Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel vs Hero Splendor Plus: Detailed Comparison

The Hero Splendor has long held the title of the world’s highest-selling motorcycle, and now it has become India’s first 100cc motorcycle with flex-fuel technology. Based on the regular Splendor Plus, the new Splendor Plus Flex Fuel receives 36 component upgrades that enable it to run on ethanol-blended fuel up to E85. The upgraded fuelling system also changes the engine output, and this version brings some new features, too. If you are planning to buy a commuter and are confused whether to go with the regular or the Flex Fuel Splendor Plus, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision.

Price & Variants

• The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel comes with the i3S feature and costs about Rs 4,000 more than the i3S variant of the regular Splendor Plus. The cost difference, however, reduces to around Rs 1,500 if you choose the 125 Million Edition, making the value gap smaller in that comparison.

• Meanwhile, Hero is offering the Flex Fuel version at a discounted price till July 2026. This limited-time introductory price has been kept in line with the regular Spendor Plus to boost adoption of Flex Fuel technology.

• The Flex Fuel version is available in a single variant with only one colour option, while the regular Splendor Plus allows the buyer to choose affordability, features and styling with multiple variants and colour options.

• Both motorcycles offer a complimentary 5-year / 70,000 km warranty.

Dimensions and Design

• Both bikes are exactly the same in size, shape and design, except the Flex Fuel version is a kilo heavier than the regular Splendor Plus.

• While the two have the same iconic, identical design, what makes them look different is their colour schemes. The Flex Fuel version comes in just one skin, while the regular Splendor Plus is being offered in many colours and graphic options.

Ride and Handling

• Based on the same reliable platform, both bikes are equally accessible, light, and easy to manage in city traffic, exactly what you want from a commuter motorcycle.

• The two also share the same equipment, delivering the same comfort, control, and braking performance, which suits daily city commuting requirements well.

Features & Equipment

• Both bikes offer mostly similar features, including a halogen headlamp, electric start, alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, side-stand engine cut-off, IBS, and i3S technology.

• The Flex Fuel version, however, brings a digital-analogue instrument cluster that looks more contemporary than the fully analogue console of the regular Splendor Plus.

• The Flex Fuel version also comes with a USB charging port as standard.

Engine & Performance

• Both are powered by the same reliable engine-gearbox combination, refined over decades of research and testing.

• The updates to the fuel system and other powertrain components make the Flex Fuel version compatible with fuels up to E85, while the regular Splendor Plus can burn only up to E20.

• When running on E85 fuel, the Flex Fuel version delivers about 7 per cent extra power and 3 per cent more torque than the standard Splendor Plus. That said, Hero claims the regular Splendor returns around 70kmpl on E20 petrol. However, the manufacturer also claims that fuel efficiency will drop by around 30 percent when the flex fuel-compatible motorcycle runs on E85 fuel.

BikeDekho Says

Choosing between these two motorcycles could be a really difficult task as both bikes offer quite similar packages, except for the fuel compatibility and a few features. The Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel seems like an evolution of the regular one for a specific kind of buyer. If you are a daily commuter who wants to future-proof your ride, reduce your carbon footprint, and take advantage of lower-cost E85 fuel as E85 pumps become more widespread across India, the Flex Fuel version makes a lot of sense.

Meanwhile, the standard Splendor Plus remains a perfectly valid, reliable choice that can save you up to Rs 5,000. If the E85 infrastructure in your area is still limited, there is no pressing reason to pay more right now. Plus, it also offers buyers more colour options and variants rather than forcing a single colour scheme like the Flex Fuel version.

The Flex Fuel is the right buy if you are thinking long-term and eco-consciously, while the standard Splendour Plus is the right buy if you want affordability and colour options beyond just Black & Lime.

Other Rivals

• The Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel shares the same chassis, engine, and flex-fuel technology, but it is priced about Rs 10,000 lower than the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.

• The TVS Star City Plus brings a front disc brake, sportier styling, a larger 110cc engine, and better performance than the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.

• If you are looking for enhanced comfort and a feature-rich commuter, the TVS Radeon’s similarly priced variant offers a fully digital display, front disc brake and many more features than the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.

• If your purchase is purely cost-driven, the TVS Sport is one of the most affordable bikes you can buy in India, undercutting the Splendor Plus by a huge margin of around Rs 23,000-24,000.

• Priced more affordably than the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel, the Bajaj Platina 100 is also one of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles out there in the market.

• The Honda Shine 100 brings better refinement and quality at a lower price than the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.