Hero Splendor Plus XTEC

The Hero Splendor has been in the Indian two-wheeler market for over 30 years. As time passed by, the Splendor was updated with crucial changes to keep up with the modern times. In its latest version, called the Splendor Xtec, Hero has equipped India’s best selling bike with a bunch of modern features, some of which are segment first. The Xtec is the costliest version of the Hero Splendor, and here’s how it fares in the real world:

The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec has retained the Hero Splendor’s iconic looks. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing as the Splendor’s target customers prefer its familiar, simple design. While it retains the squared-off headlight, the Xtec variant gets a neat offset LED DRL (Daytime Running Light). The side panels and the tail section remain simple, and this variant gets minimal stickers, yet looks elegant. The Splendor also gets shiny bits here and there, such as the chromed out engine guard, tail rack and the heat shield. These parts help in making the bike look more premium.

The Hero Splendor Xtec gets a segment-first fully digital (LCD) instrument cluster, that too with Bluetooth connectivity that enables calls and SMS alerts. The console also shows the real-time mileage, again, first in the segment. That said, there’s no turn-by-turn navigation on offer. It also has a USB charging port on the left side of the headlight cowl. Other notable features include a side-stand engine kill function and an idle stop-start system (i3S) which automatically shuts off the engine when it idles in traffic for long. This helps in conserving fuel. If your Splendor tips over, the bank angle sensor automatically detects a fall and cuts off the engine, enhancing safety.

The new Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is now the only 100cc bike to have a full-LED headlight. It also gets an H-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lights), and a H-shaped tail light. The bike now also comes with a hazard light feature as standard, along with a dedicated switch.

The upright riding posture along with the well-cushioned seat make sure the rider doesn’t feel uncomfortable while riding long distances. The 785mm tall seat is narrow, so it’s easy to get on or off the bike even for shorter riders. 

Though the 8.02PS and 8.05Nm output figures are nothing very special, the bike is pretty light, at 112kg. This inherent lightness along with the well-spaced 4-speed gearbox helps in ensuring the bike is lively enough for the city. More importantly, the Hero Splendor mileage is excellent as the Xtec version gave us 83.2kmpl in the city and 95.8kmpl on the highway, in real-world conditions. Best part is the performance is not compromised to achieve such high mileage, as the engine has good low-end performance to make everyday commutes effortless. The good mileage with the 9.8 litre fuel tank should offer around 900km range on a tankful. 

The large 18-inch alloy wheels, the telescopic fork and twin preload-adjustable rear shock absorbers work together very well to ensure a comfortable riding experience on bad roads. The suspension absorbs pretty much everything, including potholes. Whether you’re riding solo or pillion, the Splendor is comfortable on pretty much all kinds of roads. 

Though the brakes offer decent bite, and the lever feel is progressive, helping you modulate braking well, the braking performance could have been much better if Hero had added a front disc as an option. 

The modern updates have helped the Splendor keep up the rivals of this day and age. The new features along with its fuel-efficient engine and comfortable ride quality make it an excellent buy for those who are looking for a no-nonsense, feature-rich commuter bike that’s reliable and has stood the test of time. But that’s only if you don’t mind spending a little extra, considering other manufacturers offer bigger, 110cc bikes for Hero Splendor Plus Xtec price.