Iconic Two-wheelers That Have Stood the Test Of Time: Hero Splendor, Bajaj Pulsar 220F And More

Some bike just don’t go out of style - or, well, in some cases, out of service. In India’s fast-moving two-wheeler market, where models often get frequent updates, a few bikes have managed to stick around for decades. These come with engines that are engineered so well that there is no need for them to evolve all that much. They are known for their reliability, simplicity, and loyal fan base. Here’s a look at some of the top bikes that have proved that sometimes change is not really necessary.

Hero Splendor 

Engine: 97.2cc single-cylinder, air-cooled

The Hero Splendor is an absolute legend on Indian roads. First introduced as part of the Hero-Honda partnership in 1994, the Hero Splendor has remained popular, and the best selling bike for over 30 years, not only in India, but the entire world. The ‘sloper’ engine looked different from conventional, more upright engines, but it was perfect in a lot of ways. 

With its unmatched mileage and easy maintenance, this 97.2cc engine has remained more or less the same for decades, with only minor updates to meet emission norms. In many ways, the Hero Splendor is like a safety pin, whose design remained more or less the same for over 175 years! 

Bajaj Pulsar 150 & 220F

Engines: 149cc and 220cc single-cylinder, air-cooled

The Bajaj Pulsar name changed the game when it launched back in 2001. The Pulsar 150 has become a long-standing choice for young riders and commuters alike. Meanwhile, the 220F with its iconic semi-fairing and punchy performance has developed a cult following since it arrived on the scene in 2007. 

Both models have kept their core engine architecture largely intact, even as Bajaj introduced new features and their replacements - which failed to be as loveable as their ancestors (read Pulsar P150 and Pulsar F250) and had to be discontinued fairly soon.

TVS Apache RTR 160 & 180

Engine: 159.7cc and 177.44cc single-cylinder, air-cooled

The TVS Apache RTR 160 and 180, launched in 2007 and 2009 respectively - were TVS’ answer to the performance commuter segment ruled by the Bajaj Pulsar 150 and 180. While newer versions with advanced tech have arrived, these two-valve variants still remain in production, and their engines have remained true to its roots - known for their punchy top end performance. These bikes are perfect examples of how TVS’ rich racing experience has proved to be useful for the street.

TVS XL100

Engine: 99.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled

One of India’s most affordable and rugged two-wheelers, the TVS XL100 is a no-frills moped. It’s a favorite in rural areas, and among delivery workers for its ability to carry loads and navigate rough roads. Despite a few modern touches, the basic engine design has stayed largely unchanged since its early versions, offering dependable reliability.

TVS Scooty Zest 110

Engine: 109.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled

Among scooters, the TVS Scooty Zest 110 quietly built a reputation for being light, reliable, and extremely easy to ride - especially for women, new riders or short individuals. Introduced in 2014 as the successor to the iconic TVS Scooty Pep+, the Zest shares its 110cc engine with the now discontinued Wego and older Jupiter. The engine hasn’t needed major changes over the years, thanks to its great mileage, proven reliability and strong low-end torque - all in a compact package.

Why They Last

What makes these two-wheelers stand out isn’t flashy tech or aggressive marketing. Instead, it’s the trust they’ve earned by doing what they promise: start every day, go the distance, and keep running with minimal fuss. Or as Hero-Honda used in their advertisements for the CD100 (Splendor’s predecessor) back then: ‘Fill it, shut it, forget it’.

Their engines may not be cutting-edge, but they’re reliable, affordable to maintain, and perfectly suited for Indian road conditions. These time-tested bikes remind us that sometimes, simple and steady wins the race.