Hero HF Deluxe BS6 vs Hero Splendor Plus BS6: Family Feud

Here’s how two of the country’s most affordable BS6-compliant motorcycles differ from each other

When Hero MotoCorp launched the HF Deluxe BS6 in January 2020, it was the first BS6-compliant motorcycle in the 100cc category. The bikemaker then updated the venerable Splendor Plus to comply with BS6 emission norms in February 2020. Here’s how different are they from each other:

Design:

The Hero HF Deluxe looks a wee more modern, thanks to its sportier-looking headlight cowl compared to the Splendor’s boxy unit. Hero has made sure the basic design of the Splendor is unchanged because that’s what its target audience prefer. The familiarity aspect of the Splendor adds to its trust factor, and that is one of the reasons why it sells consistently well over the decades of its existence. 

The side panels on both the bikes look more or less the same but at the rear, the Splendor gets a spartan yet utilitarian grab rail with integrated tail rack, whereas the HF Deluxe comes with a silver colour chunky single-piece grab rail. Both bikes have a long, well-cushioned single-piece seat.

Powertrain:

Hero MotoCorp has managed to make the puny 97.2cc single-cylinder air-cooled sloper engine future-proof with the addition of a fuel injection system. Both bikes use the same engine which churns out 8.02PS at 8000rpm and 8.05Nm at 6000rpm. The powerplant is mated to the same 4-speed transmission as before. 

Hero claims the BS6-compliant motor offers 9 per cent better mileage. It also comes with i3S technology (idle Stop Start System), which turns off the engine when it is idling for a while in traffic - to conserve fuel. Pulling the clutch lever turns it back on again.

Underpinnings:

Both bikes have the same no-nonsense foundation. The double cradle frame is linked to a telescopic front fork and twin 5-step preload-adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. Both wheels feature a 130mm drum brake with combined braking system as standard. The two motorcycles also get the same 165mm ground clearance. While the Hero HF Deluxe features a 9.6 litre fuel tank, the Splendor Plus BS6 comes with a slightly bigger 9.8 litre unit. Both bikes are fairly light, at 112kg kerb for the self start variant. 

Verdict:

The Hero HF Deluxe BS6 and the Splendor Plus BS6 are true no-nonsense commuter motorcycles meant for point A to point B commutes. If you want a slightly more youthful-looking motorcycle, then the HF Deluxe will not disappoint you. The Hero Splendor Plus BS6 is for those who want a bulletproof commuter motorcycle that’s reliable enough to last till the end of time.