Honda SP125 vs Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0: Detailed Comparison

The Honda SP125 and the Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 are 2 of the most household names in the 125cc space. And if you’ve been thinking about buying either of the two, things are bound to get a bit confusing given how closely both bikes are stacked against each other. So to make that very buying decision clearer, here is a detailed comparison of both bikes: 

Price & Variants

• Unsurprisingly, the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 is the more affordable bike across both variants. While the price gap between the base variants isn’t a lot, the difference significantly expands as you compare the top variants

• While it doesn’t sound like a big difference, it’s substantial especially in this segment. So as far as value for money goes, it’s the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 that beats the Honda bike. 

Dimensions & Design 

• The difference in the bikes’ dimensions isn’t really something you should think about a lot, for they’re both extremely easy to ride and approachable, with low seat heights, kerb weights and the overall compact dimensions. 

• Whether you’re moving them at standstill or riding them through slow traffic, both bikes will also feel extremely light and will cut through traffic very easily. On the whole, in terms of dimensions, both are exactly what you’d expect from a 100cc commuter. 

• Design-wise, the Honda SP125, while looking simple, has a bit of class and elegance to it. It’s easy on the eye and looks very well made, adding a premium touch that’s just enough to make the buyer feel nice. 

• On the other hand, the Super Splendor still looks quite basic and keeps things very simple. While that’s not a problem, in front of the SP125, the Hero bike looks a bit too plain. 

Features & Safety

• The Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 clearly has more features and boasts of things that even bigger bikes don’t get. And apart from the fancy features, there are also everyday bits that’d be genuinely helpful like service reminder, real-time mileage indicator and more. 

• That said, the LCD console can feel a bit cluttered, especially with the small font size, something that the older generations of the house might not find super easy to read on the go. 

• Where the SP125 claws back is with its fancy looking TFT console. Yes, it doesn’t have as many features, but a lot of those features are something we’ll never touch too. Instead of that, the console is something you will always look at. So a fancier console definitely makes the bike feel more premium. 

• So while both bikes have ample amounts of features with the Super Splendor having a bit more, it’s the SP125 which ends up feeling like the more premium of the two. 

Engines

• As the spec sheet would suggest, both bikes are pretty similar in terms of their engines. As evident, both have similar output figures at the exact same revs as well. The overall riding experience is similar as well. 

• Both bikes’ drive is present towards the lower revs, in order to make them feel punchy when cutting through city traffic. That said, if you have a pillion, it’d immediately cut down the acceleration and you’ll have to plan your overtakes better. 

• The moment you cross about 50kmph, both engines start losing steam. While they can hold a steady 60-65kmph cruise decently well, you’ll have to deal with some vibrations. So if there is a long highway jaunt on your everyday commutes, we’d advise you to look towards slightly bigger bikes. 

Verdict 

While this was a close one, what immediately stands out is that the Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 offers a lot of what the Honda SP125 does at a lower price. So in terms of value for money, the Hero bike makes a bit more sense. 

That said, if you want a slightly more premium experience, you could spend a bit more for the Honda SP125’s top variant. The fancier TFT console, the better looks and the slightly smoother engine makes it feel a little bit more special than the Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0. 

Rivals: 

Honda SP125 vs Bajaj Pulsar 125: Spec Comparison: The Pulsar 125 feels like the more older of the two, so you could think about the SP125 if you want the more modern feel

Honda SP125 vs Hero Glamour X 125: Spec Comparison: If you want the fancy features of the Glamour like cruise control, you could get the Hero bike