In the vast landscape of Indian motorcycles, few names resonate as strongly as the Hero Splendor. For decades, this humble commuter has been the backbone of personal transportation for millions, ferrying riders through bustling city streets and winding rural roads alike.
As we approach 2025, the latest iteration of this legendary motorcycle, the Hero Splendor Plus XTEC, stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to evolution while staying true to its roots.
The Legacy of the Splendor
Before we delve into the intricacies of the XTEC variant, it’s crucial to understand the legacy of the Splendor nameplate. Introduced in the early 1990s, the Splendor quickly became synonymous with reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability.
It wasn’t just a motorcycle; it was a life-changing tool for many, enabling easier commutes, supporting small businesses, and even serving as a status symbol in rural India.
The Splendor’s success wasn’t just about its mechanical prowess. It represented the aspirations of a growing middle class, the practicality demanded by the Indian market, and the trust that Hero (then Hero Honda) had built over years of consistent performance.
As India grew and evolved, so did the Splendor, always staying a step ahead of the competition while remaining true to its core values.
Enter the XTEC: A New Chapter
The Hero Splendor Plus XTEC, launched in the lead-up to 2025, represents the next significant step in the Splendor’s journey. The XTEC suffix, standing for “Xtra Technology,” signals Hero MotoCorp’s intention to infuse this trusted workhorse with modern features without compromising its fundamental character.
Design Philosophy: Familiar Yet Fresh
At first glance, the Splendor Plus XTEC maintains the iconic silhouette that has become a fixture on Indian roads. However, a closer look reveals subtle yet significant updates that bring the design firmly into the mid-2020s:
- LED Lighting: The most noticeable change is the introduction of an LED headlamp with a distinctive H-shaped LED Daytime Running Light (DRL). This not only enhances visibility but also gives the motorcycle a more premium appearance.
- Refreshed Graphics: New dual-tone color schemes and updated graphics add a touch of modernity without alienating traditionalists. The 2025 model offers seven color options, including the striking Black Sparking Blue and the elegant Pearl Fadeless White.
- Alloy Wheels: Standard across all variants, the alloy wheels not only reduce unsprung weight but also add to the visual appeal.
- Muscular Fuel Tank: While retaining its basic shape, the fuel tank has been subtly resculpted to give a more muscular appearance, enhancing the bike’s road presence.
- Integrated Pillion Grab Rail: A sleeker, more integrated pillion grab rail improves both form and function.
The overall design ethos of the Splendor Plus XTEC can be summed up as “evolution, not revolution.” It’s a delicate balance that Hero has struck, modernizing the look without losing the essence that makes a Splendor instantly recognizable.
Engine and Performance: Refined Efficiency
At the heart of the Splendor Plus XTEC lies a refined version of Hero’s tried-and-tested 97.2cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. While the basic architecture remains familiar, Hero’s engineers have made several tweaks to enhance performance and efficiency:
- Power Output: The engine produces 8.02 PS at 8000 rpm, a modest but adequate figure for urban commuting.
- Torque: Peak torque of 8.05 Nm is delivered at 6000 rpm, providing good low-end grunt for city riding.
- Transmission: A smooth-shifting 4-speed gearbox remains, with ratios optimized for both city and highway use.
- Fuel Efficiency: Perhaps the most crucial figure for its target audience, the Splendor Plus XTEC boasts an impressive claimed mileage of 70 kmpl, with real-world figures often exceeding this in city conditions.
One of the key technological additions is the i3S (Idle Stop-Start System), which automatically shuts off the engine when idling and restarts it when the clutch is engaged. This feature, particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic, contributes significantly to the bike’s excellent fuel efficiency.
The engine’s refinement is noteworthy. Vibrations, often a concern in small-capacity singles, are well-controlled. The power delivery is linear, making the bike easy to ride for novices while still providing enough pep for experienced riders navigating through traffic.
Chassis and Handling: Comfort Meets Agility
The Splendor Plus XTEC retains the fundamental chassis design that has served the model well for years, but with subtle refinements:
- Frame: A robust tubular double-cradle frame provides the right balance of rigidity and flex.
- Suspension: Telescopic front forks and 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear offer a plush ride over varied road conditions.
- Brakes: A significant upgrade comes in the form of an optional 240mm front disc brake, complementing the 130mm drum brake at the rear. Both are linked via a Combined Braking System (CBS) for enhanced safety.
- Tires: 18-inch alloy wheels are shod with tubeless tires, improving safety and ease of maintenance.
The riding position is upright and comfortable, ideal for long commutes. With a kerb weight of just 112 kg (113.6 kg for the disc variant), the Splendor Plus XTEC is easy to maneuver through tight spaces, a crucial factor in congested urban environments.
Ground clearance stands at a generous 165mm, allowing the bike to tackle speed bumps and rough patches with ease. The 9.8-liter fuel tank, combined with the bike’s excellent fuel efficiency, ensures long intervals between fill-ups, a boon for both urban commuters and rural users who might not have easy access to fuel stations.
Technology and Features: A Leap into the Future
It’s in the technology department that the XTEC variant truly differentiates itself from its predecessors and many competitors:
- Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital LCD instrument console is a standout feature, offering clear readability in all lighting conditions. It displays:
- Speedometer
- Odometer
- Trip meter
- Fuel gauge
- Real-time mileage indicator
- Bluetooth Connectivity: In a first for its segment, the Splendor Plus XTEC offers Bluetooth connectivity, enabling:
- Call alerts
- SMS notifications
- Phone battery level display
- USB Charging: A USB charging port is integrated near the instrument cluster, a thoughtful addition for keeping devices charged on the go.
- LED Lighting: Beyond the LED headlamp and DRL, the bike also features an LED tail lamp for improved visibility.
- Side-Stand Engine Cut-off: This safety feature prevents the engine from starting if the side stand is down, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Bank Angle Sensor: An advanced safety feature that cuts off the engine in case of a fall, preventing potential fuel leakage.
These tech additions, while not groundbreaking in the broader automotive world, represent a significant step up for the commuter segment in India. They bring a touch of premium feel to a category often defined solely by practicality.
Variants and Pricing: Options for Every Rider
As of 2025, the Hero Splendor Plus XTEC is offered in three primary variants:
- Splendor Plus XTEC i3S Drum Self Alloy: The base model, priced at Rs. 80,374 (ex-showroom).
- Splendor Plus XTEC 2.0: A mid-range option with additional features, priced at Rs. 83,081 (ex-showroom).
- Splendor Plus XTEC Disc: The top-end variant with front disc brake, priced at Rs. 83,665 (ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy positions the Splendor Plus XTEC slightly higher than the standard Splendor models but still within reach of its target audience. The incremental cost for the XTEC variants is justified by the additional features and technology on offer.
Market Positioning and Competition
The Hero Splendor Plus XTEC finds itself in an interesting position in the market. While it’s priced higher than bare-bones commuters, it offers features that were once the domain of more premium segments. Its primary competitors include:
- Honda Shine: A perennial rival, offering similar reliability but with a slightly larger engine.
- TVS Radeon: Another strong contender in the commuter segment, known for its robust build.
- Bajaj Platina: Competes on the grounds of comfort and fuel efficiency.
The Splendor Plus XTEC differentiates itself through its blend of trusted mechanics and new-age features. It’s positioned as a bike that doesn’t just meet the basic transportation needs but enhances the overall riding experience.
User Experience and Ownership
Owning a Hero Splendor Plus XTEC in 2025 is about more than just having a means of transport. It’s an experience that Hero has carefully crafted:
- Ease of Use: From the electric start to the intuitive digital display, every aspect of the bike is designed for user-friendliness.
- Low Maintenance: Continuing the Splendor tradition, the XTEC is engineered for longevity and easy maintenance. Service intervals are long, and spare parts are widely available and affordable.
- Safety: With features like CBS, bank angle sensor, and bright LED lighting, the XTEC prioritizes rider safety more than ever before.
- Connectivity: The Bluetooth features, while basic, add a layer of convenience that was previously unheard of in this segment.
- Fuel Efficiency: The real-world mileage of 65-70 kmpl means significant savings on fuel costs over time.
- Resale Value: The Splendor name has always commanded strong resale values, and the XTEC variant is likely to continue this trend.
Environmental Considerations
In an era of increasing environmental consciousness, the Splendor Plus XTEC makes strides in reducing its ecological footprint:
- Emissions: The engine is compliant with the latest BS6 Phase 2 norms, ensuring lower emissions.
- Fuel Efficiency: High fuel efficiency translates to lower carbon emissions per kilometer traveled.
- Longevity: The bike’s durability means fewer replacements over time, reducing overall resource consumption.
While not an electric vehicle, the Splendor Plus XTEC represents an environmentally responsible choice within the internal combustion engine category.
Future Prospects
As we look beyond 2025, the future of the Splendor Plus XTEC and indeed the entire Splendor line is intriguing. Several potential developments could shape its evolution:
- Hybrid Technology: The integration of mild hybrid systems could further enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
- Advanced Connectivity: Future iterations might see more advanced connectivity features, possibly including navigation and more comprehensive smartphone integration.
- Enhanced Safety Features: ABS, traction control, and even basic rider assists could trickle down to this segment.
- Material Innovation: The use of lighter, stronger materials could improve performance and efficiency without compromising durability.
- Electric Variant: While the internal combustion engine Splendor is likely to continue for years to come, an electric variant under the Splendor branding isn’t out of the question.
Conclusion: The Splendor’s Enduring Legacy
The Hero Splendor Plus XTEC of 2025 is more than just another iteration of India’s favorite motorcycle. It represents the harmonious blend of trusted engineering with modern technology, a bridge between the Splendor’s storied past and its promising future.
In a rapidly changing automotive landscape, where electric vehicles and high-performance machines often dominate headlines, the Splendor Plus XTEC serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of well-engineered, practical mobility solutions.
It continues to cater to the vast majority of Indian riders who seek reliable, efficient, and now, technologically enhanced daily transportation.
The XTEC variant doesn’t just build on the Splendor’s legacy; it redefines it for a new generation. It proves that innovation doesn’t always mean radical change, but can also come through thoughtful evolution.
As India continues its journey of motorization and modernization, the Hero Splendor Plus XTEC stands ready to play its part, just as its predecessors have done for decades.
In the end, the story of the Splendor Plus XTEC is not just about a motorcycle. It’s about the millions of Indians whose lives it touches, the journeys it enables, and the dreams it helps fulfill. It’s a story of how a simple machine, thoughtfully engineered and consistently improved,
can become an integral part of a nation’s fabric. As we move further into the 21st century, the Hero Splendor Plus XTEC continues to embody the spirit of progress, reliability, and aspiration that has always been at the heart of the Splendor name.