The morning sun had barely risen over the horizon when Rakesh Sharma kickstarted his 12-year-old Hero Splendor. The familiar putt-putt sound that has become the unofficial soundtrack of Indian mornings echoed through the narrow lane of his neighborhood in Kanpur. For millions like Rakesh, the Splendor has transcended its identity as a mere motorcycle to become an indispensable life companion — carrying families, enabling livelihoods, and connecting communities across the vast Indian landscape.
At Hero MotoCorp’s expansive Neemrana facility, engineers and designers have spent the past three years contemplating a challenging question: How do you improve a motorcycle that has achieved near-perfect market fit? The answer emerges in the form of the Hero Splendor Plus XTEC 2025, the most significant evolution in the model’s storied four-decade history.
Tradition Meets Technology: The Design Philosophy
The silhouette remains instantly recognizable — the gentle curve of the fuel tank, the upright riding position, the practical dimensions that have made the Splendor accessible to riders of all statures. Yet subtle changes reveal themselves upon closer inspection. The headlamp housing, while maintaining its circular shape, now incorporates LED elements arranged in a distinctive pattern that creates a unique light signature. This H-shaped illumination pattern serves both practical and brand-building purposes, making the motorcycle instantly identifiable even in darkness.
“We approached this design evolution with tremendous respect for the Splendor’s heritage,” explains Sukanya Bose, Head of Industrial Design at Hero MotoCorp. “Our research showed that owners feel a genuine emotional connection to the Splendor’s appearance. Radical changes would betray that trust, so we focused on refinement rather than revolution.”
This refinement extends to the body panels, which feature more pronounced character lines and improved fit and finish. The side panels incorporate subtle vents that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, directing airflow around the engine for better cooling during the prolonged idling that characterizes urban commuting. The fenders receive similar treatment, with slightly sharper creases that modernize the appearance without sacrificing the simplicity that has always defined the Splendor.
Color options reflect a thoughtful balance between tradition and contemporary tastes. Classic solid colors like Black, Maroon, and Hero’s signature red remain available, joined by modern metallic finishes and two-tone options that appeal to younger buyers. Each color variation includes subtle pinstriping — hand-applied in Hero’s factory in a continuation of a craft tradition that has become increasingly rare in modern manufacturing.
Heart of the Matter: Powertrain Evolution
Beneath the familiar exterior lies the most significant update to the Splendor platform. The 2025 XTEC variant retains the fundamental architecture of Hero’s bulletproof 110cc single-cylinder engine but introduces technologies previously reserved for the company’s premium offerings.
The most notable addition is Hero’s i3s (Idle Stop-Start System), now in its third generation. This system automatically shuts off the engine when idling for more than seven seconds and restarts instantly with a touch of the clutch lever. While the technology itself isn’t new, the implementation has been refined specifically for the unique usage patterns of Splendor riders.
“We analyzed data from over 10,000 Splendor owners across different regions and discovered that the average rider encounters 35 to 40 complete stops during a typical commute,” notes Rahul Vaidya, Lead Powertrain Engineer. “By optimizing the stop-start system for these specific conditions, we’ve achieved real-world fuel efficiency improvements of 9% in city riding patterns.”
This focus on efficiency extends to the combustion chamber design, which has been reengineered using computational fluid dynamics to optimize flame propagation. The result is more complete combustion that improves both fuel efficiency and emissions performance, helping the Splendor comfortably exceed BS6 Phase 2 requirements while maintaining its position as one of the most economical motorcycles on the market. Hero claims an impressive 80 kilometers per liter under standard testing conditions, with most owners likely to experience 70-75 km/l in typical usage.
Power output increases modestly to 9.5 horsepower and 10.2 Nm of torque — figures that seem unambitious until viewed through the lens of the Splendor’s true purpose. “Power figures aren’t the point,” Vaidya emphasizes. “We’ve reshaped the torque curve to deliver more usable power in the 30-60 km/h range where Splendor riders spend most of their time. The motorcycle feels more responsive in exactly the situations that matter for everyday riding.”
The transmission receives similar attention to real-world usability. The four-speed gearbox features revised ratios in third and fourth gears, with slightly taller gearing that better matches highway cruising speeds — an acknowledgment that many Splendors now travel on the excellent highway network that has developed across India in recent years. The shift mechanism itself has been completely redesigned with shorter throws and more positive engagement, addressing a minor but persistent complaint from longtime owners.
The XTEC Advantage: Digital Integration for the Masses
The “XTEC” designation that has become increasingly prominent across Hero’s lineup signals the integration of technology that enhances the ownership experience without compromising the fundamental simplicity that defines the Splendor ethos. For the 2025 model, this manifests most visibly in the new instrument cluster.
The traditional analog speedometer remains — a deliberate choice that acknowledges many owners’ preference for familiar, glance-readable instrumentation. It’s now complemented by a digital display that provides information previously unavailable to Splendor riders: real-time fuel efficiency, service reminders, trip information, and gear position indication. The display uses transflective technology that remains readable in direct sunlight, a crucial consideration for a motorcycle that spends most of its life outdoors.
More significantly, select variants of the Splendor Plus XTEC incorporate Bluetooth connectivity that pairs with a dedicated smartphone application. This system enables call and SMS notifications through a small indicator on the instrument panel, navigation guidance via simple directional arrows, and maintenance tracking that provides predictive service reminders based on actual usage patterns rather than just odometer readings.
“We were careful to implement technology that solves real problems rather than creating distractions,” explains Priya Mehta, User Experience Director. “The average Splendor owner uses their motorcycle as essential transportation, often in demanding conditions. Our connected features focus on enhancing safety, reliability, and convenience without adding complexity.”
This philosophy extends to the physical interface elements. The switchgear has been completely redesigned with improved tactile feedback and weather resistance, addressing a common failure point in motorcycles used extensively during monsoon seasons. The ignition key now incorporates an anti-theft immobilizer on higher-end variants — a feature that reflects the Splendor’s status as a valuable family asset worthy of protection.
Chassis and Suspension: Refined for Modern Roads
While the Splendor’s core architecture remains unchanged, the chassis receives meaningful updates that enhance both comfort and capability. The frame itself undergoes selective reinforcement at key stress points, resulting in a 15% increase in torsional rigidity with minimal weight gain. This translates to more precise handling and improved stability at highway speeds — an increasing priority as improved road infrastructure allows for higher sustained velocities.
The suspension geometry has been recalibrated to provide better absorption of the varied surface conditions encountered across India. The front telescopic forks receive internal valving changes that improve damping on sharp impacts like speed breakers and potholes, while the rear twin shock absorbers adopt a rising-rate design that provides progressive resistance as compression increases.
“We tested prototypes across extremely diverse conditions,” notes Vijay Sharma, who led the chassis development team. “From the smooth highways of Gujarat to the monsoon-damaged rural roads of Maharashtra and the crowded urban environments of Delhi and Bangalore, we refined the suspension tuning to deliver the best possible balance for real Indian conditions.”
Tire specification remains conservative with 80/100-18 front and rear sizes, maintaining the easy handling characteristics and low rolling resistance that contribute to the Splendor’s efficiency. However, the compound has been revised to provide better wet-weather grip without sacrificing longevity — a crucial consideration for owners who depend on their motorcycles throughout the year.
Braking sees significant improvement with the introduction of integrated braking technology on all variants. This system, which applies proportional front brake pressure when the rear brake is engaged, provides more balanced deceleration particularly for less experienced riders. Higher-spec versions add pulsed braking that provides a rudimentary antilock function during emergency stops on loose or wet surfaces.
Practical Innovations: The Details That Matter
Throughout the development process, Hero’s engineers maintained focus on the practical details that define the ownership experience. The fuel tank capacity increases marginally to 12 liters, providing an impressive theoretical range of over 800 kilometers between refills. The filler cap incorporates a hinge mechanism that prevents loss — a small but thoughtful touch that addresses a common irritation.
Storage capacity, always at a premium on commuter motorcycles, receives attention through the addition of a small but useful compartment integrated into the front cowl. This lockable space provides secure storage for a mobile phone, wallet, and essential documents — items previously stored precariously in under-seat compartments that were vulnerable during monsoon conditions.
The seat itself has been completely redesigned with multiple density foam sections that provide better support during longer journeys. The cover material incorporates UV-resistant treatment that prevents the fading and cracking that often affects motorcycles parked outdoors during India’s intense summer months. The pillion portion of the seat is now slightly wider with a more secure grab rail, acknowledging the Splendor’s frequent use as family transportation.
Electrical capacity receives a meaningful upgrade with the addition of a USB-C charging port discretely positioned below the instrument cluster, providing convenient power for mobile devices. The entire electrical system has been weatherproofed to IP67 standards — a significant improvement that addresses a common failure point during severe weather.
Even the side stand has received engineering attention, with a new design that includes both a safety interlock to prevent riding with the stand deployed and a larger foot that prevents the motorcycle from sinking into soft surfaces. This seemingly minor detail reflects deep understanding of how Splendors are actually used across varied terrain.
Manufacturing and Sustainability: Responsible Evolution
The 2025 Splendor Plus XTEC represents not just a product evolution but a manufacturing one as well. Production takes place at Hero’s Neemrana facility, which has undergone significant modernization to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the robust quality control that has defined the Splendor’s reputation for reliability.
“We’ve reduced water consumption in the painting process by 35% compared to five years ago,” explains Anand Gopal, Head of Manufacturing. “Solar panels now provide almost 40% of the electricity for the production line, while improved material efficiency has reduced waste by nearly half.”
This sustainability focus extends to the product itself. The new engine design reduces oil consumption by approximately 20% over the lifecycle, while component longevity has been improved across numerous wear items. The battery now incorporates maintenance-free technology with twice the service life of conventional lead-acid units, reducing replacement frequency and associated environmental impact.
Even packaging has received attention, with plastic components reduced by 70% in favor of biodegradable alternatives. Owner’s manuals now utilize recycled paper, while dealership materials emphasize digital documentation over printed materials wherever possible.
Market Positioning and Variants: Choice Without Complexity
Hero’s approach to the Splendor Plus XTEC lineup reflects sophisticated understanding of their diverse customer base. Rather than overwhelming buyers with excessive choices, the range is streamlined into three clearly differentiated variants:
The entry-level Splendor Plus XTEC Standard offers the core improvements in engine efficiency and build quality at a price point that maintains accessibility for first-time buyers. The middle-tier Splendor Plus XTEC Deluxe adds the digital instrument cluster, USB charging, and integrated braking system. The flagship Splendor Plus XTEC Smart incorporates the full connected feature set, immobilizer, and enhanced braking technology.
This tiered approach allows buyers to select the technology level that matches their needs and budget without compromising on the fundamental Splendor experience. Importantly, all variants share identical maintenance procedures and parts availability, ensuring that the ownership experience remains consistent regardless of initial purchase decision.
Pricing strategy reflects Hero’s commitment to the Splendor’s position as an accessible option for the masses. While official figures remain unannounced, industry sources suggest the range will start approximately 8% above the current Splendor Plus, with the fully-featured Smart variant commanding a 15% premium. Even at these increased price points, the Splendor remains positioned as an attainable aspiration for its core demographic of practical commuters seeking reliable, efficient transportation.
Hero Splendor Plus XTEC 2025 Evolutionary Perfection of a Cultural Icon
As the 2025 Hero Splendor Plus XTEC prepares to enter production, it represents a masterclass in thoughtful product evolution. Rather than chasing headline-grabbing features or radical redesigns, Hero has focused on meaningful improvements to an already exceptional product, enhancing the ownership experience without compromising the core attributes that have made the Splendor an institution on Indian roads.
For the millions of current Splendor owners considering their next motorcycle purchase, the 2025 XTEC offers enough advancement to justify the upgrade without requiring adaptation to an unfamiliar machine. For first-time buyers, it presents the authentic Splendor experience enhanced by carefully selected modern touches that address contemporary needs.