In the vibrant tapestry of Indian motorcycling, few names resonate as strongly as the Hero Super Splendor. For decades,
this venerable machine has been the backbone of Indian commuting, ferrying millions of riders to work, school, and beyond. As we delve into the latest iteration of this iconic motorcycle,
we’ll explore how Hero MotoCorp has managed to keep the Super Splendor relevant, efficient, and appealing in an ever-evolving market.
A Legacy of Reliability
The Super Splendor’s story is intrinsically linked with the broader narrative of India’s economic growth and the rise of its middle class.
Since its inception, this motorcycle has been a symbol of aspiration, often serving as the first step up from a basic 100cc commuter for many Indian families.
Its enduring popularity is a testament to Hero’s understanding of the Indian consumer’s needs and preferences.
Design Evolution: Subtle Yet Significant
At first glance, the latest Super Splendor might not seem radically different from its predecessors. This is by design – Hero knows that its target audience values familiarity and proven reliability over flashy aesthetics.
However, a closer inspection reveals thoughtful updates that bring the Super Splendor firmly into the modern era.
The overall silhouette remains true to the classic commuter form, with a straight, upright stance that prioritizes comfort and practicality.
The fuel tank has been subtly resculpted, offering better knee recesses for improved rider comfort. The side panels now feature more angular lines, giving the bike a hint of sportiness without compromising its approachable nature.
Up front, the headlamp cluster has been updated with a more modern design, incorporating an LED position lamp that enhances visibility and adds a touch of premium feel.
The instrument cluster, while still analog, now includes a digital readout for the odometer and trip meter, a small but significant nod to modernization.
The seat has been redesigned with a focus on long-distance comfort, featuring improved cushioning and a textured surface for better grip.
The grab rail at the rear is now more integrated into the overall design, offering a cleaner look while still providing secure support for pillion riders.
Color options have been expanded to include more contemporary choices, with metallic finishes that add a premium touch.
The alloy wheels, standard on higher variants, not only look more modern but also contribute to reduced unsprung weight, improving handling and fuel efficiency.
Heart of the Matter: Performance and Efficiency
Under its familiar exterior, the Super Splendor houses a thoroughly modern powerplant. The 124.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine is a marvel of engineering, balancing performance with exceptional fuel efficiency – the holy grail for Indian commuters.
This engine produces a respectable 10.8 PS of power at 7500 rpm and 10.6 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. While these numbers might seem modest,
they translate to peppy real-world performance that’s more than adequate for urban and rural commuting alike.
The engine’s true strength lies in its refinement and linear power delivery, providing a smooth, vibration-free ride that’s essential for daily use.
Hero has incorporated its i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology into the Super Splendor, a feature that automatically shuts off the engine when idling and restarts it when the clutch is engaged.
This not only improves fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic but also reduces emissions, making the Super Splendor more environmentally friendly.
The transmission is a slick-shifting 5-speed unit, an upgrade from the 4-speed gearboxes of yore. This extra gear allows for better acceleration in lower gears and more relaxed cruising at higher speeds,
contributing to both performance and efficiency. The clutch action is light, a boon for riders navigating dense urban traffic.
Fuel efficiency has always been a cornerstone of the Super Splendor’s appeal, and the latest version doesn’t disappoint. Hero claims a mileage figure of 60-65 kmpl under standard testing conditions,
placing it among the most fuel-efficient 125cc motorcycles in the market. This impressive efficiency, combined with the 12-liter fuel tank, gives
the Super Splendor a theoretical range of over 700 kilometers on a single tank – a figure that’s sure to bring a smile to the faces of budget-conscious riders.
Ride and Handling: Comfort is King
The Super Splendor’s ride and handling characteristics are tailored specifically for Indian road conditions, which can vary from smooth highways to pothole-ridden urban streets and rough rural paths.
The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. This combination offers a plush ride that soaks up road imperfections with aplomb, ensuring rider comfort even on longer journeys.
The long wheelbase of 1270 mm contributes to straight-line stability, while the relatively low kerb weight of 122 kg ensures that the bike remains nimble in city traffic.
The 18-inch wheels, larger than those found on many competitors, provide better stability and improved ability to handle rough roads.
Braking duties are handled by a 130 mm drum brake at the front and a 130 mm drum at the rear. While disc brakes are available as an option on higher variants, even the standard drum setup provides adequate stopping power for the bike’s intended use.
The inclusion of Hero’s Integrated Braking System (IBS) enhances safety by applying both brakes simultaneously when the rear brake is engaged, a feature particularly useful for less experienced riders.
Features: Modern Touches in a Familiar Package
While the Super Splendor is primarily focused on being a no-nonsense commuter, Hero has included several features that add value and convenience:
- i3S Technology: The Idle Start-Stop System improves fuel efficiency in urban traffic.
- Integrated Braking System (IBS): Enhances safety by applying both brakes when the rear brake is engaged.
- Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster: Provides essential information clearly, including a digital odometer and trip meter.
- LED Position Lamp: Improves visibility and adds a touch of modernity to the front fascia.
- Side Stand Indicator: A safety feature that prevents the bike from being ridden with the side stand down.
- Low Fuel Indicator: Alerts the rider when it’s time to refuel, preventing unexpected stops.
- Alloy Wheels: Standard on higher variants, they reduce unsprung weight and look more premium.
- Engine Kill Switch: A convenient feature for temporarily shutting off the engine without using the key.
These features, while not groundbreaking, show Hero’s understanding of what matters to the everyday commuter. They add convenience and safety without unnecessarily complicating the bike or driving up costs.
Efficiency and Economy: The Super Splendor’s Forte
In a segment where running costs are paramount, the Super Splendor shines bright. Its claimed fuel efficiency of 60-65 kmpl is among the best in its class.
This, combined with the 12-liter fuel tank, gives the Super Splendor a theoretical range that can cover a week’s worth of commuting for many users without needing to refuel.
But efficiency isn’t just about fuel consumption. Hero has designed the Super Splendor with low maintenance in mind. The engine oil change interval is set at 6000 km,
reducing the frequency and cost of servicing. The use of tubeless tires not only enhances safety but also makes puncture repairs easier and more cost-effective.
The initial cost of ownership is kept competitive, with Hero pricing the Super Splendor aggressively against its rivals.
This, combined with its low running costs and Hero’s extensive service network, makes it an attractive proposition for those looking for a reliable, economical commuter.
Safety: A Growing Priority
While safety features were once an afterthought in the commuter segment, Hero has made strides in this area with the Super Splendor.
The Integrated Braking System is a standout feature, providing more balanced and effective braking, especially for less experienced riders.
The inclusion of a side stand indicator with engine inhibitor is another thoughtful safety feature, preventing the bike from being ridden with the side stand down – a common cause of accidents.
The LED position lamp enhances the bike’s visibility to other road users, a crucial safety aspect in India’s often chaotic traffic conditions.
For those opting for the disc brake variant, the added stopping power provides an extra margin of safety, particularly useful in emergency braking situations.
Target Audience and Market Positioning
The Hero Super Splendor is squarely aimed at the discerning commuter who values reliability, efficiency, and comfort above all else.
It’s a bike for the office-goer who navigates busy city streets daily, for the small business owner who needs a dependable workhorse, and for the rural user who requires a machine that can handle varied road conditions.
In a market segment dominated by its own siblings (like the Splendor+) and competitors like the Honda Shine, the Super Splendor carves out its niche by offering a slightly more powerful and feature-rich package.
It’s positioned as a step up from basic 100cc commuters, appealing to those who want a bit more power and refinement without straying into the realm of performance-oriented 150cc machines.
The Riding Experience: More Than the Sum of Its Parts
Numbers and features tell only part of the story. The true test of any motorcycle is how it feels when you’re in the saddle, navigating the real world. Here, the Super Splendor truly comes into its own.
Fire up the engine, and you’re greeted by a refined hum. There’s no harshness, no excessive vibration – just a smooth, quiet idle that sets the tone for the ride to come. Pull in the light clutch, slot it into first gear, and you’re off.
In city traffic, the Super Splendor feels perfectly at home. The upright riding position gives you a commanding view of your surroundings, while the light steering and nimble chassis make weaving through traffic a breeze. The engine’s torque is delivered in a linear fashion, making it easy to modulate speed without constant gear changes.
As you hit open roads, the Super Splendor reveals another side of its personality. It cruises comfortably at 70-80 km/h, with enough in reserve for overtakes when needed.
The 5-speed gearbox comes into its own here, allowing for relaxed high-speed cruising that would have been buzzy and strained on older 4-speed models.
It’s on longer rides that you truly appreciate the thought that’s gone into the Super Splendor’s design. Hours in the saddle pass by without fatigue,
thanks to the comfortable seat and well-thought-out ergonomics. The suspension soaks up bumps and potholes with aplomb, living up to the “Super” in its name.
Conclusion: A Worthy Evolution of an Icon
The Hero Super Splendor may not be the flashiest or the most powerful bike on the market, but it excels in areas that matter most to its target audience.
It offers a compelling blend of efficiency, comfort, and reliability that has been honed over decades of real-world use and continuous improvement.
By focusing on incremental yet meaningful upgrades, Hero has created a motorcycle that addresses the real-world needs of Indian commuters.
The addition of features like i3S and IBS shows a commitment to improving efficiency and safety, while the refined engine and transmission provide a riding experience that’s a cut above basic commuters.
Is it perfect? No motorcycle is. Some might find the styling too conservative, and performance enthusiasts might wish for more power. But for its intended purpose – reliable, comfortable, efficient commuting – the Super Splendor is hard to fault.
In a market where change is constant and new models are launched with dizzying frequency, the Hero Super Splendor stands as a testament to the virtues of steady evolution and refinement.
It takes a proven formula and enhances it, delivering a motorcycle that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
For the millions of Indians who depend on two-wheelers for their daily commute, the Super Splendor offers a compelling proposition –
a bike that turns the daily grind into a comfortable, efficient, and dare we say, enjoyable experience. In doing so, it not only lives up to its “Super” moniker but also cements its place as a true icon of Indian motorcycling.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the Hero Super Splendor will continue to play a vital role in India’s mobility landscape.
With its blend of tradition and modernity, efficiency and comfort, it remains the quintessential Indian commuter – a trusted companion for the journey ahead, whatever it may bring.