Hey guys! Are you looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient bike? The Hero Splendor is often the first name that pops into people's heads. It's a classic for a reason! In this article, we're diving deep into everything you need to know about the Splendor bike, especially focusing on the on-road price and giving you a detailed review to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. So, let's get started!

What Makes the Hero Splendor So Popular?

The Hero Splendor has cemented its place as a favorite among Indian commuters, and there are several compelling reasons behind its widespread popularity. The main reasons are:

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: The Splendor is renowned for its incredible mileage. It's one of the most fuel-efficient bikes on the market, making it incredibly economical for daily commutes. This is a huge draw for budget-conscious riders who want to save money on fuel costs.
• Affordable Price: The Splendor is priced competitively, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers. Its affordability doesn't compromise its reliability, which is a significant advantage.
• Reliability and Durability: Hero MotoCorp has a reputation for building robust and dependable bikes, and the Splendor is no exception. It's designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and requires minimal maintenance, ensuring peace of mind for owners.
• Low Maintenance Costs: Beyond its durability, the Splendor boasts low maintenance costs. Spare parts are readily available and relatively inexpensive, further reducing the overall cost of ownership.
• Comfortable Ride: The Splendor offers a comfortable riding experience, thanks to its well-padded seat and upright riding posture. This is particularly important for those who spend a lot of time on their bikes, whether commuting to work or running errands.
• Simple and Functional Design: The Splendor's design is straightforward and practical, focusing on functionality over flashy aesthetics. This simplicity contributes to its ease of use and maintenance.
• Wide Service Network: Hero MotoCorp has an extensive service network across India, ensuring that owners can easily find authorized service centers for maintenance and repairs. This widespread availability of service and support adds to the ownership experience.
• Resale Value: The Splendor holds its value well in the used bike market. This means that owners can expect to get a decent return on their investment when they eventually decide to sell their bikes.

In essence, the Hero Splendor's popularity stems from its blend of affordability, reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It's a bike that's designed to meet the needs of the average Indian commuter, and it does so admirably.

Hero Splendor: On-Road Price Breakdown

Okay, let's talk numbers! The on-road price of a bike isn't just the showroom price. It includes a bunch of other charges that can sometimes be a bit confusing. Here's a breakdown to give you a clearer picture:

• Ex-Showroom Price: This is the base price of the bike as listed by the manufacturer. It's the starting point for calculating the final on-road price. Keep in mind that the ex-showroom price can vary slightly depending on the city and dealership.
• Registration Charges: To legally ride your bike on the road, you need to register it with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Registration charges include the cost of registering the vehicle and obtaining a registration number. These charges can vary from state to state.
• Road Tax: Road tax is a tax levied by the state government for using the roads. The amount of road tax depends on the bike's engine capacity and the state's tax laws. It's usually a one-time payment that's valid for a specified period, such as 15 years.
• Insurance: It's mandatory to have bike insurance in India. Insurance provides financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or damage to the bike. You can choose between third-party insurance, which covers damage to other people or property, or comprehensive insurance, which covers both third-party liabilities and damage to your own bike. The insurance premium depends on the type of coverage and the bike's value.
• Other Charges: Dealerships may also include other charges such as handling charges, logistic charges, and smart card fees. These charges can vary from dealer to dealer, so it's a good idea to inquire about them beforehand and negotiate if possible.

Factors Affecting On-Road Price:

Several factors can influence the final on-road price of a Splendor. These include:

• Location: Different states and cities have different tax rates and registration charges, which can significantly impact the on-road price.
• Insurance Type: As mentioned earlier, the type of insurance you choose (third-party or comprehensive) will affect the insurance premium and the overall on-road price.
• Dealership: Different dealerships may have different handling charges and other fees, so it's worth comparing prices from multiple dealers before making a purchase.
• Offers and Discounts: Keep an eye out for promotional offers and discounts from Hero MotoCorp or the dealership. These can help lower the on-road price.

To get the most accurate on-road price for your specific location, it's best to visit a local Hero MotoCorp dealership or check their official website. They'll be able to provide you with a detailed breakdown of all the charges involved.

Splendor Plus vs. Splendor iSmart: Which One is Right for You?

The Hero Splendor family has a couple of popular members: the Splendor Plus and the Splendor iSmart. Both are great bikes, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. Let's break down the key differences to help you decide which one is the better fit for you.

• Splendor Plus: This is the classic Splendor, known for its simple design, reliability, and excellent fuel efficiency. It's a no-frills bike that focuses on practicality and affordability.
• Splendor iSmart: The iSmart is a more modern take on the Splendor. It comes with Hero's i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology, which automatically switches off the engine when idling to save fuel. It also has a slightly more stylish design and a few additional features.

Key Differences:

• Technology: The biggest difference is the i3S technology in the Splendor iSmart. This system can significantly improve fuel efficiency, especially in city traffic where you spend a lot of time idling. The Splendor Plus doesn't have this feature.
• Design: The Splendor iSmart has a slightly more contemporary design with sharper lines and updated graphics. The Splendor Plus has a more traditional and understated look.
• Features: The Splendor iSmart may come with a few additional features compared to the Splendor Plus, such as a digital-analog instrument cluster or alloy wheels. However, the specific features can vary depending on the variant.
• Price: The Splendor iSmart is generally priced slightly higher than the Splendor Plus due to the added technology and features.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose the Splendor Plus if:
  • You prioritize simplicity and affordability.
  • You want a reliable and fuel-efficient bike without any extra frills.
  • You prefer a classic and understated design.
  • You don't need the i3S technology.
• Choose the Splendor iSmart if:
  • You want to maximize fuel efficiency, especially in city traffic.
  • You prefer a more modern and stylish design.
  • You appreciate the added features.
  • You're willing to pay a bit more for the technology and design upgrades.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider how you'll be using the bike, your budget, and your priorities when making your decision.

Detailed Review: What to Expect from the Splendor

So, you're seriously considering a Splendor? Awesome! Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what you can expect when you actually own and ride one of these bikes.

• Engine and Performance: The Hero Splendor typically comes with a reliable and fuel-efficient engine, usually around 97cc to 125cc depending on the model. These engines are designed for smooth and comfortable commuting, rather than high-speed performance. Expect good low-end torque, which makes it easy to ride in city traffic. The power delivery is linear and predictable, making it beginner-friendly.
• Fuel Efficiency: As we've mentioned before, fuel efficiency is a major selling point of the Splendor. You can expect to get impressive mileage figures, often exceeding 60-70 kmpl in real-world conditions. This makes it incredibly economical for daily use.
• Ride and Handling: The Splendor offers a comfortable riding experience, thanks to its well-padded seat and upright riding posture. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and potholes, providing a smooth ride even on rough roads. The bike is lightweight and easy to handle, making it ideal for navigating crowded city streets.
• Braking: The Splendor typically comes with drum brakes at both ends. While drum brakes are adequate for everyday use, they may not offer the same level of stopping power as disc brakes. Some variants may offer an optional front disc brake for improved braking performance.
• Comfort: The Splendor is designed with rider comfort in mind. The seat is well-cushioned, and the upright riding posture reduces strain on your back and wrists. This makes it suitable for long commutes and daily errands.
• Reliability: Hero MotoCorp has a reputation for building reliable bikes, and the Splendor is no exception. It's designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and requires minimal maintenance. Spare parts are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
• Build Quality: The Splendor is built to last, with a sturdy frame and durable components. The fit and finish are generally good, although some may find the design a bit basic.

Pros:

• Excellent fuel efficiency
• Affordable price
• Reliable and durable
• Comfortable ride
• Low maintenance costs

Cons:

• Basic design
• Drum brakes (in some variants)
• Not suitable for high-speed riding

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! A complete rundown on the Splendor bike, its on-road price, and a detailed review to help you make an informed decision. If you're looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable commuter bike, the Hero Splendor is definitely worth considering. Just remember to check the latest on-road price in your city and compare the Splendor Plus and iSmart variants to see which one best suits your needs. Happy riding, folks!