The Hero Splendor is a legendary name in the Indian motorcycle industry, synonymous with fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability. For decades, it has been the go-to choice for millions of daily commuters. But what if Hero decided to inject a bit of sportiness into the mix? Enter the Hero Splendor Sports, a limited-edition variant aimed at attracting younger riders seeking a stylish and slightly peppier version of the iconic commuter.
However, before diving into the details of the Splendor Sports, it’s crucial to clarify that it’s not a true “sports” bike in the conventional sense. It’s still very much a commuter at heart, but with some cosmetic tweaks and minor performance enhancements.
Cosmetic Changes:
The most noticeable difference between the regular Splendor and the Sports edition lies in its aesthetics. The Sports boasts a bolder, sportier design with sharper graphics, a two-tone color scheme featuring vibrant shades like Sports Red and Black, and chrome accents. It also gets alloy wheels, a more sculpted fuel tank, and a redesigned headlamp for a modern touch. These changes do give the Splendor Sports a more youthful and dynamic appeal compared to its traditional counterpart.
Performance Tweaks:
Underneath the sporty skin, the Splendor Sports remains largely unchanged. It retains the same 97.2cc air-cooled engine that produces 7.95 bhp and 8.05 Nm of torque. This translates to a modest top speed of around 80-85 km/h, adequate for city commutes but not setting any speed records. The 4-speed gearbox remains the same, offering a smooth and easy-to-use shifting experience.
However, Hero claims to have made slight tweaks to the suspension setup for better handling and stability. Additionally, the inclusion of tubeless tires offers improved puncture resistance, a welcome feature for everyday use.
Is it a true “Sports” bike?
No, the Hero Splendor Sports doesn’t live up to the “sports” moniker in the true sense. Its performance remains firmly in the commuter territory. But, it does offer a slightly more exciting visual package and potentially improved handling compared to the standard Splendor. This combination might appeal to younger riders seeking a stylish and practical everyday motorcycle.
Who is it for?
The Splendor Sports targets young riders, particularly first-time buyers, who are drawn to its sporty looks and modern features. It might also attract existing Splendor owners looking for a refresh without straying too far from the familiar platform. However, performance-oriented riders seeking true speed and agility will likely find the Splendor Sports lacking.
Verdict:
The Hero Splendor Sports is a calculated move by Hero to attract younger riders to the Splendor brand. It offers a visually appealing package with some minor performance enhancements over the standard version, all while retaining the core values of affordability and practicality. But, it’s crucial to remember that it’s not a true “sports” bike and shouldn’t be compared to performance-oriented motorcycles. Ultimately, the Splendor Sports caters to a specific niche and its success will depend on whether it resonates with its target audience.
Additional notes:
The Splendor Sports price varies depending on the variant and market, but generally sits slightly higher than the standard Splendor.
Several online resources showcase custom modifications for the Splendor Sports, giving it a more aggressive cafe racer look.
Hero discontinued the Splendor Pro Classic, a more performance-oriented model, in 2017.
