Hero Super Splendor: Achieving the Right Balance of Efficiency and Style in India’s Commuter Category The Hero Super Splendor is the flagship product for the brand recording the biggest number of sales after. The Passion and contributes the most to the brand’s popularity in the country’s commuter motorcycle segment.
Being one of the mainstays in Hero MotoCorp’s portfolio, the Super Splendor has seen its journey over the years but has held on tightly to its roots of being a reliable commuter.
Design and Ergonomics
Simple and functional, the Super Splendor’s design doesn’t stir the loins.
The new model comes with subtle visual additions that comprises of sharper lines and graphic treatment over a rather familiar looking look which is unmistakably a Splendor.
The bike has a regular commuter form being an upright riding-positioned sport bike which very comfort to a daily commute and does not require a bunch of aggressive moving body to go through the traffic.
Its low seat height of 785mm, will cater to various rider heights and along with the slim profile and the relatively approachable 124kg weight, urban manoeuvrability on India’s crowded streets, will not be an issue.
The ergonomics are well sorted for India, there is a comfortable seat and the pegs and handlebars are correctly placed ergonomics, to make sure one can tour long distances without feeling fatigued.
Engine and Performance
The Super Splendor is powered by a 125cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that makes around 10.7bhp and 10.6Nm of torque.
By international standards these numbers may sound small, but they’re more than enough to get the job done.
The power is laid down efficiently through a 5-speed transmission providing solider highway dynamics than the smaller hundred cc brothers.
Hero’s in-house developed i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology that automatically shuts off the engine when idling for more than 5 seconds
and fires it up again when you pull in the clutch, also improving fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic situations.
It is highly frugal, with an expected mileage range of about 60-65 km/l, which is one of the best in class.
Ride Quality and Features
The Super Splendor is equipped with regular telescopic fork suspension up front and twin shock absorbers in the rear, that give it a decent ride quality for most Indian tarmac.
The suspension is not lavish but is comfortable enough for daily rides to work.
The two-wheeler has an option of fully drum and disc brake along with integrated braking system (IBS) for safety purpose.
The instrument panel is minimalist with a center-mounted traditional analog speedo with smaller digital text display for important fuel info, etc.
New Models to be launched are offer with LED day time running lights, alloy wheels and tubeless tires as standard making it value for money proposition and saving of maintenance for the customers.
Pros:
Un-matched fuel efficiency for a budget-minded commuter
Reliable with low service and maintenance costs
High on resale value and support network is also good
Ergo-Grip for daily commuting comfort.
i3S technology adds to fuel savings in smaller distances and city traffics pmsp
Enough power for in town riding and some freeway riding
Cons:
Limited features in comparison to some new rivals
May not have enough “flash” for younger riders
Highway cruising above 80 km/h is not advisable
Ride Suspension can verge on harsh over especially busted roads
Lacks a few high-end technological features.
At high speed, you feel a slight vibration in the engine.
Hero Super Splender: Conclusion
The Hero Super Splendor has always been and still remains a very practical and efficient commuter motorcycle in India.
It doesn’t really impress in any one area, but it’s reasonably capable in terms of power, gas mileage
and overall value, which should appeal to financially conservative riders in search of reliable transportation.
For regular commuters who want low running costs, reliability and convenience of ownership, the Super Splendor makes perfect sense.
Hero MotoCorp’s large and widespread service and spare solutions makes owning a Hero motorcycle an easy and hassle-free experience, throughout the motorcycle’s lifetime.