Hero Splendor Xtec: In the bustling streets of India, few motorcycles command the respect and recognition that the Hero Splendor has earned over decades.
With over 40 million units sold, the Splendor nameplate stands as a testament to reliability and value that has shaped the Indian motorcycle market.
The latest evolution in this legendary lineage, the Hero Splendor Xtec, represents a thoughtful marriage between the time-tested dependability that made the original an icon and contemporary features that modern riders demand.
Hero Splendor Xtec: A Legacy Reimagined
The Hero Splendor has been the backbone of Indian personal transportation since its inception. For millions of Indians, it represents their first taste of motorized mobility and independence.
The Xtec variant builds upon this storied foundation while introducing meaningful upgrades that enhance the ownership experience without compromising the core values that made the Splendor a household name.
“The Splendor isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has enabled mobility for generations of Indians,” notes automotive analyst Rajiv Sharma.
“With the Xtec, Hero has managed to retain the soul of the Splendor while giving it a much-needed technological refresh.”
Design Evolution: Familiar Yet Fresh
At first glance, the Splendor Xtec maintains the iconic silhouette that has become instantly recognizable on Indian roads. However, a closer inspection reveals thoughtful design updates that bring the motorcycle firmly into the present day.
The redesigned headlamp cluster now features a full-LED setup that enhances visibility while reducing power consumption.
The sleeker body panels and refreshed graphics lend the motorcycle a more contemporary appearance without alienating traditionalists.
The instrument cluster represents perhaps the most significant visible upgrade. The Splendor Xtec boasts a fully digital console that provides essential information with improved legibility.
This digital display offers real-time data on fuel consumption, service reminders, and even includes a gear position indicator—features typically reserved for more premium segments.
Color options have been expanded to include more vibrant choices that appeal to younger riders, including Nexus Blue, Canvas Black, and Pearl Silver White, each complemented by tasteful graphics that enhance the motorcycle’s presence without appearing garish.
Technological Enhancements: Smart Features for the Modern Rider
Where the Xtec variant truly distinguishes itself from the standard Splendor is in its technological offerings. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity allows riders to pair their smartphones to the motorcycle, enabling features like call alerts and SMS notifications directly on the instrument cluster.
This integration of smartphone technology represents Hero’s understanding that even commuter motorcycles must evolve to meet the connected lifestyle of today’s consumers.
The i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology, which automatically shuts off the engine during brief stops and restarts it when the clutch is engaged, has been refined in the Xtec.
This system not only improves fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic conditions common in Indian cities but also reduces unnecessary emissions.
Security has been enhanced with the inclusion of a side-stand engine cut-off feature that prevents the motorcycle from starting if the side stand is deployed, potentially preventing accidents.
The addition of an integrated USB charging port addresses the practical needs of riders who rely on their mobile devices for navigation and communication during their daily commutes.
Performance: Refined Efficiency
Beneath the modern exterior beats the heart of a refined 110cc air-cooled engine, producing approximately 8 horsepower and 8.05 Nm of torque.
While these figures might appear modest by performance motorcycle standards, they perfectly complement the Splendor Xtec’s mission as an efficient, reliable commuter. The engine has been tuned to deliver linear power delivery with emphasis on the low and mid-range, where most city riding occurs.
The four-speed transmission offers precise shifts with a light clutch action, reducing fatigue during extended riding sessions in congested traffic.
Hero claims a fuel efficiency figure of approximately 60-65 kilometers per liter under ideal conditions, a crucial selling point in a market where running costs often outweigh initial purchase considerations.
The motorcycle’s lightweight chassis (weighing approximately 112 kg) combines with a comfortable riding position to make the Splendor Xtec remarkably easy to maneuver through crowded streets.
The suspension setup, consisting of telescopic forks at the front and hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear, has been calibrated to provide a balance between comfort over rough roads and stability during cornering.
Practical Considerations: The Everyday Companion
The Splendor Xtec’s greatest strength lies in its practicality. The 10-liter fuel tank provides adequate range for extended commuting, while the comfortable seat accommodates riders of various heights.
The inclusion of a longer seat with improved padding benefits both the rider and pillion passenger, addressing a common complaint with earlier models.
Ground clearance of 180mm ensures the motorcycle can navigate the often challenging road conditions in both urban and rural settings without scraping its underside.
The 18-inch wheels with tubeless tires provide additional peace of mind, as they’re less prone to sudden deflation in case of punctures.
Maintenance intervals have been extended compared to previous generations, with the first service recommended at 1,000 kilometers and subsequent services at 3,000-kilometer intervals.
This reduced maintenance schedule translates to lower ownership costs and less downtime—critical factors for riders who depend on their motorcycles for daily transportation.
Market Positioning and Value Proposition
Priced competitively within the 110cc segment, the Splendor Xtec positions itself as a premium offering in the commuter category without straying into the territory of more performance-oriented 125cc motorcycles.
This pricing strategy reflects Hero’s understanding of their core customer base—pragmatic buyers who value reliability and efficiency but appreciate modern conveniences.
“The Splendor Xtec represents an intelligent product strategy,” explains market analyst Priya Kapoor. “Hero has identified the features that matter most to commuter segment customers and implemented them without overloading the motorcycle with unnecessary technology that would drive up costs.”
In a segment where brand loyalty runs deep, the Splendor Xtec serves dual purposes: it provides existing Splendor owners a compelling reason to upgrade within the brand family, while also attracting first-time buyers who might otherwise consider competing offerings from Bajaj, TVS, or Honda.
Environmental Considerations
The Splendor Xtec complies with BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, making it environmentally compatible with India’s increasingly stringent pollution control regulations.
The fuel injection system, which replaced the carburetor in earlier BS6 models, provides more precise fuel delivery, resulting in cleaner combustion and reduced emissions.
The aforementioned i3S technology further reduces the motorcycle’s environmental footprint by eliminating unnecessary idling, a common occurrence in India’s often gridlocked traffic conditions.
While small individually, these improvements contribute significantly to reduced emissions when multiplied across the hundreds of thousands of units that Hero sells annually.
The Competitive Landscape
The commuter segment in India remains fiercely competitive, with multiple manufacturers vying for market share.
The Splendor Xtec faces competition from established rivals like the Honda CD 110 Dream, Bajaj Platina 110, and TVS Radeon.
Each competitor offers its unique selling propositions, but the Splendor’s decades-long reputation for reliability gives it a significant advantage in consumer perception.
What sets the Splendor Xtec apart is its balanced approach to modernization. Rather than implementing technology for its own sake, Hero has carefully selected features that enhance the ownership experience in meaningful ways while maintaining the core attributes that made the original Splendor successful.
Hero Splendor Xtec: Evolution Without Revolution
The Hero Splendor Xtec represents a thoughtful evolution of an Indian motorcycling icon. By preserving the reliability, efficiency, and ease of use that made the original Splendor a success while introducing modern features that enhance the ownership experience, Hero has ensured the continued relevance of their flagship commuter motorcycle in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven market.
For the millions of Indians who rely on two-wheeled transportation for their daily commute, the Splendor Xtec offers the perfect blend of the familiar and the new—a motorcycle that acknowledges its heritage while embracing the future.
In a rapidly changing automotive landscape, the Splendor Xtec demonstrates that evolution need not come at the expense of identity, and that even the most established names can find new ways to remain relevant.
As India continues its journey toward increased motorization and environmental consciousness, the Hero Splendor Xtec stands as a reminder that progress doesn’t always require radical reinvention.
Sometimes, the most meaningful innovations come from thoughtfully building upon foundations that have already proven their worth.