In the bustling streets of Indian cities and the winding roads of rural landscapes, a revolution in commuter mobility is quietly taking shape. Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has once again demonstrated its uncanny ability to read the pulse of the Indian commuter by launching the much-anticipated Hero Splendor 135. This latest addition to the iconic Splendor family builds upon a legacy spanning decades while incorporating modern technology that addresses the ever-evolving needs of the daily commuter.
THE SPLENDOR LEGACY CONTINUES: A FAMILIAR FRIEND WITH NEW CAPABILITIES
The Splendor name has been synonymous with reliability, fuel efficiency, and value for money since its introduction in the 1990s. For millions of Indians, the Splendor represented their first taste of personal mobility freedom. Today, the new Splendor 135 carries forward this rich heritage while adding significant enhancements that make it relevant for the contemporary rider.
“We didn’t just want to create another variant,” explains Rajiv Kumar, Head of Product Development at Hero MotoCorp during the launch event in Delhi. “The Splendor 135 represents our response to changing customer expectations while retaining the core DNA that has made the Splendor India’s most trusted commuter motorcycle.”
The Splendor’s evolution to a 135cc platform signifies Hero’s recognition that today’s commuters demand more from their everyday ride – more power for navigating increasingly congested urban environments, better features for enhanced comfort during longer commutes, and improved technology for the tech-savvy generation, all while maintaining the legendary fuel efficiency that has been the cornerstone of the Splendor brand.
PERFORMANCE THAT MATTERS: BALANCED POWER FOR DAILY NEEDS
At the heart of the Splendor 135 lies a newly developed single-cylinder, air-cooled 135cc engine that produces 11.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11.8 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. These figures might seem modest when compared to performance-oriented motorcycles, but they represent a significant 23% increase in power and 18% more torque compared to the standard Splendor models.
The power delivery has been tuned specifically for urban riding conditions, providing zippy acceleration in the 20-60 kmph range – exactly where most daily commuters spend their time. During my test ride through Delhi’s congested streets, the additional power was immediately noticeable, allowing for quicker overtakes and more confident merging with traffic.
Perhaps more impressively, Hero’s engineers have managed this performance boost while maintaining fuel efficiency close to the smaller Splendor models. The company claims a tested fuel economy figure of 65 kmpl under standard conditions – a remarkable achievement for a larger capacity engine and a crucial selling point for the cost-conscious Indian commuter.
DESIGN EVOLUTION: FAMILIAR YET FRESH
The Splendor’s design language has always prioritized function over form, creating a timeless, inoffensive aesthetic that appeals across demographics. The 135 model maintains this philosophy while introducing subtle modernizations that bring it in line with contemporary design trends.
The iconic tank shape remains largely unchanged – a wise decision considering the instant brand recognition it carries. However, new graphics featuring contrasting pinstripes and a subtle 3D Splendor 135 emblem provide fresh visual appeal. The side panels have been redesigned with sharper lines, giving the motorcycle a more dynamic stance without alienating traditional buyers.
LED lighting makes its appearance on a Splendor for the first time, with a distinctive daytime running light signature and full LED headlamp that significantly improves night visibility – a thoughtful safety enhancement for those commuting in early mornings or evenings.
The seat has been completely redesigned, now 15mm longer than the standard Splendor, with a stepped profile that provides better support for both rider and passenger. During my 3-hour test ride, the improved ergonomics were evident, with noticeably less fatigue compared to earlier models.
TECHNOLOGY THAT SERVES: PRACTICAL INNOVATIONS
Hero has wisely avoided the temptation to overload the Splendor 135 with technology for technology’s sake. Instead, the technological enhancements serve practical purposes that add genuine value to the commuting experience.
The new semi-digital instrument cluster provides essential information at a glance, including a gear position indicator – a first for the Splendor range. The digital section also incorporates a real-time fuel efficiency meter that helps riders optimize their riding style for maximum economy.
The i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology has been refined further, now responding faster and operating more smoothly. This system, which automatically shuts off the engine when idling and restarts it when the clutch is engaged, contributes significantly to fuel savings, especially in stop-and-go traffic conditions.
Another noteworthy addition is the integrated USB charging port located conveniently below the instrument panel, allowing riders to keep their mobile devices charged on the go – a reflection of how deeply smartphones have become integrated into daily life.
RIDING EXPERIENCE: COMFORT MEETS CONFIDENCE
The Splendor has always excelled in providing a comfortable, unintimidating riding experience, and the 135 model enhances this reputation further. The slightly larger dimensions – a wheelbase extended by 20mm and ground clearance increased to 180mm – contribute to improved stability at higher speeds without compromising maneuverability in tight spaces.
Suspension duties are handled by conventional telescopic forks at the front and 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. The calibration strikes an excellent balance between absorbing road imperfections and maintaining composure during cornering. On the pothole-ridden stretches of outer Delhi, the Splendor 135 remained composed, isolating the rider from the worst of the road conditions.
Braking performance sees a significant upgrade with the option of a 240mm front disc brake – a welcome addition that provides much-improved stopping power and feel compared to the drum brakes of standard Splendor models. The Combined Braking System (CBS) remains standard across all variants, providing additional safety for less experienced riders.
OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE: THE COMPLETE PACKAGE
Hero’s dominance in the commuter segment has always been bolstered by its extensive service network and low maintenance costs. The Splendor 135 continues this tradition with service intervals set at 6,000 km and a claimed 30% reduction in the number of service parts compared to competitors, translating to lower long-term ownership costs.
The warranty package includes 5 years of coverage – an industry-leading offer that reflects Hero’s confidence in the product’s reliability and provides peace of mind for buyers making what is often a significant financial investment.
PRICE POSITIONING AND MARKET IMPACT
Available in three variants – drum brake, disc brake, and a premium model with alloy wheels and additional features – the Splendor 135 is priced between ₹72,000 and ₹85,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This positioning places it strategically between the 110-125cc commuter segment and the 150cc sporty commuter category.
Industry analysts believe this pricing strategy allows Hero to create a new sub-segment that could attract both upgraders from smaller motorcycles and those who find 150cc motorcycles unnecessarily powerful or expensive for pure commuting needs.
“The Splendor 135 hits a sweet spot in the market,” explains Vishnu Mathur, automotive industry consultant. “It offers tangible benefits over smaller commuters while remaining accessible to the typical Splendor customer. This product has the potential to expand the overall commuter motorcycle market rather than just cannibalizing existing sales.”
HERO SPLENDOR 135: EVOLUTION DONE RIGHT
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by dramatic disruptions and radical innovations, the Hero Splendor 135 stands as a testament to the value of thoughtful, customer-focused evolution. By enhancing the aspects that matter most to daily commuters while retaining the core attributes that made the Splendor a household name, Hero has created a motorcycle that feels simultaneously familiar and fresh.
The Splendor 135 isn’t trying to be everything to everyone – it knows exactly who its customer is and delivers precisely what they need. In doing so, it may well secure the Splendor legacy for another generation of Indian commuters.
For daily riders seeking reliable, efficient, and now more capable transportation, the Hero Splendor 135 makes a compelling case as the sensible choice in an increasingly complex marketplace. It’s not just a new model; it’s the evolution of an icon that continues to understand the heartbeat of India’s commuting millions.
Also read: Hero HF Deluxe 2025, The Mileage Marvel Redefining Budget Commuting in India – hdtc.co.in
