The Hero Splendor Plus 2025 Review is an in-depth examination of the motorcycle that has defined the very essence of reliable, affordable, and economical personal transport in India for over two decades. The 2025 model year continues to uphold its core specialization—unmatched reliability and segment-best fuel efficiency—while strategically integrating modern technological and safety upgrades, primarily through its high-end XTEC and XTEC 2.0 variants. This machine is built to be the low-stress, low-maintenance workhorse for daily commuters across urban and rural India. This comprehensive review dissects the legendary engine, details the new technological specializations like the digital cluster and optional disc brake, evaluates its comfort for daily use, and confirms the highly accessible price positioning that secures its market dominance.
Engine Specs and Performance: The Workhorse Specialization
The heart of the Hero Splendor Plus 2025 Review subject is the engine that has become an icon of durability and efficiency. Hero MotoCorp’s strategy is not to change this engine fundamentally, but to refine it for stricter emission standards and better city performance.
The 97.2cc Air-Cooled Engine
The motorcycle is powered by the tried-and-tested $97.2\text{ cc}$ air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder OHC engine. This unit is engineered for long-term reliability and extreme efficiency over raw power. It generates a maximum power of approximately $7.91\text{ bhp}$ ($8.02\text{ PS}$) at $8,000\text{ rpm}$ and a peak torque of $8.05\text{ Newton-metres}$ at $6,000\text{ rpm}$.
The power delivery is smooth, linear, and predictable, making the Splendor Plus exceptionally easy to handle for riders of all skill levels. It is paired with a reliable 4-speed constant mesh manual transmission, which is perfectly geared for city traffic and provides easy, smooth shifts. The engine has been updated to comply with the latest OBD-2B emission norms, ensuring it is future-proofed against upcoming regulations without compromising its performance specialization.
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i3S Technology and Fuel Injection
A key technological specialization across most variants is Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System). This feature automatically cuts the engine when the bike is idling for a few seconds in neutral (like at a traffic light) and seamlessly restarts it when the rider pulls the clutch lever. This technology is instrumental in boosting real-world fuel economy in stop-and-go urban traffic. Furthermore, the engine uses xSens Programmed Fuel Injection (Fi) technology, which utilizes a range of sensors to optimize fuel delivery based on engine data, enhancing both efficiency and cold-start reliability.
Features and Technology: The XTEC Digital Upgrade
While the classic Splendor Plus remains intentionally basic, the Hero Splendor Plus 2025 Review subject’s appeal is significantly boosted by the inclusion of advanced features in its XTEC and XTEC 2.0 variants, bringing modern connectivity to the budget segment.
Digital Cluster and Connectivity
The standard variants retain the classic, reliable analogue instrument cluster with a large speedometer and fuel gauge. However, the Splendor Plus XTEC variant offers a significant technological specialization with a fully digital instrument cluster. This unit provides essential information such as a real-time mileage indicator, two trip meters, and a low fuel indicator. Crucially, the XTEC models include Bluetooth connectivity, which provides essential rider notifications:
- Call and SMS Alerts: Notifications for incoming calls and messages displayed directly on the screen.
- Side Stand Engine Cut-off: A safety feature that prevents the engine from starting or cuts it off if the side stand is engaged, mitigating accidental riding.
Lighting and Charging Specialization
The XTEC 2.0 variant is expected to introduce further premium upgrades, including a full LED headlamp setup (replacing the standard halogen bulb) and unique LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), enhancing both visibility and aesthetic appeal. A highly practical addition across the upgraded lineup is the USB charging port, allowing riders to conveniently charge their mobile devices while on the move, addressing a critical need for modern commuters.
Mileage, Comfort, and Handling: The Practicality Specialization
The true enduring appeal of the Hero Splendor Plus 2025 Review subject lies in its practical specialization—its comfort, featherlight handling, and unparalleled fuel economy.
Fuel Economy and Riding Range
The ARAI certified mileage for the Splendor Plus is approximately $70\text{ kmpl}$ to $73\text{ kmpl}$ (the XTEC variants often achieve the higher figures due to i3S optimization). Owner-reported real-world mileage consistently hovers between $60\text{ kmpl}$ and $65\text{ kmpl}$, which is exceptional for a motorcycle. With its $9.8\text{-litre}$ fuel tank capacity, the Splendor Plus can easily cover over $600\text{ km}$ on a single tank, minimizing trips to the petrol pump and ensuring extremely low monthly fuel expenses—the core financial benefit for its users.
Comfort and Handling
The ride quality is tuned specifically for the challenging conditions of Indian roads. The bike features a reliable telescopic hydraulic shock absorber at the front and a 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorber at the rear. This setup provides a compliant ride, easily absorbing potholes and rough roads without excessive jarring. The riding posture is upright and relaxed, designed for long hours in the saddle without fatigue. The lightweight kerb weight of $112\text{ kg}$ and the slim profile make the Splendor Plus incredibly agile and nimble in heavy traffic, allowing for effortless maneuvering and parking. The long, single-piece seat is well-cushioned and comfortable for both the rider and a pillion.
Pros, Cons, and Price in India
The Hero Splendor Plus 2025 Review confirms its enduring status as the gold standard of commuter bikes, though its focus on practicality necessitates certain limitations.
Pros (Advantages)
The major advantages are the segment-best reliability and durability of the $97.2\text{ cc}$ engine, the exceptional real-world fuel economy (60-65 kmpl), the ubiquitous service and spares availability across India (making maintenance easy and cheap), the convenience of the i3S start-stop system, and the modern digital features like the USB port and Bluetooth connectivity in the XTEC variants.
Cons (Drawbacks)
The primary drawbacks are the dated, rectangular design aesthetic (which lacks the sporty appeal of modern rivals), the absence of a front disc brake option on the standard variants (relying on 130mm drum brakes on both ends, although a disc brake is available on the top XTEC variant), and the noticeable vibrations felt when the engine is pushed to its higher speeds (above $75\text{ kmph}$).
Expected Price in India
The pricing of the Hero Splendor Plus 2025 remains highly competitive, with the price variation reflecting the inclusion of technology and safety features. The estimated Ex-Showroom Price in India for the key variants are:
- Standard Drum Brake (Non-i3S): Approximately $\text{₹}73,900$ to $\text{₹}75,000$.
- i3S Drum Brake: Approximately $\text{₹}75,000$ to $\text{₹}76,500$.
- Splendor Plus XTEC (Digital Cluster, Bluetooth): Approximately $\text{₹}77,100$ to $\text{₹}79,500$.
- Splendor Plus XTEC Disc (Top Variant): Approximately $\text{₹}80,100$ to $\text{₹}81,500$.
The final On-Road Price in India for the top XTEC Disc variant is estimated to range from $\text{₹}95,000$ to $\text{₹}1,05,000$ depending on the city and local taxes, confirming its position as the ultimate budget-friendly, reliable, and now tech-savvy commuter.
