Hero Splendor 125: The Hero Splendor 125 marks the progression of India’s most iconic motorcycle brand by adding displacement and contemporary features while staying true to values that have made the Splendor one of the most important modes of affordable, reliable transportation the subcontinent has seen.
Design and Styling
The signature profile of the generations of Splendor is still there with some modern touches that keep us feeling nostalgic and make the bike look new at the same time.
The slimmer fuel tank feels closer to the bike, the redesigned fuel tank has sharper indentations on the knees and the side panels comes with new graphics that have not lost the old school charm of the Slash series.
Blazing Red, Heavy Grey and Mystique Blue are the colours on offer and the machine strikes a fine balance between appealing to older riders looking for a slice of nostalgia and younger riders who won’t be embarrassed riding around town on one.
You get little luxuries like chrome on the exhaust shield, mirrors and handlebar ends to offset an ergonomically-tuned van of a bike.
Engine Performance
Powering the Splendor 125 is a smooth 125cc air-cooled, single-cylinder motor which churns out around 10.7 horses and 10.6 Nm of twist.
These numbers may not sound great in isolation when compared to performance motos, but it’s significantly higher than the legacy 100-110cc Splendors.
The overall power delivery is intentionally linear in progress – favouring an even and manageable supercharged rise in power over outright ballistic acceleration.
The 5-speed gearbox provides well-defined gear ratios allowing for in town rideability and also fuel efficiency for highway cruising, and the extra gear provides less stress on the engine during long periods of higher speed operation.
Riding Dynamics
Based on a traditional tubular double-cradle frame, the Splendor 125 will provide riders of all skills with a predictable and neutral handling layout that will increase their confidence.
The telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers provide a plush ride quality while soaking up the regular road’s lumps and bumps, without feeling too soft in the process.
At around 122kg in kerb weight, the motorcycle is both city-friendly and can stretch its legs at highway speeds with confidence.
80/100 front and rear tires on 18-inch wheels offer excellent riding comfort and contribute to the bike’s low rolling resistance for great fuel efficiency.
Features and Technology
The Splendor 125 is also equipped with a number of advanced features which make it far from being a bare-bone commuter. The analogue speedometer and trip information are displayed on a digital screen on the semi-digital instrument cluster.
The i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) feature automatically cuts off the engine when idle for more than 5 secs and turns it on after the clutch is pressed, thereby resulting in fuel saving in city stop-go traffic.
Featuring a built-in USB charging port, you can easily charge your mobile devices on the go, and the linked braking system delivers added stopping power by activating both front and rear brakes.
Practical Considerations
In the Splendor tradition, pragmatic concerns are now as important as telling the truth. The comfortable, upright riding position adds ease to daily commutes and weekend rides, and the wide, cushioned seat lets you choose your own level of comfort.
You’ve got about 12 litre fuel tank and the bike is super fuel efficient (around 65-70 km/l) and carries the good enough fuel to literally take you from Mumbai to Goa without landing on a fuel pump.
Its low maintenance and affordable spare parts support the Splendor heritage of practical ownership.
Pros:
Excellent fuel efficiency coupled with great range
Smoother revving engine with a refined power delivery
Ergonomic and comfortable for everyday commuting.
Black and grey finish with easy to maintain design
Contemporary features such as i3S and USB charging
High resale value and brand recognition
User-Friendly for Riders of All Experience Levels
Cons:
Non-trendy design may turn off more fashion-forward consumers
Good performing, but uninspiring compared to more sporty 125cc choices.
Storage options are limited unless you purchase aftermarket accessories
No features of adjustable suspension platform.
Instrument cluster performance lags some rivals
Traditional lighting not LEDазвещенеениеlosures the orbit of thehandlers orbit orbithandlers orbit orbithandlers orbit orbithandlers orbit handlers handles STANDARD LIGHTING NOT LED
The drum brakes on base SciKORZs do not bite as hard as the disc units
Hero Splendor 125: Verdict
The Hero Splendor 125 is the bike maker’s attempt to replicate the success of India’s most popular motorbike in a bigger displacement segment.
By sticking to the basics of reliability, efficiency and price - but now adding some thoughtful modern touches – Hero has offered a simple, incremental step up for current Splendor owners and a potential invitation to new customers in search of a practical, no-nonsense commuter with a bit more pep.
No, it isn’t going to cater much to adventure seekers or tech freaks, but as a reliable and frugal tool for the masses, the evergreen Splendor name-tag hasn’t lost an ounce of gloss in the largest market for two-wheelers.
