Hero Splendor Plus Xtec vs TVS Radeon: Image Comparison

Let’s see how these commuter motorcycles fare against each other in pictures

Hero MotoCorp recently updated its most loved commuter motorcycle, the Splendor Plus, with a more feature-packed Xtec variant. It gets several segment-first features, making it even more desirable than before. So we see how it looks next to its doppelganger from TVS, the Radeon, in Images.

In terms of appearance, the Splendor Plus Xtec retains the iconic design with clean, simple and minimalistic styling. It still features the same rectangular headlight unit but with a new LED DRL bar above it, easy-going body panels and classy black alloys, which clearly state that this is a proper commuter motorcycle.

The TVS Radeon, on the other hand, even with a commuter design, gets a slightly classier appeal complete with tank pads and chromed-out styling elements.

Powering the Hero Splendor Plus Xtec is the trusty 97.2 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 8.02PS and 8.05Nm, mated to a four-speed gearbox. The TVS Radeon is slightly more powerful with a 109.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, which is good for 8.19PS and 8.7Nm.

Both the bikes are suspended on a telescopic fork up front and a five-step adjustable dual shock absorber at the rear. While the Splendor only comes with a drum brake setup, the Radeon flaunts a front disc brake for the commuter of the year (COTY) and the dual tone variants. Moreover, both bikes also roll on similar 18-inch wheels at both ends.

Features are where both the bikes stand apart, as the new Xtec variant of the Splendor Plus comes loaded to the gills with modern tech. It gets a segment-first fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity displaying missed call alerts, message alerts, two trip meters, real time mileage and low fuel. Apart from this, the Splendor also gets Hero’s i3S technology (turns off the engine when idle), side stand engine cut off and crash engine cut off functions. The Radeon gets a side stand alert and an analog meter for displaying the speed, fuel level and odometer. It misses out on Bluetooth connectivity.

The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec is priced at Rs 72,900, while the top of the line disc brake variant of the TVS Radeon will cost you Rs 74,966 (both prices ex-showroom Delhi). With the Splendor Plus Xtec, you get more features and peace of mind of having India’s best-selling bike; however, with the Radeon, you get a bigger displacement engine and a disc brake, which would be useful in sticky situations. If the Splendor Xtec variant did come with a disc brake option, it would have made it a whole lot more attractive; nonetheless, this update is still commendable.