Revolt RVX vs Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel: Detailed Comparison

The commuter motorcycle market in India has become more diverse than ever, offering not just regular petrol options but also flex-fuel and electric technology. This is exactly what makes this comparison one of a kind, as we compare an electric motorcycle with one that can run on up to E85 fuel. On one side stands the Revolt RVX, a connected electric motorcycle packed with premium hardware and modern technology. On the other is the country's most trusted commuter, the Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel, re-engineered to embrace a future where ethanol could play a bigger role than petrol. Both are trying to reduce petrol dependency and promote sustainable daily commuting in their own ways, but which one makes more sense for you? Let's find out.

Price & Variants

• Both motorcycles are available in one standard variant.

• The Revolt RVX commands a premium of about Rs 42,000 over the Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel. The price difference, however, could be lower in various states, depending on state-specific EV subsidies.

• Both manufacturers are offering impressive warranties on these bikes. The RVX comes with 5-year/60,000km coverage on the bike and an even more impressive 8-year/80,000km warranty specifically on the battery. Hero is also offering a 5-year/70,000 km warranty on the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.

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Dimensions and Design

• The Revolt RVX looks slightly bigger, sharper and sportier than the Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.

• The RVX has a significantly higher ground clearance, which should give it an edge over broken patches and giant speed breakers.

• The lower seat height makes the Splendor Plus more accessible to shorter riders, while taller riders should find the RVX more comfortable.

• The Revolt RVX has a sporty, youthful design that looks every bit like a contemporary electric motorcycle with its sharp LED headlamp and tail section, muscular tank shape, aerodynamic front cowl, stepped seat and wide tyres. 

• The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel, meanwhile, sticks to the tried-and-tested boxy silhouette that has made the Splendor a household name.

Ride and Handling

• Both bikes should feel rather comfortable to ride

• The RVX's suspension setup is also genuinely premium for its price, and should offer a composed, sporty feel. Plus, wider tyres could provide it with better grip during cornering and acceleration.

• On the other hand, the Splendor’s suspension should be in tune with its commute-friendly nature, and thus give it an easy, relaxed ride.

• Another advantage of the RVX is stronger braking with disc brakes at both ends, while the Splendor uses drum brakes at the front and rear. 

Features and Technology

• The Revolt RVX features contemporary all-LED lighting, while the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel has the old-school halogen lamps.

• The RVX is a clear winner when it comes to technology and features. Its 3.5-inch colour LCD console with Bluetooth connectivity, live GPS tracking, geo-fencing, SOS alerts, voice control, OTA updates, and the MyRevolt app ecosystem make it feel like a very premium motorcycle rather than just a commuter bike.

• Four riding modes let you tailor the RVX’s performance, allowing you to choose between quicker acceleration or maximum efficiency.

• The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel gets Hero's i3S system, which switches off the engine during brief idling to save fuel. The RVX doesn't need such a feature, as it consumes virtually no energy while stationary.

• The RVX also gets useful rider aids like Hill Hold, Walk Assist and Reverse Mode, making everyday riding and parking much more convenient.

• The only extra feature on the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel is a USB charging port for smartphones, which, surprisingly, is missing on the RVX despite it being a connected motorcycle.

Engine/Motor and Performance

• Both motorcycles couldn’t be more different in anything other than their powertrains. The Revolt RVX is driven by a mid-mounted electric motor paired with a 3.24 kWh lithium-ion battery, while the Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel relies on a simple, small-capacity yet refined flex-fuel petrol engine.

• The RVX’s electric motor is rated for less power than the Splendor’s petrol engine.

• The clutchless operation of the RVX should be a boon in traffic, noticeably reducing fatigue.

• If you ride up to 30 km per day, the RVX's 160km IDC range should be sufficient. That means you would have to charge every 3 to 4 days. 

•  The Splendor, however, offers a much longer range on a full tank, can be refuelled in just 3–5 minutes, and benefits from the widespread availability of petrol pumps.

Verdict

Aimed at riders who want a futuristic ride with premium equipment, the Revolt RVX totally makes sense. It surely commands a significant premium upfront, but can also offset that extra investment with long-term savings. 

The Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel, meanwhile, is a more accessible option that is also easier to live with. Its biggest advantages are its familiar design and powertrain, instant refuelling, compatibility with up to E85 (85 per cent ethanol-blended) petrol and lower price.

The choice comes down to whether you want to spend less upfront for a dependable commuter or invest a little more in a sporty, future-ready motorcycle that can save you money in the long run. 

Comparisons With Other Rivals

• The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel uses the same 97.2 cc flex-fuel powertrain but is priced around Rs 10,000 lower than the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.

• The standard Hero Splendor Plus is about Rs 4,000 more affordable than its Flex Fuel version.

• The TVS Star City Plus looks sportier and packs a slightly larger engine than the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel at a broadly similar price point.

• Along with a slightly bigger engine, the TVS Radeon brings better low-end torque and more premium features at a comparable price.

• Known for outstanding mileage, the Bajaj Platina 100 undercuts the Flex Fuel on price by a significant margin.

• One of the most affordable motorcycles in India, the TVS Sport costs around Rs 23,000-24,000 less than the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.

• The Honda Shine 100 brings Honda's renowned refinement, smooth engine character, and build quality at a lower price than the Flex Fuel Splendor.