Hero Splendor 125 : In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian motorcycles, few names resonate as strongly as the Hero Splendor.
For decades, this iconic commuter has been the backbone of Indian roads, ferrying millions to their destinations with unwavering reliability.
Now, Hero MotoCorp is set to redefine the segment once again with the introduction of the all-new Hero Splendor 125.
This latest iteration isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete reimagining of what a commuter motorcycle can be.
Hero Splendor 125 A Design Revolution
The moment you lay eyes on the new Hero Splendor 125, it’s clear that this isn’t your grandfather’s commuter bike.
Hero’s designers have crafted a machine that pays homage to its roots while boldly stepping into the future.
The bike’s silhouette retains the classic Splendor DNA but with a modern twist that’s sure to turn heads.
At the front, a sleek LED headlamp unit dominates, flanked by sharp, angular turn indicators that give the bike an aggressive stance.
The fuel tank has been resculpted, featuring bold character lines that flow seamlessly into the side panels.
These panels themselves are a work of art, with carefully crafted contours that not only look good but also aid in aerodynamics.
The rear end of the Splendor 125 is equally impressive. A new LED tail lamp cluster sits atop a redesigned fender, giving the bike a premium look that belies its commuter status.
The exhaust, often an afterthought in this segment, has been given special attention with a chrome-tipped end can that adds a touch of sportiness to the overall design.
Color options for the new Splendor 125 are equally revolutionary. Gone are the days of muted, conservative shades.
Hero is offering the bike in a range of vibrant, eye-catching colors including Electric Blue, Fiery Red, and Stealth Black, each with graphics that accentuate the bike’s dynamic new lines.
Hero Splendor 125 Performance that Packs a Punch
While the Splendor has always been known for its reliability, the new 125cc variant brings performance to the forefront without compromising on efficiency.
The heart of this machine is an all-new 124.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that’s been developed from the ground up.
This new powerplant churns out a respectable 10.7 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 10.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm.
These figures might not sound earth-shattering, but in the real world, they translate to a bike that’s quick off the line and has plenty of mid-range grunt for overtaking on city streets or highways.
Fuel efficiency, a crucial factor for the Splendor’s target audience, hasn’t been overlooked.
Hero claims a staggering 65 kmpl under test conditions, a figure that puts the Splendor 125 at the top of its class.
This is achieved through a combination of advanced engine management systems and Hero’s proprietary i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology.
The transmission is a smooth-shifting 5-speed unit, an upgrade from the 4-speed gearboxes typically found in this segment.
This extra gear allows for better acceleration in lower gears and more relaxed cruising at higher speeds, contributing to both performance and efficiency.
Hero Splendor 125 Riding Comfort and Handling
Commuter bikes are often ridden for hours each day, making comfort a top priority. Hero has gone above and beyond in this department with the new Splendor 125.
The bike features a newly designed frame that offers the perfect balance of rigidity for stable handling and flex for absorbing road imperfections.
The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear.
These units have been tuned specifically for Indian road conditions, offering a plush ride over potholed streets without compromising handling on smoother surfaces.
The seat is another area where Hero has made significant improvements.
It’s wider and longer than before, with high-density foam that provides all-day comfort for both rider and pillion.
The ergonomics have been carefully considered, with a natural riding position that reduces fatigue on long rides.
Braking duties are handled by a 240mm disc brake up front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear.
This combination offers strong, progressive stopping power, instilling confidence in the rider.
For added safety, Hero offers an Integrated Braking System (IBS) as standard, which distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels for more stable deceleration.
Hero Splendor 125 Technology at Your Fingertips
In a segment where basic features are often the norm, the Hero Splendor 125 stands out with its impressive array of tech.
The centerpiece is a fully digital instrument cluster that provides a wealth of information at a glance.
Speed, fuel level, gear position, and trip meters are all displayed clearly, even in bright sunlight.
But Hero didn’t stop there. The Splendor 125 also features Bluetooth connectivity, a first for the segment.
This allows riders to pair their smartphones with the bike, enabling features like call and message notifications, turn-by-turn navigation, and even a “find my bike” function.
The LED lighting system isn’t just about looks; it provides superior illumination, making night riding safer and more comfortable.
An automatic headlamp on (AHO) feature ensures the bike is always visible, even during daytime riding.
Hero Splendor 125 Practicality Meets Innovation
While the Splendor 125 is packed with new features, Hero hasn’t forgotten the practical aspects that made its predecessor so popular.
The fuel tank capacity remains a generous 11 liters, providing an impressive range of over 700 kilometers on a single tank.
Storage has been given careful consideration as well. There’s a lockable compartment under the seat that’s perfect for storing documents or small items.
Additionally, Hero offers a range of accessories including a rear luggage rack and saddlebags for those who need to carry more.
Maintenance, often a concern for budget-conscious buyers, has been simplified.
The engine oil capacity has been optimized, and service intervals have been extended, reducing the overall cost of ownership.
Hero’s vast service network ensures that no matter where you are in India, help is never far away.
Hero Splendor 125 Market Positioning and Competition
The Hero Splendor 125 enters a hotly contested segment, going up against established players like the Honda Shine and Bajaj Pulsar 125.
However, with its combination of style, performance, and features, the Splendor 125 carves out a unique position for itself.
Pricing is competitive, with the base variant starting at around ₹75,000 (ex-showroom), positioning it squarely in the middle of the 125cc commuter segment.
Higher variants with additional features like the disc brake and Bluetooth connectivity are priced slightly higher, but still offer excellent value for money.
Hero Splendor 125 Conclusion: A New Chapter in the Splendor Legacy
The Hero Splendor 125 isn’t just another iteration of a long-standing model; it’s a bold statement of intent from India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer.
It takes everything that made the original Splendor a legend – reliability, efficiency, and value for money – and adds a hefty dose of style, performance, and technology.
This new model has the potential to not only consolidate Hero’s position in the commuter segment but also attract a new generation of riders who demand more from their motorcycles.
It bridges the gap between basic transportation and aspirational riding, offering a package that’s hard to resist.
As the Indian motorcycle market continues to evolve, with buyers becoming more discerning and feature-conscious, the Hero Splendor 125 stands as a shining example of how a manufacturer can honor its heritage while embracing the future.
It’s not just a new model; it’s the dawn of a new era in Indian commuting.
The Hero Splendor 125 is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a testament to the changing face of Indian mobility.
It proves that commuters no longer have to choose between practicality and desirability.
With this new Splendor, they can have it all – style, substance, and the peace of mind that comes with owning a Hero.
As it hits the streets across India, the Hero Splendor 125 is poised to create a storm in the market, just as its predecessors did.
It’s a bike that respects its roots while reaching for the stars, and in doing so, it may just redefine what we expect from a commuter motorcycle.
The legend of the Splendor continues, now with an extra dose of excitement and a whole lot of style.