In the ever-evolving world of two-wheelers, certain motorcycles stand the test of time, becoming icons in their own right. The Hero Splendor has been one such stalwart in the Indian motorcycle landscape for over three decades, earning the distinction of being the world’s highest-selling motorcycle. With the introduction of the Hero Splendor Xtec, Hero MotoCorp has masterfully blended the classic appeal that made the Splendor a household name with cutting-edge features that cater to the modern rider’s expectations.
A Legacy Reimagined
The journey of the Splendor began as a simple, reliable commuter motorcycle that promised efficiency and dependability. Fast forward to 2025, and the Splendor Xtec emerges as a testament to Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to innovation while honoring its roots. The new model maintains the iconic silhouette that millions have come to recognize and trust, yet incorporates thoughtful enhancements that elevate the riding experience significantly.
“The Splendor is an emotion, a symbol of progress, and the unwavering aspirations of 40 million happy customers,” remarks Ranjivjit Singh, Chief Business Officer at Hero MotoCorp, highlighting the motorcycle’s deep-rooted connection with the Indian masses. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the philosophy behind the Splendor Xtec – preserving the essence that customers love while embracing technological advancement.
Design Evolution: Classic Meets Contemporary
At first glance, the Splendor Xtec exudes the familiar charm that has endeared it to millions. The squared-off headlight, simple body panels, and clean lines remain intact, presenting a design language that values function over flamboyance. However, closer inspection reveals subtle yet meaningful upgrades that bring the classic into the modern era.
The Xtec variant introduces a full-LED headlight system with High Intensity Position Lamp (HIPL) technology, ensuring superior illumination for nighttime riding. The unique H-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and matching tail lamp provide a distinctive signature appearance, making the Splendor Xtec instantly recognizable on the road. These lighting enhancements not only improve visibility but also contribute to the motorcycle’s refreshed aesthetic appeal.
The thoughtfully redesigned seat offers improved comfort for long rides, while the chrome-finished engine guard, tail rack, and heat shield add premium touches to the overall appearance. Available in a variety of eye-catching colors including Gloss Black, Gloss Red, and Matte Grey, the Splendor Xtec caters to diverse taste preferences while maintaining a dignified presence on the road.
Technological Advancements: Smart Features for the Modern Rider
Where the Splendor Xtec truly shines is in its technological offerings, many of which are unprecedented in the segment. The motorcycle boasts a fully digital instrument cluster – a first in its category – that provides essential information at a glance. This Bluetooth-enabled console offers real-time mileage indicators, an eco-indicator for optimized fuel consumption, and connectivity features that allow riders to receive call and SMS alerts directly on the dashboard.
The inclusion of a USB charging port positioned conveniently on the left side of the headlight cowl addresses the contemporary rider’s need to stay connected on the go. Safety features have received equal attention, with the motorcycle equipped with hazard light winkers, a dedicated hazard switch, side-stand engine cut-off, and a bank angle sensor that automatically detects falls and cuts off the engine to enhance rider safety.
Perhaps the most innovative feature is the i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology, which automatically shuts off the engine during prolonged idle periods in traffic, conserving fuel and reducing emissions. This intelligent system seamlessly restarts the engine when the clutch is engaged, exemplifying Hero’s commitment to practical, user-centric design.
Performance and Efficiency: The Heart of the Matter
Powering the Splendor Xtec is a 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces approximately 8.02 PS of power at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 8.05 Nm at 6,000 rpm. While these figures might seem modest on paper, they translate to a surprisingly lively performance in real-world conditions, primarily due to the motorcycle’s lightweight construction of just 112 kg.
The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting four-speed gearbox that delivers power efficiently throughout the rev range. The powertrain has been tuned specifically to prioritize low-end torque, making city commutes effortless and reducing the need for frequent gear changes in stop-and-go traffic situations.
However, the Splendor Xtec’s crowning achievement is undoubtedly its exceptional fuel efficiency. With a certified mileage of approximately 73 kmpl and real-world figures often exceeding 60 kmpl even in demanding urban conditions, the motorcycle upholds the Splendor’s legacy of being extraordinarily economical. Coupled with a 9.8-liter fuel tank, riders can expect an impressive range of nearly 600 kilometers on a single fill, making it a perfect companion for both daily commutes and longer journeys.
Ride Quality and Handling: Comfort in Everyday Conditions
The Splendor Xtec’s ride quality benefits from a well-calibrated suspension setup consisting of telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and a swingarm with 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. This configuration effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride even on challenging road surfaces that are common in many parts of India.
The 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tires contribute to the motorcycle’s stable handling characteristics while offering the added safety of preventing sudden deflation in case of punctures. The integrated braking system, which distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels, ensures predictable stopping power even for less experienced riders.
With a ground clearance of 165 mm, the Splendor Xtec confidently navigates over speed breakers and minor obstacles without scraping its underside. The comfortable riding position, characterized by a relaxed reach to the handlebars and adequately positioned footpegs, reduces fatigue during extended riding sessions, further enhancing the motorcycle’s appeal as a daily commuter.
Ownership Experience: Value Beyond the Purchase
The Splendor Xtec’s appeal extends beyond its tangible features, encompassing the comprehensive ownership experience that Hero MotoCorp has refined over decades. Priced competitively in the range of Rs. 80,750 to Rs. 86,107 (depending on the specific variant), the motorcycle represents excellent value for money, especially considering the advanced features it brings to the table.
Maintenance costs remain remarkably low, thanks to the simple, proven mechanical architecture that forms the backbone of the Splendor lineup. The widespread availability of spare parts and Hero’s extensive service network—one of the largest in the country—ensures that owners can maintain their motorcycles without inconvenience or unexpected expenses.
The motorcycle’s reliability record speaks for itself, with many Splendor units recording hundreds of thousands of kilometers without major mechanical issues. This proven durability, combined with strong resale value retention, makes the Splendor Xtec a financially sound investment for the long term, particularly for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize total cost of ownership over initial purchase price.
Environmental Considerations: Responsible Mobility
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the Splendor Xtec addresses ecological concerns through multiple approaches. The engine is BS6 Phase 2 compliant, adhering to the latest emission norms that significantly reduce harmful pollutants compared to older standards.
The i3S technology not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces the carbon footprint by minimizing unnecessary idling. By intelligently cutting off the engine during stops, the system prevents needless fuel consumption and emissions—a feature particularly valuable in congested urban traffic where idling time can accumulate substantially.
Moreover, the motorcycle’s exceptional fuel efficiency directly translates to lower CO2 emissions per kilometer traveled, making it one of the more environmentally responsible options in motorized personal transportation. For environmentally conscious consumers who require motorized mobility solutions, the Splendor Xtec presents a compromise that balances ecological impact with practical transportation needs.
Market Position: Strengths and Competition
The Splendor Xtec enters a fiercely competitive market segment where numerous manufacturers vie for consumer attention with products that often share similar specifications. However, several factors help the Splendor Xtec distinguish itself from the crowd.
The motorcycle’s brand heritage provides a significant advantage, with the Splendor name carrying decades of trust and goodwill. For many customers, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, this established reputation offers reassurance that transcends feature comparisons and specification sheets.
The Splendor Xtec’s balanced approach to modernization—adding meaningful features without compromising the core attributes of simplicity and reliability—resonates with its target audience. While competitors might offer flashier designs or marginally better performance figures, the Splendor Xtec maintains focus on the practical aspects that matter most to daily users: fuel efficiency, comfort, reliability, and low maintenance costs.
Direct competitors like the Honda Shine 100, Bajaj Platina, and TVS Radeon each have their strengths, but the Splendor Xtec counters with its comprehensive package that addresses multiple aspects of the ownership experience rather than excelling in isolated parameters. This holistic approach has historically served the Splendor lineup well, and the Xtec variant continues this successful tradition.
The Future Perspective: Evolving with the Times
The Splendor Xtec represents an important evolutionary step in the storied Splendor lineage, demonstrating Hero MotoCorp’s understanding that even iconic products must adapt to changing consumer expectations. By introducing features like LED lighting, digital instrumentation, and connectivity options without compromising the motorcycle’s fundamental identity, Hero has created a blueprint for how traditional products can remain relevant in rapidly changing markets.
Looking ahead, the Splendor platform is likely to continue evolving, potentially incorporating more advanced technologies as they become cost-effective for implementation in mass-market products. Areas such as enhanced connectivity, improved safety features, and further refinements in emission control and fuel efficiency are probable directions for future development.
However, the success of the Splendor Xtec suggests that Hero MotoCorp recognizes the delicate balance required when updating beloved products. Revolutionary changes risk alienating the loyal customer base, while insufficient innovation could result in obsolescence. The measured approach demonstrated with the Xtec variant—meaningful modernization while preserving core values—provides a sustainable path forward for the iconic motorcycle.
A Timeless Classic, Thoughtfully Modernized
The Hero Splendor Xtec masterfully achieves what many product updates aspire to but few accomplish: enhancing a successful formula without diluting its essence. In a market often characterized by rapid obsolescence and constant churn, the Splendor has maintained its relevance for over three decades—a remarkable achievement in any product category.
With the Xtec variant, Hero MotoCorp demonstrates deep understanding of both its product and its customer base. The motorcycle retains the reliable, economical, and unpretentious character that made the Splendor an icon while incorporating thoughtfully selected modern features that enhance the ownership experience without introducing unnecessary complexity or cost.
For the millions of riders who depend on their motorcycles not just for transportation but as essential tools for livelihood and daily function, the Splendor Xtec offers the perfect blend of familiar dependability and contemporary convenience. In staying true to its roots while embracing progress, the Hero Splendor Xtec honors its legacy while securing its place in India’s automotive future—a classic look motorcycle with modern features, offering exceptional value and the promise of many more miles of faithful service to come.