Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel vs Bajaj Platina 100: Detailed Comparison

The Hero Splendor and the Bajaj Platina are two of India's most popular names in the commuter motorcycle space, and their latest derivatives are giving riders a reason to think differently about how they buy an everyday motorcycle. The new Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel promises future readiness by running on up to 85 per cent ethanol-blended petrol. Meanwhile, the Bajaj Platina 100 improved on what it has always delivered: a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and affordable ride. Well, that can make anyone confused about which one to pick, but this detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision.

Price & Variants

• The Bajaj Platina 100 undercuts the Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel by a noticeable margin of about Rs 14,000.

• Even with a discounted introductory pricing, the Splendor Flex Fuel costs Rs 10,000 more than the Platina 100.

• Both bikes come with a 5-year standard warranty. However, the warranty mileage limit for Hero is 70,000km, while for Bajaj it is 75,000km.

Dimensions & Design

• Both motorcycles look more or less similar in overall size. The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel, however, weighs slightly less and that, combined with a lower seat height, makes it more accessible to shorter riders. On the other hand, taller riders will find the Bajaj Platina 100 a bit more suitable.

• A slightly longer wheelbase adds to the Platina’s straight-line stability, while a shorter one makes the Splendor a bit easier to flick.

• The highest in the 100cc commuter space, the Platina 100's ground clearance gives it a solid edge over broken roads and the tallest speed breakers. Plus, its larger fuel tank gives it a longer range than the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.

• The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel carries the same familiar boxy silhouette that has been a preferred choice on Indian roads for decades. Though the new Lime Yellow body graphics try to make it feel contemporary, it is the timeless design that actually makes it feel aspirational.

• The Bajaj Platina 100, on the other hand, is a more understated, utilitarian character than the slightly more polished Splendor. It keeps things even simpler and straightforward, with slim body panels, a basic analogue console, and a no-frills approach.

• The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel forces a single colour scheme, while the Platina 100 offers buyers their preferred choice with four distinct options.

Ride and Handling

• The double cradle frame offers better rigidity and load-bearing capacity to the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel, while the Bajaj Platina 100’s split cradle frame keeps a balance between stability and agility.

• The Splendor gets a decent suspension setup tuned for a plush daily ride, but the Platina 100 levels up comfort with longer front-fork travel and Spring-in-Spring rear suspension. 

• Larger wheels add to the Splendor’s stability and comfort, while the smaller ones make the Platina’s handling feel a bit more dynamic.

• The Splendor’s tubeless tyres are far more convenient in a puncture as they lose air slowly, and repairing is easier too, as compared to the Platina’s tubed tyres.

• The Splendor Plus Flex also has an advantage in braking performance as well, thanks to a slightly larger rear brake drum.

Features & Equipment

• While neither of the two offers exceptionally flauntable features, the Splendor Flex Fuel still comes with a few extras, such as i3S, USB charging port and side-stand engine cut-off system.

• The Splendor also comes with tubeless tyres, while the Platina gets old-school tubed tyres.

• Both bikes get electric start, alloy wheels and a halogen headlamp, but the Platina also features an LED DRL.

Engine & Performance

• Both bikes are very closely matched in engine capacity.

• The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel’s engine delivers nominally extra power with E85 fuel.

• The maximum torque output is identical at 8.3 Nm, but the Platina 100 delivers it earlier in the rev range.

• The biggest difference between the two is that Splendor Plus Flex Fuel can run on up to 85 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E85), which is slightly cheaper and will be widely available in future.

• The Platina 100, meanwhile, makes up for it with better fuel efficiency, with the already widely available E20 petrol.

Verdict

The Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel is a bike you buy for long-term ownership, considering the increasing share of ethanol in future fuel. Combined with features such as the i3S idle stop-start system, digi-analogue cluster, USB charger, and tubeless tyres, the iconic Splendor design makes it an aspirational, forward-thinking package.

The Bajaj Platina 100, on the other hand, is a better value-for-money buy if you just need a basic utilitarian commuter. Though missing out on a few fancy features, it masters the basics, including fuel efficiency and ride comfort. Its longer travel suspension and higher ground clearance make it a great option on Indian roads.

The Bajaj Platina 100 and the Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel are both excellent commuter motorcycles. However, the choice ultimately comes down to whether you want a slightly premium, future-proof bike or you prefer more comfort, better efficiency and affordability for today.

Comparisons With Other Rivals

• The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel uses the same 97.2cc flex-fuel engine, but costs around Rs 10,000 less than the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.

• The standard Splendor Plus is priced around Rs 4,000 less than the Flex Fuel version, but misses out on E85 compatibility.

• While competing in the same price bracket, the TVS Star City Plus steps up with a 110cc engine, LED DRL headlamp, a front disc brake option, and sportier styling.

• Priced similarly to the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel, the top-spec TVS Radeon offers better low-end torque, more convenience features, and a digital display.

• The TVS Sport is a much more affordable option, undercutting the Splendor Flex Fuel by about Rs 24,000.

• While priced lower than the Flex Fuel Splendor, the Shine 100 brings Honda's renowned refinement and build quality.