New Hero Splendor: The early morning mist had just started to fade at Hero MotoCorp’s expansive facility in Neemrana when automotive journalists and industry experts gathered to witness a remarkable event—a reinvention of India’s most popular motorcycle.
For years, the Hero Splendor has been a staple of everyday transportation across the country. Now, it is about to embark on an exciting new journey, featuring technology that was once exclusive to premium motorcycles.
Dominating the Indian roads for over twenty years, the Splendor has been synonymous with reliability, efficiency, and affordability.
While these essential qualities remain intact, the latest model introduces advanced safety systems and connected features, marking a significant evolution in what commuter motorcycles can deliver.
A highlight of the new Splendor’s advancements is its single-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)—a first for this category.
Unlike the simpler and less effective Combi-Braking System (CBS) seen in many entry-level bikes, this new ABS employs a dedicated wheel speed sensor and hydraulic modulator to prevent wheel lock-up during sudden braking.
“We analyzed real-life braking scenarios of commuters in six cities over a span of eighteen months,” shared Rajiv Bajaj, Head of Safety Systems at Hero MotoCorp.
“The data showed that even experienced riders often face emergency braking situations, particularly in unpredictable urban traffic.
The enhanced stopping distance with ABS can be as much as 25% on slick roads—where these bikes frequently operate.”
This safety upgrade is particularly significant. With around 60,000 Splendors being sold each month, this could lead to the most widespread application of ABS technology in the Indian two-wheeler sector.
While higher-end motorcycles have had ABS for quite some time, its inclusion in the commuter segment addresses vehicles which are often involved in road incidents.
Hero’s approach is distinct from typical entry-level ABS systems. Instead of merely fulfilling regulatory standards, their engineering team specifically optimized the system for the everyday Splendor rider.
The finer tuning allows for powerful braking without the noticeable pulsation that can deter riders from fully engaging the brakes in emergencies.
New Hero Splendor Connected Intelligence: Smartphone Integration for the Masses
In addition to safety improvements, the new Splendor showcases Hero Connect technology—an integrated vehicle ecosystem previously confined to premium models.
With a discreet module placed beneath the seat and a user-friendly smartphone application, this system brings modern convenience to the commuter sector.
It starts with essential security features. For instance, the unauthorized movement detection sends instant alerts to the owner’s phone, and a geofencing function allows users to set safe zones, triggering notifications if the motorcycle moves outside these areas.
For families sharing the motorcycle, location tracking offers peace of mind when lending it out.
“It was crucial for the technology to be completely unobtrusive,” stated Sanjay Bhan, Head of Sales and After-Sales.
“Splendor owners value simplicity, so we designed connected features that enhance their experience without requiring technical know-how.
The system is ready to go with default settings, while tech-savvy riders can personalize additional options.”
Furthermore, maintenance notifications keep owners informed about service intervals and offer real-time diagnostic updates.
The app serves as a digital service log and can even schedule maintenance appointments with nearby authorized service centers—an invaluable tool for users who rely on their bikes for daily transport and income.
New Hero Splendor Powertrain Refinement: Efficiency Meets Emissions Compliance
While the spotlight shines on technological innovations, Hero’s engineers have also revamped the Splendor’s powertrain to comply with the increasingly strict BS6 Phase 2 emission standards while enhancing the riding experience.
The familiar 97.2cc single-cylinder engine now boasts programmed fuel injection along with advanced oxygen sensors that continually monitor combustion efficiency.
New materials in the cylinder coating reduce friction, and a redesigned combustion chamber improves flame propagation, ensuring a more thorough burning of the air-fuel mix.
These enhancements translate to a modest power bump to 8.02 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm—figures that might seem unimpressive until one considers the outstanding efficiency gains.
Under ideal conditions, Hero claims the new Splendor achieves up to 80 kilometers per liter, with real-world efficiency remaining above 70 km/l even in crowded urban settings.
“Our focus on efficiency stems from understanding our customers’ requirements,” highlighted Vikram Kasbekar, Executive Director of Operations.
“For numerous Splendor riders, the motorcycle signifies not just a mode of transportation but a vital source of income.
Professionals like delivery personnel, rural health workers, and small business owners rely on stable operating costs. Every saving on fuel directly influences their financial stability.”
New Hero Splendor Design Evolution: Subtle Modernization
Visually, the new Splendor retains its well-known silhouette while also embracing subtle enhancements.
The headlamp assembly now features LED position lamps alongside the halogen main beam, creating a unique light signature while still maintaining the affordability and reliability of traditional lighting technology.
The instrument cluster, perhaps the most noticeable update, combines digital and analog elements, preserving a classic speedometer while integrating a digital display for connected features, fuel gauge, maintenance reminders, and trip data.
Portability is prioritized, ensuring legibility in bright sunlight—a vital aspect for a motorcycle that is often parked outdoors.
Body panels feature contemporary sculpting that does not compromise the simplicity required for affordable repairs—an important consideration given that this motorcycle often sees multiple owners over its lifespan.
With seven color options, the selection caters to both traditional tastes and the preferences of younger consumers.
New Hero Splendor Market Positioning and Availability
Hero MotoCorp’s launch strategy for the new Splendor demonstrates a keen understanding of market dynamics.
Rather than discontinuing existing models, the new ABS version will be sold alongside the current lineup, providing price-sensitive customers the flexibility to choose a model that balances features and cost.
“The launch of the Splendor ABS embodies our vision of making technology accessible,” remarked Pawan Munjal, Chairman of Hero MotoCorp.
“Safety should not be a luxury reserved for those purchasing high-end bikes. By incorporating these features into our best-selling model, we aim to redefine what commuter motorcycles can offer.”
Initially, the new model will be available in urban hubs in 200 cities, with plans for gradual expansion into smaller markets over the next six months.
Production capabilities have been set at 30,000 units per month, with the potential to adjust based on market demand.
Pricing has been structured to reflect Hero’s mass-market strategy, with the ABS version priced approximately ₹8,000 higher than the standard model—a reasonable increase given the substantial technological advancements and one that Hero predicts will be offset by lower insurance premiums due to enhanced safety features.
New Hero Splendor Industry Implications
The debut of these features in India’s leading motorcycle model signals a turning point for the commuter sector.
Competitors will undoubtedly feel compelled to adopt similar technologies, speeding up the overall improvement of safety and convenience features in entry-level motorcycles.
On a wider scale, this trend highlights the evolving expectations among Indian motorcycle consumers.
While financial considerations still dominate the market, greater awareness of safety technologies and expanding smartphone usage have opened consumers to features that extend beyond basic transportation.
For Hero MotoCorp, the new Splendor represents a defensive measure to maintain its leading market share while also making a bold statement to enhance its flagship brand’s appeal.
By rolling out these advancements ahead of regulatory demands, Hero positions itself as a technological leader in a sector where innovation has often been secondary to reliability and cost.
As the motorcycles reach customers in the upcoming weeks, the real test will be whether these technological enhancements resonate with the practical buyers who have made the Splendor a staple on Indian roads.
If successful, this launch could signify the dawn of an era in which advanced safety systems and connected features become standard expectations for all motorcycle riders rather than just premium options.