Hero Splendor Plus XTEC : For nearly three decades, Hero Splendor has stood at the helm of the Indian commuter motorcycle market and epitomized reliability, affordability, and excellent fuel efficiency. Launched by the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, Hero MotoCorp, it has remained at the top of the market since its dawn in the 1990s. Year in, year out, it has had upgrade after upgrade, keeping pace with changing rider demands. The latest in this glorious series is the Hero Splendor Plus XTEC-the best version of the Splendor Plus yet, imparting age-old strengths on this one but modern technology.
Launched in 2022, the Splendor Plus XTEC is a reflection of Hero MotoCorp’s resolve to create products that will cater to the needs of the modern commuter by incorporating high-tech features, making it an ideal product in the commuter segment. The variant starts at around INR 73,000 on-road Delhi and offers the best value for money while maintaining the rugged durability for which the Splendor brand is known all across the world.
Key Features of Hero Splendor Plus XTEC:
All of these new features put a lot of features on the Hero Splendor Plus XTEC, which most of its predecessors did not see before. Among these are upgrades uniquely targeting the tech-savvy rider and others that focus on upgrading the riding experience.
- Full Digital Meter with Bluetooth Connectivity: One of the striking updates in the XTEC version is a fully digital instrument cluster, first in its class. The digital display comes equated with Bluetooth functionality that will beam call and SMS alerts right on to the dashboard. This does not only make any rider look always connected but also more road-safe and convenient.
- Real-Time Mileage Indicator: The rider can monitor his fuel efficiency in real-time, so he or she will have an indication of how to drive for making the most of the fuel. As India is the petrol-conscious market, it will attract the customer who are more conscious of the mileage.
- Side Stand Engine Cut Off: Hero’s concern for safety is always at its highest point. What the side stand engine cut-off mechanism does is exactly what this mechanism on the Splendor Plus XTEC does. That means it will not allow the engine to get ignited, or even if you need to stop the engine, it will do that because the side stand is engaged.
- USB Charging Port: They tend to use their cell phones for navigation and communication. Having the USB charging port from a bicycle adds much value to the bicycle because riders can keep their devices on throughout the ride.
- Mileage : Hero Splendor Plus XTEC gives a mileage of about 70-75 km/l. Most of the other variants of splendor plus also provide this mileage. Hero’s i3S technology saves fuel through automatic shut off and start of the engine when idling and restart of the engine while clutch is engaged during heavy traffic where frequent stoppages are routine.
LED DRL and Graphics on the New Splendor Plus XTEC The Splendor Plus XTEC comes in with new LED High Intensity Position Lamps (HIPL) infused into the headlamp. The daytime visibility improves, and design language goes better with overall premium aesthetic appeal. Also, the graphics on the motorcycle are fresh and new and appeal towards younger riders. The bike comes in four attractive colors which include Sparkling Beta Blue, Canvas Black, Tornado Grey, and Pearl White.
Engine Performance and Specifications
The Hero Splendor Plus XTEC seems to offer a lot of technological upgradations, but still, the engine is much the same as found in the standard Splendor Plus. It comes with a 97.2cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, producing 7.9 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and with the peak torque of 8.05Nm at 6,000 RPM. The engine features a 4-speed gearbox that simply provides smooth transmissions, making it perfect for daily commuting in both urban as well as rural areas.
One of the key plus factors of the engine is Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System), which is a fuel efficiency-enhancing technology that turns off the engine when the bike idles-the same way you find a traffic signal for instance, and turns back on the next time you shift the clutch. Saves a lot of fuel and can again emit less. Not to forget to consider this on your short commute to work to areas which see much hectic traffic, where also fuel efficiency is quite key.
Comfort and Practicality
Comfort has always been the epitome of Hero Splendor series. In that class, the XTEC variant does not disappoint, featuring a flat, broad seat which can comfortably fit in the rider and pillion to ride long distances without any trouble. The bike is envisaged for an upright posture to reduce strain on the back and shoulders because it allows long rides comfortable.
To provide a smooth ride, this scooter comes with the telescopic front forks, and the rear features twin hydraulic shock absorbers. Besides, suspension components are specific and tuned to absorb shocks and vibrations-a warranty for rider comfort. Be it pothole-ridden city streets or highways, the Splendor Plus XTEC always provides a stable ride
Safety Features
- Safety comes first for Hero MotoCorp, and the Splendor Plus XTEC has multiple features that keep not only the rider but also the pillion person safe.
- Hero’s CBS provides drum brakes at both ends of the bike. Besides that, CBS also takes care that when either of the two brake levers is operated by the rider, then at the same time, both the brakes get operated to give a maximum efficiency and shorter stopping distances.
- The bank-angle sensor cuts off the engine in a fall. That’s another rather marvellous safety feature: It ensures that the bike won’t keep running after an accident. This way, chances of being hurt or suffering further damage are at a minimum .
- Apart from a side stand engine cut-off, the Splendor Plus XTEC also features a visual indication on the instrument cluster informing the rider that the side stand is down. This extra layer of safety prevents accidental rides with the side stand down-the main cause of low-speed mishaps.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
The Hero Splendor Plus XTEC manages to strike a perfect balance between its classic design heritage and modern flair. The iconic silhouette of Splendor is retained, with the sloping fuel tank, and black alloy wheels endowing it with a rather sleek look; the additions of LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) as well as new graphics resurrect the design for it to stand out on the road.
The XTEC has been available in four rave colours from Hero MotoCorp. While it is prepared and ready to attract different types of riders, this is a bold, striking look for riders who want to be seen in Sparkling Beta Blue and Tornado Grey. There are those who prefer a more understated, elegant aesthetic, which are found in Canvas Black and Pearl White.
That is where the Hero Splendor Plus XTEC comes in, closely competing in one of the most crowded segments of commuter motorcycles. It will compete with the likes of Bajaj Platina 100, Honda CD 110 Deluxe, and TVS Radeon, models that, despite the same parameters for performance, end up finding their way into the same monetary brackets. And considering that this one boasts of more advanced technological knowhow and has long-standing credentials for reliability, it can stand apart from others.
One of the Splendor Plus XTEC’s positives is the connectivity via Bluetooth and digital instrument cluster that one can see in premium models alone, along with all this features it comes with this fuel efficiency and price tagging, positioning it really well in the commuter.
Reception and Impact
Since its release, Hero Splendor Plus XTEC has been getting a lot of appreciation from critics and the customers as well. Main appreciation is towards the easy integration of this technology in day-to-day practicality-Bluetooth features-real time mileage indicator-from this bike. The safety features provided in the bike, side-stand engine cut-off and bank-angle sensor, too have been greatly welcomed though they enhance the overall beauty of the bike without affecting the hike in price.
The sales figures clearly mention that Splendor Plus XTEC has been able to garner market share for Hero MotoCorp within the commuter motorcycle space. The effort by the brand to bring advanced technology into the market at an affordable price was indeed a big attention-grabber for Indian buyers, especially for one who could look for a reliable fuel-efficient bike with some tech-enabled items to get one through his day-to-day commute.
Conclusion
In this scenario, Hero does not represent a more-than-version-upgrade of the Splendor but instead heroically stays at the curve of this crowded commuter motorcycle market. Hero has packed the advanced features into the bike within a time-tested performance of a Splendor by adding Bluetooth connectivity, a digital instrument cluster, and enhanced safety mechanisms that appeal to long-time fans as well as new-age riders.
With the price still within the reach of a common Indian commuter, along with pummelling features tailored to the needs of a contemporary commuter, the Splendor Plus XTEC is aptly attuned to creating an excellent continuity for the Splendor series years in the future.