements perfectly encapsulates the Splendor 125’s philosophy of marrying tradition with modernity.
Heart of the Matter: The New 125cc Powerplant
The most significant upgrade in the new Splendor is, of course, its engine. The shift from the tried-and-tested 100cc and 110cc engines to a more powerful 125cc unit is a bold move by Hero MotoCorp, aimed at addressing the evolving needs of the Indian commuter.
The new air-cooled, single-cylinder 125cc engine is a marvel of engineering, designed to deliver more power and torque without compromising on the Splendor’s legendary fuel efficiency.
While official figures are yet to be released, industry insiders speculate that the engine will produce around 10-11 bhp of power and 10-11 Nm of torque.
These numbers might seem modest by performance bike standards, but in the context of a lightweight commuter, they promise to deliver a significant boost in real-world performance.
Hero MotoCorp has employed its latest engine technology in this new powerplant. Features like programmed fuel injection ensure optimal fuel delivery across all riding conditions, contributing to both performance and efficiency.
The engine also incorporates Hero’s i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology, which automatically shuts off the engine at traffic lights and restarts it with a simple clutch pull, further enhancing fuel efficiency in urban riding conditions.
Perhaps most importantly, Hero has focused on refining the engine’s characteristics to suit the typical Splendor rider. This means a strong focus on low-end and mid-range torque,
ensuring quick acceleration from traffic lights and effortless overtaking on city streets. The power delivery is tuned to be smooth and linear, making the bike easy to ride for both novice and experienced riders.
Riding Experience: Comfort Meets Capability
The Splendor has always been known for its comfortable riding position, and the new 125cc version takes this a step further. The ergonomics have been carefully fine-tuned to accommodate a wide range of rider heights.
The slightly raised handlebar provides an upright seating position that’s perfect for long commutes, reducing fatigue on the wrists and back.
The seat has been redesigned with longer rides in mind. It’s wider and better padded, providing ample support for both rider and pillion. The texture of the seat cover has also been improved to provide better grip, especially useful during monsoon seasons.
Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. The setup is tuned to provide a plush ride over India’s often challenging road conditions, soaking up potholes and speed bumps with ease.
However, it’s not so soft as to compromise handling; the Splendor 125 feels stable and confident through corners, inspiring trust in the rider.
Braking has seen a significant upgrade with the introduction of the 125cc model. While the base variant continues with drum brakes front and rear, higher variants now offer a front disc brake option.
This, combined with the standard Integrated Braking System (IBS), provides strong and controlled stopping power, a welcome addition given the bike’s increased performance capabilities.
The increased power of the 125cc engine is immediately noticeable in the riding experience. The bike pulls away from traffic lights with newfound eagerness, and highway cruising at 70-80 km/h feels relaxed and unstressed.
Overtaking maneuvers that might have required careful planning on the smaller-engined Splendors are now executed with confidence.
Despite the bump in displacement, Hero has worked hard to maintain the Splendor’s famous fuel efficiency. While it may not match the astronomical figures of its smaller siblings,
early reports suggest that the Splendor 125 is still capable of returning 60-65 km/l under real-world conditions, a impressive figure for a 125cc motorcycle.
Technology and Features: A Step into the Future
The new Splendor 125 isn’t just about increased displacement; it also marks a significant step forward in terms of technology and features for the Splendor line.
The aforementioned digital-analog instrument cluster is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. It provides riders with real-time information on fuel efficiency, allowing them to optimize their riding style for maximum economy.
The cluster also includes a gear position indicator, a first for the Splendor line, helping newer riders get acquainted with the gear-shifting process.
Hero has also introduced a USB charging port on higher variants of the Splendor 125, a nod to the increasingly connected lives of modern riders.
This small but significant addition allows riders to keep their smartphones charged on the go, a boon for those who rely on navigation apps or need to stay connected during their commutes.
Safety features have also received a boost. In addition to the IBS, the Splendor 125 comes equipped with an engine immobilizer as standard,
providing an extra layer of security against theft. The LED daytime running lights not only look good but also significantly enhance the bike’s visibility to other road users.
For those looking to add a personal touch, Hero offers a range of genuine accessories for the Splendor 125. These include practical additions like a rear luggage rack and engine crash guards, as well as cosmetic enhancements like colorful rim tapes and seat covers.
Environmental Considerations: Cleaner and Greener
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, Hero MotoCorp has ensured that the new Splendor 125 isn’t just more powerful, but also cleaner. The engine is BS6 compliant, meeting India’s stringent emission norms.
The programmed fuel injection system plays a crucial role here, optimizing fuel delivery to reduce emissions without compromising on performance or efficiency.
Moreover, Hero has made strides in making the Splendor 125 more sustainable from a manufacturing standpoint. The company claims to have increased the use of recycled and recyclable materials in the bike’s construction, reducing its overall environmental impact.
Market Positioning and Competition
The introduction of the Splendor 125 is a strategic move by Hero MotoCorp to bridge the gap between traditional 100-110cc commuters and more powerful 150cc bikes.
It targets riders who are looking for more performance than a standard Splendor but aren’t quite ready for the jump to a full-fledged 150cc machine.
In this segment, the Splendor 125 will face competition from established players like the Honda CB Shine, Bajaj Discover 125, and TVS Raider. However, the Splendor’s strong brand recognition and Hero’s vast service network give it a significant advantage in the market.
Pricing is expected to be competitive, with Hero likely to position the Splendor 125 as a value-for-money option in the 125cc segment.
While official prices are yet to be announced, industry analysts expect the base variant to be priced around ₹75,000-80,000 (ex-showroom), with higher variants commanding a premium for additional features.
The Bigger Picture: Impact on the Indian Two-Wheeler Market
The launch of the Splendor 125 is more than just a new product introduction; it represents a shift in the Indian commuter motorcycle segment.
As urban traffic congestion increases and riders look for more capable machines for weekend leisure rides, the demand for 125cc motorcycles has been steadily growing. Hero’s entry into this space with such an iconic brand name is likely to accelerate this trend.
Moreover, the Splendor 125 could serve as a catalyst for technological advancement in the commuter segment. Features like programmed fuel injection, digital displays, and USB charging ports, once the domain of more premium motorcycles,
are now trickling down to the mass market. This is likely to raise consumer expectations, pushing other manufacturers to up their game in terms of features and technology.
The increased focus on the 125cc segment could also have interesting implications for India’s fuel consumption patterns. While these bikes consume slightly more fuel than their 100-110cc counterparts,
they offer better performance and are still significantly more efficient than larger displacement motorcycles or cars. As more commuters opt for 125cc bikes, it could lead to a net positive impact on urban fuel consumption and emissions.
Looking to the Future: What’s Next for the Splendor?
The introduction of the Splendor 125 opens up exciting possibilities for the future of this iconic brand. Here are some potential developments we might see in the coming years:
Hybrid Technology: As India pushes towards electrification, we might see Hero experimenting with mild hybrid technology on future Splendor models, further enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Connected Features: The next iteration could incorporate more advanced connected features, possibly including smartphone integration for navigation and vehicle diagnostics.
Advanced Safety Features: While ABS is currently mandated only for 125cc+ motorcycles in India, we might see Hero voluntarily introducing it in higher variants of the Splendor 125, setting a new safety benchmark in the segment.
Design Evolution: Future models might see more radical design changes as Hero looks to attract younger buyers while retaining the Splendor’s core values.
Variant Expansion: The success of the 125cc model could pave the way for even more powerful Splendor variants, possibly even a 150cc version targeting the premium commuter segment.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in an Iconic Story
The Hero Splendor 125 represents more than just an increase in engine capacity; it’s a bold reimagining of one of India’s most beloved motorcycles.
By infusing the Splendor’s tried-and-tested formula with a dose of modernity and performance, Hero MotoCorp has created a motorcycle that honors its legacy while looking firmly to the future.
For millions of Indian riders, the Splendor has been more than just a mode of transport; it’s been a trusted companion, a facilitator of dreams, and a symbol of progress. The new 125cc version promises to continue this tradition, offering a perfect blend of the familiar and the new.
As it hits Indian roads, the Splendor 125 carries with it the hopes and expectations of both Hero MotoCorp and countless riders across the country.
If it can deliver on its promise of combining the legendary Splendor reliability with enhanced performance and modern features, it may well write the next chapter in India’s motorcycling history.
In a nation on the move, constantly balancing tradition with modernity, the Hero Splendor 125 emerges as a fitting metaphor for India itself – rooted in a rich heritage, yet always moving forward, one kilometer at a time.