The morning sun was just beginning to cut through Delhi’s lingering haze as I thumbed the electric starter on the 2025 Hero Splendor 125. The engine settled into the familiar, reassuring idle that has become part of India’s collective consciousness over decades—a sound as recognizable to most Indians as the call of a neighborhood chai-wallah. Yet this wasn’t quite the same Splendor that has dominated Indian roads for generations. The iconic nameplate, long associated with Hero’s trusty 100-110cc commuters, now adorns a more substantial 125cc offering that represents both evolution and adaptation in a rapidly changing market.
Few vehicles can claim the cultural significance that the Splendor holds in India. Since its introduction in the 1990s, it has transcended being merely a mode of transportation to become a genuine socioeconomic phenomenon—the vehicle that quite literally moves much of India forward. With lifetime sales exceeding 35 million units, the Splendor isn’t just Hero MotoCorp’s crown jewel; it’s arguably India’s most consequential motor vehicle.
The decision to expand the Splendor family into the 125cc segment doesn’t come without risk. The nameplate carries decades of equity built around reliability, efficiency, and value—attributes that have made it the default choice for millions of first-time motorcycle buyers and family commuters. Expanding into a more performance-oriented segment while maintaining these core values requires delicate balance, especially when the Splendor name carries such deep associations.
After spending three weeks with the new Splendor 125 across varied riding conditions—from Delhi’s notorious traffic to the rural roads of Haryana and weekend trips to nearby hill stations—I’ve gained insights into how successfully Hero has translated their bestseller’s ethos into a more contemporary and capable package without abandoning the fundamental qualities that made it a household name.
Design Evolution: Respectful Modernization
The Splendor 125 strikes a careful balance between familiarity and progression in its visual design. Hero’s designers have wisely avoided radical departure, instead opting for an evolutionary approach that maintains key Splendor identity elements while introducing more contemporary details and proportions.
The familiar fuel tank shape remains recognizable but features more pronounced knee recesses and sharper character lines that add visual interest without compromising the approachable simplicity that defines the Splendor aesthetic. Chrome accents appear more judiciously applied than on some previous special editions, with a tasteful tank badge and side panel trim that add premium touches without veering into ostentation.
Lighting elements see comprehensive modernization, with LED headlamps standard across all variants—a notable upgrade that improves both visibility and energy efficiency. The headlight housing maintains a conventionally rounded shape to preserve brand identity, but internal elements feature a distinctive light signature that creates visual distinction while enhancing safety through improved conspicuity.
The side profile maintains the Splendor’s characteristically straightforward lines, though the larger engine necessitates slightly revised proportions. The increased displacement is visually acknowledged through moderately larger side panels bearing “125” graphics, though the overall silhouette remains unmistakably Splendor. The tail section receives subtle refinement with an LED light unit that incorporates a distinctive light pattern without abandoning the basic shape familiar to generations of riders.
Color options demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the Splendor’s diverse customer base. Traditional choices like Black with Red stripes and Candy Blazing Red remain available for conservative buyers, while contemporary options including “Electric Blue” and a particularly handsome “Matte Green” with gold pinstriping cater to younger riders seeking more visual impact. This dual approach to color strategy mirrors the motorcycle’s broader positioning—respecting tradition while embracing modernity.
Materials and finish quality show noticeable improvement throughout, with more substantial switchgear, tighter panel gaps, and improved paint depth compared to the 100-110cc variants. These enhancements acknowledge the Splendor 125’s higher price point while reinforcing Hero’s commitment to elevating the ownership experience beyond mere displacement increases.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Familiar Territory with Meaningful Improvements
Rider ergonomics maintain the upright, neutral triangle that has defined the Splendor experience for decades—a posture that prioritizes all-day comfort and visibility in traffic over sporting pretensions. The seat height remains accessible at 785mm, allowing riders across a wide range of heights to place both feet securely at stops—a crucial consideration for a motorcycle that will frequently navigate congested urban environments.
The seat itself receives meaningful updates with multi-density foam that provides better support during longer journeys without compromising the relatively narrow profile that enables confident foot placement. The slightly increased length (up approximately 15mm) offers more positional options for riders of different statures, while the pillion section features improved contouring and a slightly raised profile that enhances passenger comfort—an important consideration for a motorcycle often used for family transportation.
Handlebar positioning remains oriented toward comfort, with a slight rise that places the grips at a natural height that reduces wrist strain during extended riding. The reach to both controls and grips has been calibrated to accommodate the typically smaller average height of Indian riders, demonstrating Hero’s deep understanding of their core market’s physical characteristics.
Footpeg placement maintains the neutral, directly-below-the-rider position that contributes to the Splendor’s ease-of-use reputation. This positioning allows easy weight shifting when navigating tight traffic situations—a common requirement in Indian urban environments—while providing adequate ground clearance for navigating rough roads when necessary.
Vibration management shows significant improvement over the smaller-displacement Splendors, with revised engine mounting points and handlebar weights that effectively minimize buzzing at typical cruising speeds of 60-70 km/h. Some character-defining pulse remains present at idle and lower speeds, but never intrudes into discomfort territory—an appropriate balance for a motorcycle that aims to deliver an engaging yet relaxed riding experience.
Heat management, a crucial consideration for Indian conditions, demonstrates thoughtful engineering. Even during prolonged idle periods in Delhi’s summer traffic, engine heat remains well-contained without creating discomfort for the rider’s legs—a real-world test that many motorcycles struggle to pass convincingly, particularly those with increased displacement and performance.
Powertrain: Considered Performance with Trademark Efficiency
The heart of the Splendor 125 is an air-cooled single-cylinder engine that shares its fundamental architecture with Hero’s existing 125cc offerings but receives specific tuning to align with the Splendor’s character. This 124.7cc unit features programmed fuel injection, two valves, and Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology that automatically shuts off the engine after a brief idle period and restarts it instantly when the clutch is engaged.
Output figures stand at 10.8 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 10.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm—modest numbers by performance motorcycle standards but representing approximately 25% more power than the standard Splendor. More significant than peak figures is the engine’s character, which prioritizes low-end tractability and mid-range responsiveness over high-rpm performance—an appropriate approach for a motorcycle focused on real-world usability rather than specification sheet comparisons.
The five-speed gearbox represents a significant upgrade from the four-speed transmissions found in smaller Splendors, providing more closely spaced ratios that keep the engine in its optimal operating range while enabling more relaxed cruising on open roads. Shift quality impresses with precise engagement and reasonable effort, though the action isn’t quite as slick as some Japanese competitors—a minor compromise that most riders will adjust to quickly.
Performance proves entirely adequate for the intended purpose, with 0-60 km/h requiring approximately 5.9 seconds and a top speed of around 95 km/h—sufficient for confident highway merging while maintaining mechanical sympathy. More relevant to everyday usability is the improved overtaking capability, with 30-70 km/h in top gear requiring significantly less time than smaller-displacement variants—a meaningful safety enhancement when navigating mixed traffic conditions.
Fuel efficiency naturally receives tremendous focus given the Splendor legacy, and Hero engineers have worked to minimize the consumption penalty typically associated with displacement increases. Under standardized testing conditions, the Splendor 125 returns approximately 65 km/l—approximately 8-10% less than the 110cc variant but still exceptional by any objective standard. Real-world testing across varied conditions consistently yielded 58-62 km/l, translating to over 650 kilometers from the 13-liter fuel tank—range anxiety simply isn’t part of the ownership experience.
Refinement levels impress throughout the rev range, with smooth throttle response and minimal snatchiness during on-off transitions—a characteristic particularly valuable during low-speed maneuvering. The engine note strikes a pleasing balance—a subdued thrum at idle that builds to a more purposeful note under acceleration without ever becoming intrusive during steady cruising.
Chassis and Handling: Stability Meets Maneuverability
The Splendor 125 utilizes a conventional tubular double-cradle frame that prioritizes stability and durability over minimizing weight—appropriate priorities for a motorcycle focused on day-to-day practicality. Front suspension comes from telescopic forks with 120mm travel, while twin rear shock absorbers offer 5-step preload adjustment to accommodate varying loads and rider weights.
This conventional setup delivers predictable handling that inspires confidence across varied road conditions. The motorcycle turns in with reasonable eagerness while maintaining stability once leaned over—a character that proves particularly valuable when navigating the unpredictable traffic patterns common in Indian cities. The 1,245mm wheelbase strikes an effective balance between straight-line stability and low-speed maneuverability, allowing confident highway cruising without compromising the ability to navigate tight urban environments.
Ride quality demonstrates thoughtful damping calibration, with compliance over smaller imperfections while maintaining enough control to prevent bottoming out over larger obstacles. This balance proves especially appreciable on the inconsistent surfaces that characterize many Indian roads, where overly firm suspension can quickly become fatiguing while excessively soft setups compromise control during more demanding situations.
Braking duties are handled by a 240mm disc up front (on higher variants; lower trims use a 130mm drum) complemented by a 130mm drum at the rear. This combination provides progressive stopping power with good feel through the lever, allowing precise modulation in varied conditions. The combined braking system (CBS) distributes braking force between front and rear when the rear brake is applied—a valuable safety feature for less experienced riders who might otherwise rely too heavily on the rear brake alone. During emergency braking tests from 60 km/h, the disc-equipped variant consistently achieved stops in approximately 18.5 meters—respectable figures that inspire confidence during daily riding.
The 18-inch wheels front and rear represent a continuation of Splendor tradition rather than following the trend toward smaller diameters. This choice enhances stability when traversing rough surfaces—a practical advantage on inconsistent rural roads—while providing a larger contact patch for improved grip during wet conditions. Tubeless tires come standard even on base variants, offering meaningful safety benefits through gradual rather than sudden air loss in puncture situations.
Technology Integration: Practical Innovation
Hero has taken a measured approach to technology implementation on the Splendor 125, focusing on features that enhance the ownership experience without introducing unnecessary complexity or potential reliability concerns. This approach aligns perfectly with the Splendor ethos of dependable functionality rather than novelty for its own sake.
The instrument cluster combines an analog speedometer with a digital information display providing essential data including fuel level, odometer, trip meter, and service reminders. Higher variants add real-time fuel efficiency monitoring and range prediction—useful tools that help riders maximize the motorcycle’s economic advantages. The display offers excellent legibility in varied lighting conditions, with automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient light levels.
The aforementioned i3S system represents meaningful innovation with tangible benefits, reducing fuel consumption and emissions during frequent stops without requiring rider intervention beyond normal clutch operation. During testing in Delhi’s stop-and-go traffic, this system alone contributed an estimated 5-7% improvement in overall efficiency—a significant advantage that directly impacts operating costs.
LED lighting throughout provides improved visibility while reducing power consumption and offering greater longevity than conventional bulbs. The headlight in particular demonstrates impressive performance, with a well-defined beam pattern that effectively illuminates the road ahead without excessive scatter that might dazzle oncoming traffic.
Hero’s smartphone connectivity solution appears on higher variants, enabling basic functions including call and message notifications through a Bluetooth-connected module that pairs with the Hero app. While not offering the comprehensive connectivity of more premium motorcycles, this implementation provides essential functionality without introducing unnecessary complexity or cost—an appropriate balance for the intended usage.
A USB-C charging port positioned discretely beneath the seat provides convenient power for devices, delivering enough output to maintain or increase charge during longer journeys. This practical addition acknowledges the increasingly connected nature of even budget-conscious riders without compromising the motorcycle’s clean design or adding potential water ingress points on the handlebar area.
Ownership Experience: The Core Competitive Advantage
Hero has complemented the Splendor 125’s physical attributes with an ownership program that reinforces the nameplate’s core values of reliability, affordability, and hassle-free operation. Warranty coverage extends to 5 years as standard—an industry-leading figure that demonstrates confidence in the product’s durability while providing valuable peace of mind for buyers often operating on tight budgets.
Service intervals are set at 6,000 kilometers or six months, whichever comes first—longer than the typical 3,000-kilometer intervals common among competitors. This extended schedule reduces both maintenance costs and the time commitment required for routine service, addressing a key consideration for riders who depend on their motorcycles for daily transportation and income generation.
Parts availability represents perhaps Hero’s greatest competitive advantage, with the company’s unparalleled network ensuring that even routine wear items remain readily available throughout India. This comprehensive coverage proves particularly valuable for riders in rural areas, where competing brands often struggle to maintain consistent parts supply. During conversations with owners of previous-generation Splendors, this factor was consistently mentioned as a primary reason for brand loyalty—a practical consideration often overlooked in more performance-focused evaluations.
Operating costs benefit from both the excellent fuel efficiency and Hero’s efforts to minimize routine maintenance expenses. The company claims up to 30% lower lifetime maintenance costs compared to some competitors, a figure supported by competitive service pricing and extended service intervals. For a motorcycle often purchased by economically sensitive buyers, these ongoing savings prove as important as the initial purchase price in determining overall value.
Market Positioning and Value Proposition
Priced at ₹79,800 for the base variant and ₹85,500 for the fully-equipped model (ex-showroom), the Splendor 125 positions itself as a premium offering within Hero’s commuter lineup while maintaining competitive pricing against established 125cc competitors like the Honda CB Shine and Bajaj Pulsar 125.
Three variants span the range, with even the base model including essential features like i3S technology, tubeless tires, and LED headlight. The mid-range variant adds the front disc brake and digital-analog instrumentation, while the top-spec version includes alloy wheels, smartphone connectivity, and premium color options—a logical progression that allows buyers to select a specification that matches their priorities and budget.
The value proposition centers around the combination of the trusted Splendor name with enhanced performance and features that acknowledge evolving market expectations. By maintaining the core Splendor attributes of efficiency, reliability, and low running costs while introducing meaningful improvements in areas where the standard model can feel somewhat basic, Hero has created a compelling option for existing Splendor owners looking to upgrade without leaving their comfort zone.
Real-World Performance: Living with the Legend
During three weeks of testing across varied conditions, the Splendor 125 demonstrated remarkable versatility that aligns perfectly with its intended purpose. Morning commutes through Delhi’s notorious traffic revealed excellent low-speed maneuverability and clutch control that prevented the fatigue often associated with dense urban riding. The improved power and torque compared to smaller Splendors proved particularly valuable when navigating gaps in traffic, providing additional confidence without encouraging risky behavior.
Weekend excursions to nearby areas showcased the motorcycle’s surprising long-distance capability, maintaining comfortable cruising at 70-80 km/h with enough reserve for confident overtaking when required. Fuel efficiency remained consistent even during more enthusiastic riding, with the worst figure recorded still exceeding 56 km/l—impressive consistency that translates to predictable range regardless of riding conditions.
The riding position proved comfortable for journeys of up to three hours without requiring breaks, while the seat provided adequate support without creating pressure points or numbness. Wind protection, while minimal, proved sufficient for sustained highway travel without excessive fatigue—a pleasant surprise for a motorcycle in this category not specifically designed for touring.
Perhaps most impressively, the Splendor 125 maintained its composure across these varied scenarios, never feeling out of its depth or compromised by trying to excel in too many areas simultaneously. This balanced approach feels entirely appropriate for a motorcycle that will serve as primary transportation for many owners while occasionally being asked to provide recreational enjoyment beyond pure commuting.
Hero Splendor 125 Honorable Evolution of a National Institution
The 2025 Hero Splendor 125 represents a thoughtful expansion of an iconic nameplate, introducing meaningful improvements while maintaining the fundamental qualities that have made the Splendor India’s most trusted motorcycle for generations. Rather than attempting to reinvent a successful formula, Hero has carefully calibrated the balance between enhancement and continuity—evolution rather than revolution, but no less significant for taking the measured approach.
What emerges is a motorcycle that offers genuine progression for existing Splendor owners while maintaining the attributes that attracted them to the nameplate initially. The improved performance, enhanced features, and more contemporary aesthetic create a compelling upgrade path that acknowledges changing market expectations without abandoning the practicality and value orientation that remains central to the Splendor identity.