Hero Super Splendor
A fresher approach
The Splendor brand has been iconic for many reasons. It’s a brand that helped Hero soar to new heights, even becoming the largest selling motorcycle. It then contributed in the company’s success as the number one two-wheeler manufacturer in the world by sales volume alone. Today, Hero has a mega 75 million two-wheelers sold and the Splendor will still feature as the maximum sold model of Hero’s range of motorcycles on offer. As many as four models now comprise the Splendor line up starting with the basic Splendor +, the Splendor Pro, the Splendor i Smart and the Super Splendor.
The Super Splendor is Hero’s basic 125cc motorcycle aimed at the cost-con-
scious young professionals looking for a tad more power and usability. A major change from the previous model is the new engine. Vertical layout as opposed to the horizontally laid out engine from before now gets a massive 27 per cent boost in power and 6 per cent more torque. Precisely 2.4bhp and nearly 1Nm of additional power that has been achieved with altered engine internals. The engine now runs 10:1 compression ratio which is higher than before too. The carburetted engine carries forward the same capacity and identical bore and stroke as before.
This long stroke engine is peppy and packs some go. A little jumpy off the line, the new engine delivers seamless power through the rev-range and utilises well-spaced gears of its 4-speed transmission. While cruising in fourth at 60kmph, the engine is refined and tractable even at slower speeds. The bump in power and torque also translates to lesser shifts and better overall rideability. The suspension is tuned soft and makes for a comfortable ride with stable handling. The absence of a disc brake (even as an option) hampers braking performance but it was a measure to keep costs low for this entry-level 125cc commuter. Aesthetically, the cowl, mid and rear panels are new while the rear tyre is now wider than before.
WHILE CRUISING IN FOURTH AT 60KMPH, THE ENGINE IS REFINED AND TRACTABLE EVEN AT SLOWER SPEEDS