The morning sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon as Rajesh kickstarted his trusty Hero Splendor Plus. The familiar purr of the engine brought a smile to his face – fifteen years and counting, yet the motorcycle had never let him down. In a country where fuel prices fluctuate more dramatically than the stock market, Rajesh’s Splendor had been his economic savior, consistently delivering an astonishing 65 kilometers per liter of petrol. They don’t call it “The Dhaakad Mileage King” for nothing.
But what makes the Hero Splendor Plus deserving of this royal title? Is it really worth the hype, or is it just clever marketing? Let’s dive deep into the world of India’s most beloved commuter motorcycle and find out why millions of Indians continue to swear by this two-wheeled wonder.
The Legacy of a Legend
The Hero Splendor isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has shaped Indian mobility for decades. Born in the late 1990s, the Splendor quickly established itself as the common man’s chariot. Its journey began when Hero Group collaborated with Honda, creating what was then known as Hero Honda. The partnership may have dissolved in 2010, but the Splendor’s legacy continued uninterrupted.
“My father bought our first Splendor in 2001,” recalls Amit Sharma, a 35-year-old software engineer from Pune. “That same bike carried me through school, college, and my first job. We sold it only last year, and it was still running perfectly.”
Stories like Amit’s aren’t rare. In fact, they’re surprisingly common across the length and breadth of India. From the busy streets of Mumbai to the rural roads of Bihar, the Splendor has woven itself into the fabric of Indian life. With over 100 million units sold (and counting), the Splendor family has achieved what few products ever do – becoming synonymous with the very category it represents. Much like how people ask for a “Xerox” instead of a photocopy, many Indians simply say “Splendor” when referring to commuter motorcycles.
Evolution Without Revolution
The brilliance of Hero’s strategy with the Splendor Plus has been their approach to evolution rather than revolution. While competitors rush to overhaul their designs every few years, the Splendor has maintained its core identity while making subtle yet meaningful improvements.
The 2023-24 Splendor Plus may look similar to its predecessors at first glance, but look closer and you’ll notice the refinements. The headlamp now features LED technology, improving visibility while reducing power consumption. The instrument cluster has been modernized with a digital-analog combo display. The seat has been re-engineered for better comfort during long rides. These changes don’t scream for attention – they simply address real needs of riders.
“We don’t change things just for the sake of change,” explains Vikram Kasbekar, Executive Director at Hero MotoCorp. “Every modification we make to the Splendor is based on extensive customer feedback and rigorous testing. Our philosophy is simple: if it’s not broken, don’t fix it – but always look for ways to make it better.”
This philosophy extends to the engine as well. The current Splendor Plus retains the tried-and-tested 97.2cc air-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder engine. It produces a modest 8.36 PS of power and 8.05 Nm of torque – numbers that might seem unimpressive to motorcycle enthusiasts but are perfectly adequate for daily commuting needs.
The Science Behind 65 kmpl
When I first heard claims about the Splendor Plus delivering 65 kilometers per liter, I was skeptical. As an automotive journalist who’s tested everything from scooters to superbikes, such figures seemed overly optimistic. But after spending two weeks with the motorcycle and covering over 500 kilometers across varied terrain and traffic conditions, I’m convinced. The Splendor Plus truly is the “Dhaakad Mileage King.”
Engineering Excellence
The impressive fuel efficiency isn’t accidental – it’s the result of meticulous engineering. The Splendor Plus employs Hero’s patented i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology, which automatically shuts off the engine when idling for more than 5 seconds and restarts it with a simple clutch pull. In stop-and-go city traffic, this feature alone can improve fuel efficiency by up to 7%.
The engine itself is a masterpiece of efficiency. Hero has optimized the combustion chamber design to extract maximum energy from each drop of fuel. The carburetor (or fuel injection system in newer variants) is calibrated to deliver precisely the right air-fuel mixture under varying conditions. Even the transmission has been geared specifically to maximize efficiency rather than speed.
“We’ve optimized every component of the powertrain for efficiency,” says Sanjay Bhan, Head of Global Business at Hero MotoCorp. “From reducing internal friction to minimizing weight, everything contributes to that headline figure of 65 kmpl.”
The motorcycle’s lightweight construction also plays a crucial role. Weighing just 110 kg, the Splendor Plus requires less energy to propel forward compared to heavier alternatives. The chassis design balances strength with weight optimization, using high-tensile steel only where necessary.
Riding Technique Matters
During my testing, I discovered something interesting – the way you ride significantly impacts fuel efficiency. When following the recommended riding practices (maintaining steady speeds between 40-50 kmph, gentle acceleration, and minimal braking), I consistently achieved between 62-67 kmpl. However, with aggressive riding, the figure dropped to around 55 kmpl – still impressive, but noticeably lower.
Veteran Splendor owner Harish Patel from Ahmedabad shared his secret: “I’ve been riding Splendors for 20 years, and I always get above 65 kmpl. The trick is to find the ‘sweet spot’ in each gear and stick to it. Also, anticipate traffic to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.”
Beyond Mileage: What Makes the Splendor Plus Special
While the exceptional fuel efficiency is undoubtedly the Splendor’s crown jewel, focusing solely on this aspect would do injustice to a motorcycle that offers much more.
Unmatched Reliability
Speak to any long-term Splendor owner, and one word dominates the conversation: reliability. These motorcycles are built to last, often running for decades with just basic maintenance.
Ramesh Yadav, who runs a motorcycle repair shop in Lucknow, puts it succinctly: “In my 25 years as a mechanic, I’ve seen Splendors with over 200,000 kilometers still running smoothly. The engine design is so simple and robust that even with minimal maintenance, these bikes just refuse to give up.”
This reliability stems from Hero’s approach to engineering – prioritizing durability over complexity. The engine architecture is deliberately straightforward, with fewer moving parts that could potentially fail. Critical components are overengineered to withstand the harsh conditions of Indian roads.
Annual maintenance costs for a Splendor Plus typically range between ₹2,000-3,000 – significantly lower than most alternatives. Spare parts are not only affordable but also readily available in virtually every corner of the country, making repairs quick and convenient.
Comfort for Daily Commutes
For a motorcycle primarily designed for efficiency, the Splendor Plus offers surprising levels of comfort. The upright riding position minimizes strain on the back and wrists during long commutes. The redesigned seat provides adequate support, while the suspension setup – though basic – does a commendable job of absorbing road imperfections.
“I commute 40 kilometers daily on my Splendor,” says Priya Desai, a school teacher from Nashik. “Earlier, I used a scooter and would reach work with backaches. Since switching to the Splendor, those problems have disappeared. It’s not a luxury motorcycle by any means, but it gets the comfort basics right.”
The slim profile of the motorcycle also makes it ideal for navigating through congested traffic – another crucial consideration for daily commuters in Indian cities.
Low Cost of Ownership
When calculating the true cost of vehicle ownership, many factors come into play beyond the purchase price – fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, insurance premiums, resale value, and more. The Splendor Plus excels in virtually all these aspects.
With current petrol prices hovering around ₹100 per liter in many Indian cities, the Splendor’s 65 kmpl efficiency translates to a running cost of approximately ₹1.54 per kilometer – roughly one-third the cost of running a small car.
Insurance premiums for the Splendor Plus are among the lowest in the motorcycle segment, typically ranging between ₹1,500-2,000 annually for comprehensive coverage.
Perhaps most impressively, the Splendor maintains excellent resale value even after years of use. A well-maintained 5-year-old Splendor typically fetches 60-70% of its original price – a testament to the enduring demand for these motorcycles.
The Splendor Plus in 2024: Still Relevant?
In an era of electric vehicles and increasingly stringent emission norms, does a simple, fuel-powered commuter motorcycle like the Splendor Plus still make sense? The sales figures suggest it does – Hero continues to sell approximately 2 million units annually.
Adapting to Changing Times
The latest iteration of the Splendor Plus has made significant strides toward sustainability without compromising its core strengths. The BS6-compliant engine produces significantly lower emissions compared to its predecessors. The i3S technology reduces unnecessary idling, further minimizing environmental impact.
Hero has also introduced the Splendor Plus XTEC variant, which incorporates modern features like Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and USB charging – addressing the technological expectations of younger riders.
“We recognize that while our core customer values efficiency and reliability above all, their expectations regarding technology are evolving,” notes Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy at Hero MotoCorp. “The challenge is introducing these features without compromising on the Splendor’s fundamental strengths or significantly increasing costs.”
The Electric Question
With India pushing toward electric mobility, Hero hasn’t been standing still. The company has invested heavily in electric two-wheeler technology through its “Vida” sub-brand. However, executives acknowledge that the transition will be gradual, particularly in rural and semi-urban markets where the Splendor enjoys immense popularity.
“The infrastructure for electric vehicles is still developing in many parts of India,” explains Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman of Hero MotoCorp. “Until charging becomes as convenient as refueling and acquisition costs reach parity, conventional motorcycles like the Splendor will continue to be the practical choice for millions of Indians.”
Long Live the King
After spending considerable time with the Hero Splendor Plus and speaking with dozens of owners across different demographics, the verdict is clear: the “Dhaakad Mileage King” has earned its crown fairly.
In a market flooded with flashier, more powerful alternatives, the Splendor’s continued dominance speaks volumes about what Indian commuters truly value – reliability, efficiency, and practicality above all else. It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s a trusted companion that has enabled social mobility and economic progress for millions of families.
As India continues its journey toward a more sustainable transportation future, the Splendor Plus will inevitably evolve. But if history is any indication, Hero will navigate this evolution without compromising the core values that made the Splendor a household name.
For now, at least, the king’s reign appears far from over. Long live the Dhaakad Mileage King
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