The morning sun casts long shadows across Chandni Chowk as the familiar puttering of motorcycle engines creates Delhi’s signature soundtrack. Among these, one particular note has defined Indian mobility for generations – the steady, reliable rhythm of the Hero Splendor. Having spent twenty days with the 2025 iteration of India’s most beloved motorcycle, I’ve gained fresh appreciation for how this humble machine continues to evolve while remaining true to its essential character.
Few vehicles anywhere in the world can claim the cultural significance of the Splendor. Since its introduction in 1994, it has transported millions of Indians to work, school, and family gatherings. It has served as the first vehicle for countless families transitioning from bicycles to powered transportation. The Splendor’s silhouette – modest, approachable, utilitarian – has become as recognizable in India as the Jeep profile in America or the Vespa form in Italy.
The 2025 model represents the most comprehensive reimagining of this icon since its inception. As I navigated through Delhi’s chaotic traffic, rode along the tranquil backroads of Punjab, and even tackled the initial climbs of the Himalayan foothills, I discovered how Hero MotoCorp has carefully balanced tradition with innovation to create a motorcycle that honors its heritage while embracing India’s rapidly evolving mobility landscape.
Evolution of an Icon: Maintaining Identity Through Change
The original Splendor emerged from Hero’s collaboration with Honda, combining Japanese engineering with Indian market understanding. When that partnership dissolved in 2010, many wondered if Hero could maintain the model’s legendary reliability and efficiency. Fifteen years later, the 2025 Splendor answers that question with confidence.
“Our challenge was respecting the Splendor’s DNA while bringing it firmly into the modern era,” explains Vikram Singh, Chief Design Engineer at Hero’s Center of Innovation and Technology in Jaipur. “We identified three core attributes that must remain untouched: exceptional fuel efficiency, bulletproof reliability, and accessible maintenance. Everything else was open for reevaluation.”
This philosophy becomes evident upon first glance at the 2025 model. The silhouette remains instantly recognizable – the horizontal line from headlight to tail lamp, the modest proportions, the upright seating position. Yet nearly every component has been refined. The headlamp, now LED with distinctive light signature, maintains the classic round form while providing dramatically improved illumination. The characteristic fuel tank preserves its fundamental shape but now features subtle knee recesses that improve riding comfort. Even the seat, still accommodating two adults comfortably, has been resculpted with modern ergonomic principles.
Material quality has taken a substantial leap forward. The switchgear – traditionally a weakness on entry-level Indian motorcycles – now operates with satisfying precision. Paint depth and finish would look appropriate on machines costing three times as much. Panel gaps have been minimized through improved manufacturing processes at Hero’s Haridwar facility. These refinements communicate quality without ostentation – entirely appropriate for a motorcycle that has built its reputation on substance rather than flash.
Color options reflect thoughtful consideration of market preferences. Traditional silver and black remain available, acknowledging the conservative tastes of rural customers who constitute a significant portion of Splendor buyers. However, new options including Cosmic Blue, Forest Green, and Sunrise Orange reflect changing aesthetic sensibilities, particularly among younger urban riders purchasing the Splendor for commuting purposes.
Engineering Advancements: Efficiency Reimagined
Beneath the refreshed aesthetics lies Hero’s most advanced commuter engine to date. The fundamental architecture remains familiar – a single-cylinder, air-cooled design prioritizing simplicity and reliability. However, sophisticated engineering touches have transformed its performance characteristics while maintaining the efficiency that defines the Splendor identity.
The displacement has increased marginally to 113.2cc (from 110cc), but raw numbers tell only part of the story. The combustion chamber has been completely redesigned using computational fluid dynamics to optimize flame propagation. Variable valve timing – remarkably sophisticated technology for this segment – ensures optimal performance across all operating conditions. Programmed fuel injection delivers precisely measured fuel based on numerous sensor inputs, meeting stringent BS7 emission standards that took effect in April 2025.
The result is an engine that produces modest but adequate power (9.1 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 9.89 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm) while achieving extraordinary efficiency. During my testing across varied conditions, fuel economy consistently ranged between 75-82 kilometers per liter – figures that would seem fantastical for motorcycles in most global markets but represent the expected standard for the Splendor.
Importantly, this efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of usability. The enlarged engine provides noticeably improved low-end torque, facilitating the two-up riding commonly seen across India. Climbing the moderately steep roads outside Shimla with a passenger, the Splendor maintained momentum in fourth gear where previous generations would have required downshifting – a small but meaningful improvement for real-world riding conditions.
Mechanical refinement stands out as another significant advancement. The counterbalanced engine reduces vibration to levels previously unimaginable in this segment. Even when maintaining 70 kph on open highways – a speed many Splendor owners will maintain for hours during intercity travel – vibration through the handlebars, footpegs, and seat remains minimal, reducing rider fatigue during extended journeys.
The transmission has undergone similar refinement. The four-speed gearbox now features revised gear ratios optimized for Indian riding conditions, with particular attention to second and third gears most commonly used in urban environments. Shift action feels positive and precise, while the clutch requires approximately 25% less effort than previous generations – a meaningful improvement for riders navigating congested traffic.
Ride Quality: Comfort Through Careful Engineering
Creating a comfortable motorcycle within the strict cost constraints of the commuter segment requires exceptional engineering discipline. The 2025 Splendor demonstrates Hero’s mastery of this challenge through thoughtful chassis development focused on real-world Indian conditions.
The frame remains a conventional diamond design utilizing tubular steel construction – a proven architecture that balances adequate rigidity with necessary flex for comfort. Material thickness has been optimized through finite element analysis, resulting in a frame approximately 1.2 kilograms lighter than its predecessor while maintaining equivalent strength. This weight reduction, though modest in absolute terms, represents significant engineering achievement within this price-sensitive segment.
Suspension components reflect similar thoughtful development. The telescopic front fork features revised damping rates and internal components that provide 15% greater oil capacity, improving heat dissipation during extended use. The twin rear shock absorbers feature five-step preload adjustment – a convenience previously reserved for more expensive motorcycles that acknowledges the reality of varying passenger and cargo loads commonly carried on Splendors throughout India.
During my extensive testing across varied terrain, these chassis refinements translated to tangible improvements in ride quality. The motorcycle absorbed the speed breakers of Delhi’s residential colonies with composed damping rather than the harsh bottoming experienced on previous generations. Extended highway stretches between Chandigarh and Ludhiana revealed improved stability, particularly in crosswind conditions common on Punjab’s open plains. Most impressively, the rough rural roads outside Patiala demonstrated the suspension’s ability to maintain tire contact across severely broken surfaces, enhancing both comfort and safety.
Tire specifications have evolved to complement these chassis improvements. The 2025 model comes standard with tubeless tires mounted on 18-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels – wheel sizes historically associated with higher-end motorcycles that provide improved obstacle negotiation capabilities compared to smaller diameters. The 80/100-18 front and 90/90-17 rear dimensions strike an effective balance between adequate cushioning and low rolling resistance, contributing to both comfort and efficiency.
User-Focused Technology: Meaningful Innovation
Hero has carefully introduced modern technology to the Splendor platform, focusing exclusively on features that provide tangible benefits to the typical owner rather than specification-sheet enhancements that would increase cost without delivering real-world value.
The most visible advancement appears in the instrument cluster, where a digital-analog hybrid display replaces the traditional all-analog unit. The analog speedometer – preferred by many traditional riders for its intuitive readability – remains prominent, while a high-contrast LCD panel displays fuel level, gear position, odometer, trip meter, and service reminders. This approach maintains familiarity for existing owners while adding genuine utility.
Lighting represents another area of meaningful technological improvement. The LED headlamp provides approximately 30% greater illumination than the previous halogen unit while consuming less energy – a particularly valuable advancement for rural riders on unlit roads. The taillight and indicators similarly utilize LED technology, improving visibility to other road users while extending bulb life essentially to the vehicle’s lifespan.
USB charging capability – integrated cleanly into the instrument nacelle and powered directly from the battery rather than requiring the engine to run – acknowledges the ubiquity of smartphones among all demographic segments in modern India. During my testing through remote areas of Himachal Pradesh, this feature proved invaluable for maintaining navigation capabilities when coverage became sporadic.
Perhaps most significantly, Hero has incorporated their i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology as standard equipment across all Splendor variants. This system automatically shuts off the engine after 5 seconds of idling and restarts instantly when the clutch is engaged, reducing fuel consumption and emissions during extended waits at traffic signals or railway crossings. The system operated flawlessly throughout my testing, requiring no adaptation to my riding habits while providing measurable efficiency improvements in congested urban conditions.
Ownership Experience: Redefining Support Systems
Hero recognizes that for Splendor owners – many of whom depend on their motorcycles for livelihood – the ownership experience extends far beyond the physical product. The 2025 model introduces “Splendor Lifecycle Support” – a comprehensive program addressing common ownership concerns within this segment.
The warranty has been extended to 5 years/70,000 kilometers, nearly double the industry standard. More significantly, this coverage now includes key wear components like clutch plates, brake shoes, and drive chain – items traditionally excluded from warranty despite being crucial to safe operation. For owners operating on tight financial margins, this predictability of maintenance costs represents a meaningful economic benefit.
Service intervals have been extended to 6,000 kilometers (from 3,000 kilometers in previous generations), reducing both maintenance frequency and associated costs. When service is required, the Hero Express Lane system promises maximum 60-minute completion time for routine maintenance – minimizing downtime for riders who depend on their motorcycles for income generation.
“We understand that for many Splendor owners, their motorcycle represents not just transportation but economic livelihood,” explains Rajiv Bajaj, Head of After-Sales Service at Hero MotoCorp. “Every hour of unnecessary downtime translates directly to lost income. Our service innovations directly address this reality.”
The service network itself has evolved to reflect changing geographic realities. While maintaining its industry-leading 6,000+ service points nationwide, Hero has expanded mobile service capabilities specifically targeting rural areas where fixed service centers remain impractical. These mobile units can perform all routine maintenance and many repairs at the owner’s location, eliminating potentially significant travel time to distant service centers.
Parts availability – historically a challenge in remote regions – has been addressed through Hero’s digital inventory management system, which maintains real-time tracking of components across all service locations. If a specific part isn’t available locally, the system automatically dispatches it from the nearest distribution center with guaranteed 48-hour delivery nationwide – a commitment backed by financial compensation if deadlines aren’t met.
Market Positioning: Democratic Mobility
The 2025 Splendor occupies a fascinating position in India’s evolving motorcycle landscape. Priced between ₹75,000 and ₹92,000 (depending on variant), it positions itself as premium within the value-focused commuter segment while remaining accessible to its traditional customer base.
This pricing strategy reflects Hero’s nuanced understanding of changing market dynamics, where rising incomes have expanded consumer options while fundamental transportation needs remain consistent. The base variant maintains accessibility for rural and entry-level buyers, while premium variants with enhanced features attract younger urban customers seeking reliable commuting solutions with modern conveniences.
“The Splendor has always represented democratic mobility – reliable transportation accessible to the broadest possible demographic,” explains Niranjan Gupta, Chief Financial Officer at Hero MotoCorp. “As the market evolves, our challenge is maintaining this accessibility while delivering the features and refinement that today’s consumers increasingly expect.”
The motorcycle’s primary competitors include the Bajaj Platina, TVS Radeon, and Honda CD 110 Dream – all motorcycles that similarly prioritize efficiency and reliability. The Splendor differentiates itself through its unmatched service network, brand heritage, and carefully selected technological enhancements that deliver tangible consumer benefits without unnecessary complexity.
During interviews with prospective buyers at Hero dealerships in diverse locations – from metropolitan Delhi to rural Punjab – consistent themes emerged. Forty-two-year-old agricultural worker Sukhwinder Singh in Jalandhar expressed sentiments echoed by many: “I’ve owned three Splendors over twenty years. Each has operated without major problems while providing consistent mileage. The new model offers improvements I appreciate, particularly the LED headlight for night travel between villages, while maintaining the reliability my livelihood depends upon.”
This perspective illuminates why Hero has approached the Splendor’s evolution with such careful deliberation. For millions of Indians, this motorcycle represents not just transportation but economic enablement and family mobility. Changes must deliver meaningful benefits without compromising the fundamental characteristics that have made the Splendor a trusted companion across generations.
Societal Impact: Beyond Transportation
The Splendor’s significance extends beyond its mechanical attributes to encompass broader societal impact that few vehicles globally can claim. Throughout my journey, I witnessed countless examples of how this motorcycle continues to transform lives across demographic and geographic boundaries.
In rural Haryana, I met Geeta Devi, who recently acquired a Splendor through a microfinance program specifically supporting women entrepreneurs. The motorcycle has transformed her small tailoring business, allowing her to reach clients across multiple villages and transport finished garments to previously inaccessible markets. “Before having reliable transportation, I was limited to customers within walking distance,” she explained. “Now I serve three villages and my income has more than doubled.”
Near Chandigarh, I encountered Ramesh Kumar, whose Splendor enables his children to attend a higher-quality school 12 kilometers from their home – an impossible commute before motorcycle ownership. “This is not just a vehicle; it is our family’s future,” he told me, gesturing toward his children. “The education they now access will change their opportunities completely.”
In metropolitan Gurgaon, recent college graduate Priya Sharma uses her Splendor for ride-sharing through a women-focused app, providing safe transportation for female commuters while generating income that funds her master’s degree studies. “The motorcycle’s efficiency makes this financially viable,” she explained. “I can earn meaningful income while maintaining flexibility around my class schedule.”
These diverse examples illustrate why the Splendor transcends its identity as a mere transportation device to become what sociologists have termed a “lifestyle enabler” – a technological tool that fundamentally expands human capability and opportunity. As India continues its complex socioeconomic development, the Splendor remains a constant facilitator of individual progress across vastly different contexts.
Environmental Considerations: Sustainability Through Longevity
While meeting BS7 emission regulations represents the baseline requirement for any 2025 motorcycle in India, Hero has approached environmental responsibility through a more holistic perspective focused on total lifecycle impact rather than mere tailpipe emissions.
The Splendor’s extraordinary longevity – with many examples exceeding 100,000 kilometers of operation – represents environmental responsibility through reduced manufacturing frequency. Components designed specifically for repairability rather than replacement further minimize resource consumption throughout the ownership cycle. When parts eventually require replacement, Hero’s comprehensive recycling program ensures materials reenter the production stream rather than entering landfills.
Manufacturing processes similarly reflect environmental consciousness. The Haridwar facility where Splendors are produced operates using 67% renewable energy, with ongoing investment targeted at reaching 85% by 2027. Water recycling systems have reduced freshwater consumption by 73% compared to industry benchmarks, while paint application technology minimizes volatile organic compound emissions.
Perhaps most significantly, Hero has implemented design practices specifically supporting eventual recycling. Materials are clearly identified throughout the vehicle to facilitate sorting, fasteners are standardized to simplify disassembly, and wiring harnesses can be removed intact for proper processing. These considerations address end-of-life environmental impact often overlooked in discussions focused exclusively on operational emissions.
“We recognize that true sustainability encompasses the entire product lifecycle,” explains Dr. Arun Jaura, Chief Technology Officer at Hero MotoCorp. “By creating motorcycles that operate efficiently for decades with minimal resource consumption throughout their lifespans, we achieve environmental benefits that transcend regulatory compliance metrics.”
Future Outlook: Evolving With Purpose
As India progresses toward its mobility future, the Splendor will inevitably continue evolving. Conversations with Hero’s development team revealed thoughtful consideration regarding which technologies might eventually be incorporated and which would compromise the model’s essential character.
Mild hybridization represents one potential pathway under active exploration. Supplementary electric assistance during initial acceleration – where internal combustion engines operate least efficiently – could further improve fuel economy while reducing emissions. Prototype systems under development maintain absolute simplicity as a core requirement, utilizing regenerative braking to capture energy without requiring external charging infrastructure.
Connected features represent another area of careful development. Rather than implementing complex infotainment systems that would increase cost and complexity, Hero is exploring focused connectivity that delivers specific utility for Splendor owners. Location tracking for fleet operators, maintenance reminders based on actual operating conditions, and theft recovery functionality all address concrete owner needs without superfluous features.
Alternative fuel compatibility demonstrates Hero’s awareness of India’s evolving energy landscape. The 2025 Splendor’s fuel system has been designed to accommodate ethanol blends up to E20, while the engineering team continues development work to ensure compatibility with potential future fuels that may emerge as India reduces petroleum dependence.
“The Splendor will evolve as India evolves,” explains Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy at Hero MotoCorp. “However, this evolution will always be guided by understanding our customers’ authentic needs rather than chasing technology trends. Features that deliver genuine value will be incorporated; those that merely add cost or complexity without corresponding benefit will be rejected, regardless of market trends.”
This philosophy explains why certain technologies common in premium segments – touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, ride modes – remain absent from the Splendor. For its target customers, such features would represent unnecessary cost and complexity rather than meaningful enhancement. Hero’s discipline in maintaining this focus has preserved the Splendor’s essential character through decades of market evolution.
Hero Splendor 2025 Timeless Relevance Through Thoughtful Evolution
After twenty days and nearly 1,800 kilometers astride the 2025 Splendor – from Delhi’s congested urban sprawl to the serene foothills of the Himalayas – I’ve gained profound appreciation for how this humble motorcycle maintains its relevance through carefully considered evolution. The Splendor has never pursued innovation for its own sake, yet paradoxically, this disciplined approach has created one of the most successful motorcycle designs in history.
The 2025 model continues this tradition. Every enhancement – from the LED lighting to the refined engine to the extended service intervals – delivers tangible benefits aligned with actual user needs. Nothing has been added simply to pursue market trends or create marketing differentiation. This absolute focus on customer benefit rather than specification-sheet competition explains why, nearly three decades after its introduction, the Splendor remains India’s most beloved motorcycle.