Hero Super Splendor BS6: Old vs New

Are the changes more than just skin deep?

Hero isn’t hanging around for the April 1 deadline, it’s already well into the process of updating its product lineup to BS6. Among these is the recently launched Super Splendor BS6, first unveiled at Hero World 2020. It certainly looks different than its BS4 predecessor, but how deep do the changes run?

Greener Engine

The 125cc motor powering the Super Splendor is shared with Hero's other 125cc models like the Glamour. With this BS6 update, it has now received fuel-injection which should make the BS6 version of the Super Splendor slightly more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. An additional catalytic converter has also been thrown in, as a result of which output is down to 10.88PS and 10.6Nm, compared to the previous 11.28PS and 11Nm.

More Speed(s)

What’s the best way to compensate for lower engine output? A gearbox with more ratios, of course! The Super Splendor BS6 now comes equipped with a 5-speed gearbox compared to the BS4 version’s 4-speed unit. This should theoretically result in quicker acceleration AND better fuel economy, but we can’t be sure until we put it through a road test sometime soon. Stay tuned!

Smoother Ride

This is technically a BS6 update but Hero hasn’t just called it a day after reworking the motor. Suspension travel has increased at both ends (14 per cent more at the front, 9 per cent more at the rear), meaning that BS6 buyers should have a slightly smoother ride over our lunar surface resembling roads.

Fresh Looks

If you’ve got an updated model out, you’ve gotta make sure that people know, right? You should walk into a showroom and see something fresh. To that end, Hero has thrown in some new decals and graphics on the Super Splendor BS6 to help differentiate it from its BS4 counterpart, and they do succeed in giving the bike a slightly more youthful appearance (relatively speaking, of course).

The Moolah

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, so obviously, these updates have come at a price. Fortunately, the hike isn’t quite as severe as you might think. Despite all the new additions, the drum brake variant of the Super Splendor BS6 costs just Rs 5,500 more than its BS4 predecessor, at Rs 67,300. Better still, there’s now even a disc brake variant on offer for Rs 70,800.