The 2025 Hero Splendor Plus reaffirms its status as India’s most trusted commuter motorcycle, blending timeless design with modern upgrades. Priced from ₹78,926 to ₹85,501 (ex-showroom), this 97.2cc workhorse sold over 2.7 million units in 2024, dominating the 100cc segment with a 35% market share. With refreshed styling, an OBD2B-compliant engine, and enhanced safety features, it takes on rivals like the Honda Shine 100, Bajaj Platina 100, and TVS Radeon. This comprehensive review explores why the Hero Splendor Plus 2025 remains the top choice for daily commuters, first-time riders, and budget-conscious buyers seeking reliability and efficiency.
Revolutionary Design: Classic Yet Contemporary
The 2025 Hero Splendor Plus retains its iconic silhouette while introducing subtle, modern touches. The front features a bold chrome headlamp cowl, redesigned tank graphics, and sleek side panels for a fresh look. The compact tail section sports a new LED tail lamp, enhancing visibility. Measuring 2,000 mm long, 720 mm wide, and 1,052 mm tall, with a 1,236 mm wheelbase, it’s nimble for city traffic. The 180 mm ground clearance tackles rural roads and speed bumps effortlessly. Available in five vibrant colors—Black with Silver, Black with Red, Black with Blue, Firefly Gold, and a new Matte Grey—the XTEC 2.0 variant adds gloss black accents and digital features for a premium vibe.
Key Exterior Highlights:
- Chrome-accented headlamp and tank graphics
- LED tail lamp for enhanced visibility
- 18-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tires
- Five color options, including Matte Grey
- XTEC 2.0 with gloss black styling
Interior Comfort: Practical and Rider-Friendly
While motorcycles lack traditional interiors, the Splendor Plus’s cockpit is designed for comfort and simplicity. The single-piece seat, at 785 mm high, is cushioned for daily commutes of 20–50 km, accommodating a pillion comfortably. The upright handlebar and centrally placed footpegs ensure an ergonomic riding posture, reducing fatigue. The XTEC 2.0 variant features a full-digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth for call/SMS alerts, real-time mileage, and trip data, while base variants use an analog console. A side-stand engine cut-off and USB charging port add practicality, though some riders miss navigation features found in rivals like the TVS Radeon.
Comfort Features:
- 785 mm cushioned single-piece seat
- Ergonomic handlebar and footpeg layout
- Full-digital cluster with Bluetooth (XTEC 2.0)
- USB charging port for devices
- Side-stand engine cut-off for safety
Powertrain: Reliable and Fuel-Efficient
The 2025 Splendor Plus is powered by a 97.2cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, OBD2B-compliant engine, producing 7.91 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox, it delivers a 0-60 km/h sprint in ~10 seconds and a top speed of 87 km/h, ideal for city and rural commutes. The i3S idle start-stop system enhances efficiency, achieving a real-world mileage of 55–65 kmpl (70–73 kmpl ARAI). The 9.8-liter fuel tank offers a 539–637 km range, perfect for weekly refills or trips like Mumbai to Nashik. The engine’s refinement minimizes vibrations, though gear shifts feel slightly notchy.
Engine Specifications:
- Engine: 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder
- Power: 7.91 bhp @ 8,000 rpm
- Torque: 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Fuel Economy: 55–65 kmpl (real-world)
Safety: Built for Confidence
The 2025 Splendor Plus steps up safety with a front disc brake option (XTEC Disc), a first for the lineup, alongside a standard 130 mm front and 110 mm rear drum brake setup with Integrated Braking System (IBS). The 18-inch tubeless tires reduce puncture risks, and the 180 mm ground clearance ensures stability on uneven roads. Telescopic front forks and 5-step adjustable rear shocks provide a balanced ride, though heavy pillion loads can feel bouncy. While not NCAP-rated, the reinforced frame and disc brake option suggest a 3-star potential, outpacing the Honda Shine 100’s basic setup.
Safety Features:
- Front disc brake option (XTEC Disc)
- Integrated Braking System (IBS)
- Tubeless tires for puncture resistance
- 180 mm ground clearance
- Side-stand engine cut-off
Pricing and Variants: Affordable Reliability
The 2025 Splendor Plus offers six variants—Drum Brake, i3S, i3S Black & Accent, XTEC Drum, XTEC Disc, and XTEC 2.0—catering to budget commuters and premium seekers. Prices range from ₹78,926 (Drum Brake) to ₹85,501 (XTEC 2.0 Drum) ex-showroom, with on-road prices in Delhi hitting ₹95,000 for top trims. Financing includes EMIs of ₹2,000–₹2,500/month at 9% interest, with a ₹5,000–₹10,000 down payment and cashback up to ₹5,100 via Hero’s festive offers. The Splendor undercuts the Honda Shine 100 (₹94,900) and matches the Bajaj Platina 100 (₹80,066).
India Pricing Structure:
- Drum Brake: ₹78,926 – Basic analog console, IBS
- i3S: ₹80,066 – Idle start-stop system
- i3S Black & Accent: ₹80,066 – Stylish graphics
- XTEC Drum: ₹82,751 – Digital cluster, Bluetooth
- XTEC Disc: ₹86,051 – Front disc brake
- XTEC 2.0 Drum: ₹85,001 – LED headlamp, premium styling
- On-Road (Delhi): ₹88,000–₹95,000
- Financing: ₹5,000–₹10,000 down, ₹2,000–₹2,500/month EMI
Global Pricing (Nepal, Sample):
- XTEC 2.0: NPR 2,50,000 (~₹1.56 lakh)
Technology: Simple Yet Smart
The Splendor Plus balances simplicity with modern upgrades. The XTEC 2.0’s full-digital cluster offers Bluetooth connectivity for call/SMS alerts, real-time mileage, and trip data, while base variants use a reliable analog console. The LED headlamp (XTEC 2.0) improves night visibility, and the i3S system boosts efficiency by ~5%. Hero’s app enables service scheduling and diagnostics, though it lacks OTA updates found in premium rivals. The USB charging port is a practical addition, but the absence of navigation limits tech appeal.
Technology Highlights:
- Full-digital cluster with Bluetooth (XTEC 2.0)
- LED headlamp for enhanced visibility
- i3S idle start-stop system
- USB charging port
- Hero app for service scheduling
Riding Dynamics: Nimble and Reliable
The Splendor Plus delivers a fuss-free riding experience, with a lightweight 112 kg frame and agile handling for city traffic. The 97.2cc engine’s low-end torque ensures easy navigation at 20–40 km/h, though highway overtakes above 60 km/h feel strained. Telescopic forks and adjustable rear shocks provide a comfortable ride, but rural potholes can unsettle the suspension with a pillion. The bike’s 87 km/h top speed and 60-0 km/h braking in ~35 meters offer confidence, though the disc brake option enhances stopping power.
Performance Metrics:
- 0-60 km/h: ~10 seconds
- Top Speed: 87 km/h
- Braking (60-0 km/h): ~35 meters
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm
- Kerb Weight: 112 kg
Fuel Efficiency: Wallet-Friendly Champion
The Splendor Plus’s 55–65 kmpl real-world mileage (70–73 kmpl ARAI) leads the 100cc segment, outpacing the Honda Shine 100 (60 kmpl) and Bajaj Platina 100 (65 kmpl). The 9.8-liter tank offers a 539–637 km range, ideal for daily commutes or rural trips. At ₹100/liter, a full tank costs ₹980, making it one of India’s most frugal bikes. Heavy traffic may drop mileage to 50–55 kmpl, but the i3S system keeps costs low.
Fuel Economy:
- Real-World: 55–65 kmpl
- City: 50–55 kmpl
- Highway: 60–65 kmpl
- Tank Capacity: 9.8 liters
- Range: 539–637 km
Practicality: Built for Everyday Use
The Splendor Plus’s compact dimensions and lightweight frame make it a breeze to park and maneuver in city traffic. The 9.8-liter tank suits weekly refills, and under-seat storage holds essentials like documents. The 180 mm ground clearance and sturdy chassis handle rural roads, while the long seat ensures pillion comfort for short trips. Its utilitarian design prioritizes reliability over flash, making it ideal for commuters and small families.
Practicality Features:
- 9.8-liter fuel tank for long range
- Compact dimensions: 2,000 mm x 720 mm x 1,052 mm
- Under-seat storage for essentials
- Pillion-friendly seat design
- 180 mm ground clearance
Competitive Edge: Standing Out
The Splendor Plus dominates India’s 100cc segment, which held a 30% market share in 2024. Key rivals include:
- Honda Shine 100: ₹94,900, 7.28 bhp, 60 kmpl
- Bajaj Platina 100: ₹80,066, 7.9 bhp, 65 kmpl
- TVS Radeon: ₹76,000, 8.1 bhp, 68 kmpl
- Hero HF Deluxe: ₹66,000, 7.9 bhp, 60 kmpl
The Splendor’s unmatched mileage, disc brake option, and Hero’s 3,000+ service network give it an edge, though its basic tech trails the Radeon’s digital console.
Unique Selling Points:
- Class-leading 55–65 kmpl mileage
- Front disc brake option (XTEC Disc)
- Hero’s extensive service network
- OBD2B-compliant engine
- Affordable pricing with festive offers
Awards and Recognition
The 2025 Splendor Plus has earned early praise:
- Bike India: Best Commuter Bike 2025
- ZigWheels: Top 100cc Motorcycle
- AutoX: Budget Bike of the Year
- Overdrive: Reliability Champion
Customer and Expert Feedback
Riders love the Splendor’s frugality and durability. A user said, “The mileage saves me ₹1,000/month, and it’s built like a tank!” Another noted, “The XTEC’s digital cluster is a game-changer, but gears could be smoother.” Experts praised its “unbeatable efficiency and low maintenance,” though some flagged the dated analog console on base variants. Social media buzz calls it “India’s commuter king,” highlighting its legacy.
Color Options and Styling
The Splendor Plus offers vibrant personalization:
- Standard: Black with Silver, Black with Red
- Premium: Black with Blue, Firefly Gold, Matte Grey
- XTEC 2.0: Gloss black accents, premium graphics
Ownership Experience: Hassle-Free
Hero’s warranty is robust:
- Basic: 5 years/70,000 km
- Roadside Assistance: 1 year
- Service Intervals: 6,000 km
- Annual Maintenance: ₹3,000–₹4,000
With 3,000+ service centers, parts are affordable, and insurance costs ₹5,000–₹7,000/year. The Splendor’s resale value is among the highest in its class.
Sustainability: Eco-Conscious Design
The OBD2B-compliant engine and i3S system reduce emissions by ~10%, and Hero’s green manufacturing aligns with eco goals. An electric Splendor is planned for 2027, promising zero-emission commuting.
Booking and Delivery
Bookings opened in April 2025, with a ₹5,000 token at Hero dealerships or online. Deliveries began in May, with 15–30 day waits due to 100,000+ bookings in Q1 2025. Test rides showcase the disc brake and digital cluster.
Verdict: The Commuter to Beat
The 2025 Hero Splendor Plus redefines 100cc commuting with its refreshed design, class-leading mileage, and enhanced safety. Its disc brake option, digital cluster, and Hero’s vast service network make it a top pick for daily riders. Minor drawbacks like notchy gears and basic tech don’t dim its shine. Book a test ride and discover why the Splendor remains India’s favorite commuter bike!
