Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel vs TVS Radeon: Detailed Comparison

The Indian commuter motorcycle space could make you spoiled for choices, but the Hero Splendor Plus and the TVS Radeon are two of the most dependable options. However, the latest additions to their lineup are changing the game, reshaping the commuter motorcycle segment and challenging long-held perceptions of what an everyday bike can be. One brings future-ready flex-fuel technology to the table, while the other makes the otherwise mundane segment interesting with contemporary features. If you are stuck deciding between these two, this detailed comparison should help you make up your mind.

Price & Variants

• The Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel comes in only a single standard trim, while the TVS Radeon is available in 4 variants, allowing buyers to choose between affordability and premium features.

• The base TVS Radeon undercuts the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel by a significant margin of about Rs 24,000, and even its feature-loaded Digi Disc trim is priced slightly more affordably, considering the Hero’s standard price.

• Hero is offering a Rs 4,000 introductory discount on the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel till July 2026. Still, it is significantly pricier than most of the Radeon variants.

• Both bikes come with a complimentary 5-year warranty, but it lasts up to 70,000km for Hero and 60,000km for TVS.

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Dimensions and Design

• While the Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel is a bit wider, the extra length and height give the Radeon slightly more commanding road presence.

• The Radeon’s longer wheelbase contributes to better straight-line stability, and its higher ground clearance gives it an edge over broken patches.

• Both motorcycles weigh pretty similarly and have nearly identical seat heights as well, making them equally accessible to all riders.

• When it comes to styling, the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. It retains the iconic design that has helped make the Splendor one of the most successful motorcycles in history. With its simple, utilitarian looks and unmistakably familiar silhouette, it prioritises practicality over flashiness, and that's precisely where its charm lies.

• The TVS Radeon builds on the same straightforward design philosophy, adding a vintage touch to its functional design with chrome accents and bold styling cues. Its ribbed seat, chrome mirrors and tank pads further highlight its classic appeal. Plus, it offers 8 colour options, including two dual-tone options.

Ride and Handling

• Built on a double-cradle frame, the Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel offers better rigidity and straight-line stability, and absorbs braking forces more nicely.

• Both motorcycles feature a similar suspension setup, 18-inch alloy wheels, and tyres, offering a plush, comfortable ride quality.

• The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel has a slightly larger rear drum brake, offering a superior rear braking performance.

• The front of the Splendor is similar to the lower trims of the Radeon. However, TVS offers a front disc brake in the top-spec variant, providing it with an edge in overall braking performance.

• While the segment itself doesn’t offer flaunting features, the TVS Radeon breaks the barrier, scoring a huge leap ahead in this department.

• Both come with halogen headlamps; however, the Radeon also gets an LED daytime running lamp.

• The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel features a digital-analogue instrument cluster, but its small LCD just displays the fuel level. The Radeon, meanwhile, gets a reverse LCD display at a lower cost that looks premium, and brings features such as a real-time mileage indicator, power mode and tachometer.

• A USB charging port, side-stand engine cut-off, alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, and electric start are common features among both bikes.

• Hero’s IBS and TVS’ SBT are similar features, offering safe braking by distributing stopping power to both front and rear ends through the rear brake lever. The top-spec Radeon also has the advantage of a front disc brake, providing a sharper bite.

• The only extra feature that the Splendour Plus Flex Fuel offers is the Idle Stop-Start System (i3S), which helps save fuel in traffic.

Engine & Performance

• Both motorcycles have similar types of engines, but the TVS Radeon has a slightly larger one.

• The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel is compatible with a much wider range of ethanol-blended fuels. The E85 fuel is cheaper, but available only at select pumps in limited cities. Meanwhile, the Radeon makes up for it with better fuel efficiency with widely available E20 fuel.

• The Radeon delivers higher peak torque at much lower RPM compared to the Splendor Flex Fuel. This gives the Radeon a slight advantage in pulling power, and it also feels more effortless in city traffic without needing to rev the engine hard.

Verdict

The Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel takes the tried-and-tested formula that has been leading the segment for decades, and makes it future-proof with the Flex Fuel Technology. It has limitations in terms of fuel efficiency, features, a single colour and trim option, and mundane styling. However, it brings future-ready fuel technology to a familiar package, reducing emissions without compromising the trusted character and practicality of the Splendor platform.

The TVS Radeon, on the other hand, is more affordable, feature-rich, and practical for everyday use. It has a bigger engine, more torque at lower revs, a longer wheelbase, better ground clearance, and a wider range of colour choices and variants. On top of that, you get the option to save a significant amount of money or choose motorcycles that offer segment-first features, all at a price point similar to the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.

The choice depends on whether you want an environmentally conscious ride, affordability, or some premium features to flaunt.

Comparisons With Other Rivals

• The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel uses the same 97.2 cc engine and flex-fuel technology, but is priced around Rs 10,000 lower.

• The regular Splendor Plus is priced affordably by about Rs 4,000 but misses out on flex-fuel capability.

• The TVS Star City Plus features a larger engine, a front disc brake option, and sportier styling, making it a more premium alternative to the Splendor Flex Fuel in the same price range.

• The TVS Sport is one of India's most affordable commuter bikes, undercutting the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel by a substantial margin.

• The Bajaj Platina 100 is priced more competitively and is widely known for its excellent mileage.

• The Shine 100 brings Honda's refinement and Japanese brand trust at a lower price point.