The iconic Hero Splendor Plus has received its 2025 update, bringing subtle yet meaningful changes to India’s most beloved motorcycle.
After nearly three decades of dominating Indian roads, the Splendor continues to evolve while maintaining its core promise of reliability and efficiency.
The newly released pricing details and feature updates confirm Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to keeping this legendary commuter motorcycle accessible while gradually modernizing its offering.
A Legacy That Continues to Evolve
The Hero Splendor nameplate has been a fixture on Indian roads since the mid-1990s, with its consistent sales performance making it not just a motorcycle but a cultural phenomenon.
When I first rode a Splendor back in my college days, it was already considered the quintessential Indian commuter motorcycle—practical, no-nonsense, and incredibly fuel-efficient.
Today, the 2025 model continues that tradition while carefully incorporating contemporary touches that don’t alienate its loyal customer base.
Walking around the 2025 Splendor Plus at a local Hero dealership in Delhi last week, I noticed how the basic silhouette remains instantly recognizable to anyone who has spent time on Indian roads.
The motorcycle maintains its timeless design language that has appealed to generations of riders, from young professionals to government employees to small business owners.
Pricing Strategy: Accessibility Remains Key
Hero MotoCorp has always positioned the Splendor Plus as an affordable option for the masses, and the 2025 model continues this approach with only modest price increases.
The base drum brake variant now starts at ₹75,496 (ex-showroom, Delhi), representing an increase of approximately ₹1,500 over the outgoing model.
The mid-tier variants see similar modest price bumps, with the alloy wheel version priced at ₹77,991 and the self-start alloy model at ₹81,412.
For those seeking enhanced safety, the top-spec disc brake variant commands ₹83,990, making it the first Splendor Plus to cross the ₹80,000 threshold.
These price points maintain the Splendor’s position as an accessible option despite rising manufacturing costs and the implementation of stricter emission norms.
My conversation with Rajesh Kumar, a Hero dealership manager in Pune, revealed that customer response to the new pricing has been largely positive.
“Most customers understand that prices must increase with inflation and new features,” Kumar explained while showing me the booking records for the first week after the 2025 model’s launch.
“What matters to them is that the Splendor still offers unmatched value when you consider its reliability and resale value.”
Subtle Design Refreshes That Don’t Rock the Boat
Hero has always been cautious about making drastic design changes to the Splendor, understanding that its traditional customer base appreciates familiarity.
The 2025 model introduces refined graphics and three new color options—Pearl Brilliant White, Sports Red, and the striking Nexus Blue—while maintaining the motorcycle’s unmistakable profile.
Chrome accents on the side panels add a premium touch without making the bike look overly flashy, striking a balance between traditional and contemporary aesthetics.
The seat design has been mildly revised with improved cushioning and a slightly improved contour that I found noticeably more comfortable during my brief test ride.
Small details like the redesigned rearview mirrors and slightly updated instrument cluster demonstrate Hero’s approach of evolution rather than revolution.
Sitting on the motorcycle, I immediately noticed the familiar ergonomics that have made the Splendor beloved by riders who spend hours commuting in congested traffic.
The upright seating position, accessible seat height of 785mm, and well-placed footpegs continue to provide comfort for riders of various heights and builds.
Mechanical Updates: Refinement Without Reinvention
Under the familiar exterior, Hero has made subtle improvements to the Splendor’s tried-and-tested 97.2cc single-cylinder engine.
The air-cooled unit continues to produce 8.02 PS at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, figures that seem modest on paper but prove perfectly adequate in real-world city riding conditions.
What’s changed is the engine’s refinement level, with noticeably reduced vibrations at mid-range speeds—something I immediately appreciated during my test ride through Delhi’s busy streets.
The four-speed gearbox now offers smoother shifts, addressing a minor complaint about previous generations.
Fuel efficiency remains the Splendor’s crowning glory, with Hero claiming an impressive 70 km/l under standard test conditions—a figure that translates to about 60-65 km/l in real-world usage.
This exceptional mileage continues to be the primary selling point for budget-conscious commuters in an era of fluctuating fuel prices.
During my conversation with Vijay Sharma, a 15-year Splendor loyalist who was at the dealership to check out the new model, he emphasized that the motorcycle’s reliability and fuel efficiency were irreplaceable virtues.
“I’ve owned three Splendors over the years, and none has ever let me down,” Sharma said while inspecting the 2025 model’s engine bay.
“My current one is seven years old with 70,000 kilometers, and it still starts on the first kick and gives me 60 kilometers per liter.”
Feature Additions: Measured Modernization
While the Splendor Plus remains a basic commuter at heart, the 2025 model introduces several features that bring it more in line with contemporary expectations.
The top variants now come with a USB charging port integrated near the instrument cluster—a practical addition for today’s smartphone-dependent riders.
LED daytime running lights make their appearance on the Splendor for the first time, enhancing both visibility and giving the front end a slightly more modern appearance.
The instrument cluster, while still analog-dominated, now includes a small digital display showing fuel level, odometer, and trip meter functions.
These additions reflect Hero’s understanding that even traditional commuter motorcycle users expect certain modern conveniences without dramatically altering the motorcycle’s core appeal or price point.
I was particularly impressed by the improved switchgear quality, which now feels more substantial and tactile—a small but meaningful upgrade that enhances the daily user experience.
Riding Impressions: Familiar Yet Refined
Taking the 2025 Splendor Plus through a mix of congested city streets and open stretches revealed the motorcycle’s unchanged yet refined character.
The engine still pulls cleanly from low revs, making it incredibly easy to navigate stop-and-go traffic without constant gear changes.
Power delivery remains linear and predictable, with enough pep to stay ahead of urban traffic but clearly focused on efficiency rather than excitement.
The suspension setup—conventional telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks—continues to provide a comfortable ride over typical Indian road imperfections without feeling overly soft.
Braking performance, especially on the disc brake variant I tested, showed noticeable improvement over previous generations, with more progressive stopping power and better feel at the lever.
The i3S start-stop system (Idle Stop Start System) has been refined for more seamless operation, cutting the engine at traffic signals and restarting it with a simple clutch pull—a feature that contributes significantly to real-world fuel savings.
Market Position and Competition
Despite facing increasing competition from rivals like Bajaj, TVS, and Honda, the Hero Splendor Plus has maintained its position as India’s best-selling motorcycle for good reason.
Its unmatched service network, widespread parts availability, and proven reliability continue to make it the default choice for millions of Indian commuters.
The 2025 model faces its stiffest competition from the Honda CD 110 Dream, Bajaj Platina, and TVS Star City Plus—all offering similar propositions but failing to dethrone the Splendor from its market leadership.
What these competitors often miss is the Splendor’s perfect balance of initial cost, maintenance economy, and stellar resale value—factors that matter enormously to its target demographic.
According to industry analyst Deepak Mehta, whom I spoke with after my test ride, “The Splendor’s dominance isn’t just about the product itself but the ecosystem Hero has built around it.”
“A Splendor owner in virtually any corner of India knows they can find service and parts easily—that peace of mind has tremendous value in a market where a motorcycle is often a critical family asset,” Mehta explained.
The Enduring Appeal of Simplicity
The 2025 Hero Splendor Plus doesn’t attempt to reinvent itself or chase current trends like connectivity features or aggressive styling.
Instead, it remains steadfastly focused on its core values of reliability, efficiency, and accessibility while making measured improvements that enhance the ownership experience.
For a motorcycle that serves as essential transportation for millions rather than a lifestyle accessory, this approach makes perfect sense.
After spending time with the 2025 model, it’s clear that Hero understands its customer base intimately—people who want transportation that won’t let them down, won’t empty their wallets at the fuel station, and will retain value when it’s time to upgrade.
The modest price increase seems justified given the incremental improvements and general inflation, maintaining the Splendor’s unmatched value proposition.
As India pushes toward electric mobility and more sophisticated transportation options, there remains something reassuring about the Splendor’s steadfast presence and unwavering focus on what matters most to its users.
The 2025 Hero Splendor Plus may not excite motorcycle enthusiasts looking for the latest technology or performance, but it continues to excel at its intended purpose—being perhaps the most practical, sensible two-wheeled transportation option on Indian roads.
And in that specific mission, it remains undefeated after nearly three decades—a remarkable achievement in an industry often characterized by rapid change and shifting preferences.
The Splendor’s continued success reminds us that sometimes, getting the basics right matters more than chasing the next big innovation.