When Hero MotoCorp decided to expand their legendary Splendor lineup into the 125cc segment, expectations were naturally high. After all, the Splendor name has been synonymous with reliability and fuel efficiency for over three decades, with more than 30 million units sold across India. The question was simple: could Hero maintain that trusted formula while adding the performance and style that modern riders demand?
The answer comes in the form of the Hero Splendor 125 – a motorcycle that aims to redefine what a premium commuter can be.
A Fresh Face on a Familiar Name
The first thing you notice about the Splendor 125 is how different it looks from its smaller siblings. Hero’s design team has clearly worked hard to give this motorcycle a more premium appearance that doesn’t scream “budget bike” from a distance.
The front end gets the most dramatic makeover, featuring a sleek headlight setup with LED positioning lamps that create an eye-catching signature. The halogen main beam provides adequate illumination while the LED accents add that modern touch younger buyers appreciate. Chrome elements appear strategically across the motorcycle – around the headlamp, on side panels, and various badges – creating a sense of quality without overdoing it.
What’s impressive is how Hero has managed to make the Splendor 125 look substantially more upmarket than typical commuter motorcycles, yet it retains the approachable, non-intimidating character that has made the Splendor series so popular across diverse customer segments.
Power Meets Efficiency in Perfect Harmony
At the heart of the Splendor 125 sits Hero’s new 125cc engine, featuring advanced XSens technology with programmed fuel injection. The motor produces 11.5 PS at 7,500 rpm and 10.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. While these figures might seem modest on paper, the real-world performance tells a more compelling story.
Also Read:
Pay Just ₹50,000 & Drive Home This Shiny Luxury Car With 32 Kmpl Mileage – Only ₹8,000 Monthly EMI!
Hero’s engineers have focused on optimizing the torque curve for everyday riding rather than chasing peak power numbers. This means strong performance from low speeds through the mid-range – exactly where most commuting happens. Whether you’re navigating stop-and-go city traffic or cruising on highways, the engine responds predictably and confidently.
But the real star of the show remains fuel efficiency. Hero claims the Splendor 125 can achieve over 75 kilometers per liter under ideal test conditions, with real-world figures consistently hitting 65-70 kmpl in mixed riding scenarios. For daily commuters watching every rupee spent on fuel, these numbers represent genuine savings that add up significantly over months and years.
Technology That Actually Helps
The instrument cluster combines analog and digital displays thoughtfully. You get a clear speedometer, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, dual trip meters, and – perhaps most usefully – live fuel efficiency data. This real-time feedback helps riders optimize their riding style for maximum economy.
LED lighting extends beyond just the position lamps to include the tail light, improving visibility while reducing electrical load on the system. Near the instruments, you’ll find a USB charging port – a small but significant acknowledgment of modern connectivity needs that shows Hero understands today’s riders.
Built for Daily Reality
Ergonomics receive careful attention in the Splendor 125. The riding position strikes an ideal balance between comfort and control, with an upright posture that works well for extended rides without causing fatigue. The seat uses high-density foam designed to maintain its shape and support over thousands of kilometers – addressing a common complaint with budget motorcycles where seats compress and become uncomfortable over time.
At 790mm, the seat height remains accessible to riders of various heights while providing adequate ground clearance for typical Indian road conditions. This thoughtful approach to dimensions ensures the motorcycle works for its intended audience rather than just looking good in showrooms.
Pricing Strategy That Makes Sense
Hero offers the Splendor 125 in three variants: Standard (₹89,999), Executive (₹93,999), and Premium (₹97,999), all ex-showroom prices. While this represents a step up from traditional 110cc Splendor models, the pricing targets customers ready to invest in better performance and features while maintaining Hero’s reputation for value.
The variant strategy allows buyers to choose their preferred feature level without paying for unnecessary extras, respecting different budget constraints while ensuring everyone gets core benefits like reliable build quality and excellent fuel efficiency.
Taking on Established Competition
In the 125cc commuter segment, the Splendor 125 faces established rivals like the Honda CB Shine, TVS Raider, and Bajaj Pulsar 125. Each competitor has its strengths, but the Splendor 125’s combination of premium styling, class-leading fuel efficiency, and Hero’s extensive service network creates a compelling value proposition.
Against the Honda CB Shine, it offers competitive refinement with potentially better fuel economy. Compared to the more aggressive Bajaj Pulsar 125, it may sacrifice some sportiness but delivers superior efficiency and Hero’s proven reliability record.
The Target Audience
The Splendor 125 appeals to several customer segments. Young professionals seeking their first premium motorcycle will appreciate the upgraded performance and styling without breaking their budgets. Families upgrading from smaller capacity bikes get improved performance while maintaining the fuel efficiency and reliability they trust.
Rural customers looking for their first premium motorcycle will find the combination of elegance, practicality, and exceptional fuel economy particularly attractive, especially given Hero’s strong service network in smaller towns and villages.
The Hero Splendor 125 succeeds in its primary mission: bringing the trusted Splendor formula into the modern era without losing what made it special in the first place. It’s not trying to be the most powerful or the most feature-packed motorcycle in its segment. Instead, it focuses on being the most well-rounded option for riders who want a step up from basic commuters without compromising on the practical benefits that matter most.
For Hero MotoCorp, the Splendor 125 represents a smart evolution of their most successful nameplate, designed to capture customers ready to upgrade while attracting new buyers who want premium features with proven reliability. In a market where trust and value matter as much as specifications, that might just be the winning formula.
