Hero Splendor Plus or Shine 100 DX: Commuter motorcycles in India have always been about mileage, comfort, and affordability. Hero Splendor Plus has long ruled this space, winning millions of buyers with trust and reliability. Now, Honda steps in with the Shine 100 DX, a fresh challenger in the highly competitive market. Both bikes target the same audience but bring different strengths to the table. Here is a detailed feature-by-feature comparison to help you decide.
Design Differences Between the Two Motorcycles
Hero Splendor Plus continues with its familiar slim design that has remained popular for years. Chrome finishes on the 3D logo and Splendor+ badge give it a premium look despite its simple body. To keep things fresh, Hero has introduced multiple colour choices, including Sports Red Black, Black Red Purple, Force Silver, Black Heavy Grey, and Blue Black.
On the other hand, Honda Shine 100 DX comes with a more robust presence. A large headlamp with chrome accents dominates the front, giving it a bolder look. Its fuel tank design blends well into the long single-piece seat, which improves both appearance and rider comfort. Four attractive shades are available: Pearl Igneous Black, Imperial Red Metallic, Athletic Blue Metallic, and Geny Gray Metallic.
Hardware and Suspension Setup of Both Bikes
Both bikes share a similar suspension package with telescopic forks at the front and adjustable twin-shock absorbers at the rear. Drum brakes are offered at both ends, keeping maintenance simple and costs low. Tubeless tires add safety for both models, though wheel sizes differ. Shine 100 DX rides on 17-inch wheels, while Splendor Plus uses 18-inch units. This small difference changes handling slightly, with Splendor offering more traditional stability and Shine leaning towards nimble urban use.
Engine Performance and Powertrain Comparison
Hero Splendor Plus is powered by a 97.2 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine. It generates 7.9 hp at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm torque at 6,000 rpm. Power is delivered through a four-speed gearbox with a wet clutch. This setup has proven reliability over the years and remains a major reason for the bike’s long-standing success.
Honda Shine 100 DX uses a slightly bigger 98.98 cc single-cylinder engine. It produces 7 hp at 7,500 rpm and 8.04 Nm torque at 5,000 rpm. Although power output is lower, the engine delivers torque earlier, which makes it smooth for city traffic. It also comes with both self-start and kick-start options, adding convenience for riders.