In the vast landscape of Indian motorcycling, few names resonate with as much recognition and trust as the Hero Splendor.
For decades, this unassuming commuter motorcycle has ferried millions of Indians to their workplaces, schools, and homes, becoming an integral part of the country’s mobility fabric.
The Splendor’s tale is one of consistent evolution, adapting to changing consumer expectations while maintaining its core virtues of reliability and efficiency.
Among its latest iterations, the Splendor Xtec stands out as a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity—a vehicle that honors its utilitarian roots while embracing technological advancement.
The Evolution of an Icon
The Hero Splendor’s journey began in the 1990s, emerging as a successor to the CD100, which itself was a product of Hero’s technical collaboration with Honda.
The original Splendor established itself as a fuel-efficient, reliable commuter that perfectly matched the needs and budget constraints of the average Indian motorcycle buyer.
Its success was immediate and enduring, with the Splendor name eventually becoming almost synonymous with commuter motorcycles in the Indian context.
Over the years, the Splendor underwent numerous updates and spawned multiple variants, each refining the formula while staying true to the core attributes that made it successful.
The introduction of the Splendor Xtec represents one of the most significant evolutionary steps in this journey, infusing modern technology into the familiar package.
The “Xtec” nomenclature, which Hero has applied across several models in its lineup, denotes the integration of extended technology features—elements that were previously considered premium and reserved for higher segments.
This strategy reflects Hero MotoCorp’s recognition of changing consumer expectations, where even budget-conscious buyers now desire modern conveniences and features.
Design and Aesthetics: Familiar Yet Fresh
At first glance, the Splendor Xtec maintains the recognizable silhouette that has defined the model for years.
The basic proportions—a slim fuel tank, flat seat, and straightforward body panels—continue to convey the no-nonsense approach that Splendor buyers appreciate. However, closer inspection reveals thoughtful updates that give the Xtec variant a more contemporary appearance.
The most notable exterior change comes in the form of revised graphics and color schemes.
The Splendor Xtec is offered in several attractive dual-tone options, including Red Black, Black Sparking Blue, Black Tornado Grey, Pearl Fadeless White, Nobel Red, Matte Grey, and Black Heavy Grey. These modern color combinations give the motorcycle a fresher appearance without alienating traditional buyers.
The front end receives particular attention in the design update. The headlamp housing, while maintaining its conventional shape, now incorporates LED lighting technology.
The inclusion of an H-shaped LED daytime running light (DRL) pattern gives the Xtec a distinctive face, helping it stand out in traffic while improving visibility. This H-shaped design element is carried through to the tail light as well, creating a cohesive visual identity.
Other design refinements include subtle changes to the side panels and mudguards, and for the 2.0 version, a more integrated appearance for the instrument cluster area.
While none of these changes dramatically alter the Splendor’s identity, they collectively update its aesthetic without compromising the familiarity that many buyers value.
The alloy wheels, available on higher variants, not only reduce unsprung weight but also contribute to a more premium appearance compared to spoke wheels.
For those seeking even more distinction, the disc brake variant, introduced later in the Xtec’s lifecycle, adds both functional and visual differentiation.
Heart of the Matter: The Powertrain
The Splendor Xtec continues to employ Hero’s tried and tested 97.2cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This power plant produces approximately 7.9 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm—modest figures that nonetheless prove perfectly adequate for the motorcycle’s intended purpose.
What makes this engine special isn’t its performance numbers but rather its character. The powerband is tuned for excellent low-end and mid-range response, precisely where commuter motorcycles spend most of their operating life.
This tuning philosophy prioritizes tractability and ease of use over outright performance, allowing riders to navigate congested urban environments with minimal gear changes.
The four-speed gearbox features well-spaced ratios that complement the engine’s characteristics. The shifting mechanism offers a light, positive action that novice riders can master quickly. The clutch pull is similarly light, reducing fatigue during stop-and-go traffic conditions.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the powertrain is its fuel efficiency. With an ARAI-certified mileage of approximately 73 kmpl and real-world figures often exceeding 65 kmpl, the Splendor Xtec continues the model’s tradition of exceptional fuel economy.
This efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of refinement, as the engine maintains reasonable smoothness throughout its operating range.
The Xtec variant inherits Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology, which automatically shuts off the engine when idling for extended periods, such as at traffic lights, and restarts it when the clutch is engaged. This feature further enhances fuel efficiency in urban usage scenarios, where frequent stops are inevitable.
Technological Integration: The Xtec Advantage
Where the Xtec variant truly distinguishes itself from the standard Splendor is in its technological offerings. The centerpiece of these advancements is the fully digital instrument cluster—a first in its segment.
This LCD display provides essential information in a clear, legible format, including speed, fuel level, odometer, and trip meters.
What elevates this instrument cluster beyond mere digitization is its Bluetooth connectivity capability. When paired with a smartphone, the system enables call and SMS alerts directly on the display—a feature previously unseen in this motorcycle segment.
For a commuter who needs to stay connected even while riding, this integration eliminates the need to stop and check their phone for important communications.
The real-time mileage indicator is another thoughtful addition, allowing riders to adjust their riding style to maximize efficiency.
While this feature might seem minor, it reflects an understanding of the Splendor buyer’s primary concern: getting the most distance from every drop of fuel.
Convenience is further enhanced by the inclusion of a USB charging port, discreetly integrated into the left side of the headlight cowl. This practical addition acknowledges the reality of modern life, where keeping devices charged is a constant necessity.
Safety features have also received attention in the Xtec variant. The side-stand engine cut-off function prevents the motorcycle from being ridden with the stand deployed—a common oversight that can lead to accidents.
Additionally, the bank angle sensor automatically cuts off the engine if the motorcycle tips over, reducing the risk of fuel spillage and potential fire hazards.
The Xtec 2.0 version introduced a hazard light function, activated via a dedicated switch, which proves useful during emergency stops or when visibility is compromised. This simple but effective safety feature demonstrates Hero’s attention to real-world usability.
Riding Experience: Comfort in Familiarity
Swing a leg over the Splendor Xtec, and long-time Splendor riders will immediately feel at home. The riding position remains upright and neutral, with a comfortable reach to the handlebars and naturally positioned footpegs.
This ergonomic setup prioritizes comfort over sportiness, ideal for the long hours many commuters spend in the saddle.
The seat, while basic in appearance, offers adequate cushioning and support for typical commuting distances. At 785mm, the seat height is accessible to riders of various statures, allowing even shorter individuals to confidently place both feet on the ground when stopped. The narrow profile of the seat further aids this accessibility.
Suspension duties are handled by conventional telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. The setup is tuned for comfort rather than handling prowess, soaking up urban road imperfections with reasonable competence.
While enthusiastic cornering isn’t the Splendor’s forte, its light weight (approximately 112kg) makes it nimble enough for threading through traffic.
Braking performance varies depending on the variant. The drum brake versions provide adequate stopping power for normal usage, while the disc brake option offers more immediate and progressive braking, particularly useful in emergency situations.
All variants come equipped with a combined braking system, which distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels for more balanced deceleration.
The 18-inch wheels with tubeless tires strike a good balance between ride quality and obstacle clearance—an important consideration for Indian road conditions.
The larger wheel diameter helps the Splendor Xtec ride over minor potholes and rough patches with greater ease than motorcycles with smaller wheels.
Ownership Experience: The Complete Package
Beyond the motorcycle itself, the Splendor Xtec benefits from Hero MotoCorp’s extensive service network—the largest in India.
With service centers available even in smaller towns and villages, owners can rest assured that maintenance and repairs are readily accessible regardless of their location.
The simplicity of the air-cooled engine translates to straightforward maintenance requirements and lower service costs. Major service intervals typically fall at 6,000 kilometers, with minor checks recommended at 3,000-kilometer intervals.
The relatively basic mechanical package means that many routine maintenance tasks are within the capabilities of mechanically inclined owners, further reducing ownership costs.
Spare parts availability and affordability represent another significant advantage. The commonality of components across the Splendor range ensures that replacement parts are both widely available and reasonably priced.
This factor is particularly important for a utilitarian motorcycle, where long-term operating costs often outweigh initial purchase considerations.
Resale value stands as one of the Splendor’s strongest attributes. The model’s reputation for reliability and efficiency ensures that it holds its value well in the used motorcycle market, making it both an economical purchase and a sound investment for budget-conscious buyers.
Market Positioning and Competition
The Splendor Xtec occupies an interesting position in the Indian motorcycle market. Priced between approximately ₹80,750 and ₹86,051 (ex-showroom) depending on the variant, it commands a premium over the standard Splendor but remains accessible to its target audience.
This pricing places it in competition with both other 100cc commuters and some entry-level 125cc motorcycles. Direct rivals include the Honda Shine 100, Bajaj Platina 100, and TVS Star City Plus.
The Splendor Xtec differentiates itself through its combination of proven reliability and modern features, particularly its digital connectivity options.
Within Hero’s own lineup, the Splendor Xtec positions itself above the standard Splendor but below the Super Splendor Xtec, which offers a larger 125cc engine for buyers seeking more performance.
This strategic placement allows Hero to cover multiple price points and performance levels while maintaining the trusted Splendor branding.
Sales figures suggest that this strategy has proven successful, with the Xtec variant contributing significantly to the Splendor’s continued dominance in the commuter segment.
The willingness of buyers to pay a premium for added features while remaining within the familiar Splendor ecosystem demonstrates the strong brand equity Hero has built over decades.
The Latest Evolution: 2.0 and Beyond
In its commitment to continuous improvement, Hero introduced the Splendor Xtec 2.0, further refining the formula.
This update brought additional features like a full-LED headlight, further enhancing visibility and reducing power consumption. The instrument cluster received refinements for improved legibility and functionality.
The introduction of a front disc brake variant represented another significant upgrade, addressing a long-standing limitation of the platform.
This option provides enhanced stopping power and better brake feel for riders who prioritize these aspects or frequently ride in challenging conditions.
Each iteration builds upon the foundation established by its predecessors, maintaining continuity while incorporating meaningful improvements.
This evolutionary approach has served the Splendor line well, allowing it to remain relevant despite changing market dynamics and increasing competition.
Cultural Impact: More Than Transportation
To fully appreciate the significance of the Splendor Xtec, one must understand the Splendor’s cultural impact in India.
For many families, purchasing a Splendor represents the first step into motorized mobility—a significant milestone in their economic journey. The motorcycle often serves multiple roles: daily commuter, family transport, and occasional load carrier.
The Splendor has earned its place in Indian households not through marketing but through consistent performance and reliability.
Stories abound of Splendors that have covered hundreds of thousands of kilometers with minimal issues, passed down through generations or resold multiple times while continuing to provide faithful service.
By introducing the Xtec variant, Hero acknowledges the evolving expectations of these loyal customers. Today’s first-time motorcycle buyer expects more than just basic transportation; they desire features that enhance convenience, safety, and the overall ownership experience.
The Splendor Xtec delivers these enhancements without compromising the fundamental attributes that made the model successful.
Looking Forward: The Evolution Continues
As India progresses toward stricter emission norms and greater electrification, the Splendor family will inevitably face further evolution.
Hero MotoCorp has already demonstrated its commitment to adapting this iconic model to changing regulatory and market requirements, and this adaptability will be crucial for the Splendor’s continued relevance.
Future iterations might incorporate more advanced fuel injection systems, enhanced connectivity features, or even hybrid assistance to further improve efficiency while maintaining the motorcycle’s accessible price point.
The eventual transition to complete electrification remains a possibility, though likely a distant one given the current infrastructure limitations and cost considerations in the Splendor’s primary markets.
Whatever form these evolutions take, they will likely maintain the careful balance that has defined the Splendor Xtec: respecting tradition while embracing innovation, offering modern features without compromising affordability, and enhancing the ownership experience while preserving the motorcycle’s fundamental character.
Hero Splendor Xtec spoty look is launched
The Hero Splendor Xtec represents a thoughtful evolution of one of India’s most beloved motorcycles. By integrating modern technology into a proven platform, Hero has created a product that bridges generations—appealing to both traditional buyers who value the Splendor’s established virtues and younger customers who expect contemporary features.
This balanced approach has allowed the Splendor to remain relevant in a rapidly changing market, defying the conventional wisdom that long-standing products eventually become obsolete.
Instead, the Splendor has adapted and evolved, maintaining its core identity while incorporating meaningful improvements with each iteration.
For many Indian families, the Splendor Xtec offers an ideal compromise: a trustworthy, efficient, and affordable motorcycle enhanced with conveniences that genuinely improve the ownership experience.
It delivers connectivity without complexity, advanced features without intimidation, and modern styling without abandoning its utilitarian roots.
In this respect, the Splendor Xtec stands as a testament to thoughtful product development—understanding and respecting the needs of its target audience while subtly expanding their expectations.
As India’s mobility landscape continues to evolve, this philosophy will likely ensure that the Splendor remains not just a product but an institution in Indian motorcycling for years to come.