Hero Splendor Xtec: The Splendor’s journey began decades ago, gradually earning a reputation as India’s most dependable motorcycle. Its ubiquitous presence on Indian roads tells a compelling story of how thoughtful engineering focused on everyday usability can create an enduring product.
The Splendor nameplate has consistently dominated sales charts, with cumulative sales figures crossing multiple million units—a testament to its unwavering relevance in a rapidly evolving market.
What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that the Splendor has maintained its position despite waves of new competitors, shifting consumer preferences, and technological advancements.
This extraordinary market longevity stems from Hero’s deep understanding of its core customers’ needs and a philosophy that values incremental, meaningful improvements over radical redesigns.
Hero Splendor Xtec: The Xtec Transformatio- Modern Technology Meets Proven Engineering
The Splendor Xtec represents Hero MotoCorp’s vision of how a beloved commuter motorcycle can embrace modern technology without compromising its fundamental character.
The ‘Xtec’ suffix, denoting ‘Xtra Technology,’ accurately describes the approach—enhancing the established platform with features that address contemporary needs and expectations.
Most noticeable among these enhancements is the fully digital instrument cluster, a significant departure from the analog gauges traditionally associated with commuter motorcycles. This LCD display provides essential information including speed, fuel level, gear position indicator, and real-time mileage—enabling riders to optimize their riding habits for maximum efficiency.
The inclusion of a USB charging port acknowledges the omnipresence of smartphones and addresses the practical need to keep devices powered during daily commutes.
Bluetooth connectivity, once considered a premium feature reserved for higher segments, makes its appearance on the Splendor Xtec. This functionality enables call and SMS alerts on the instrument cluster, eliminating the need to check smartphones while riding—a thoughtful safety feature for today’s connected rider.
The integration is managed through a dedicated mobile application that also offers additional features like ride statistics and location services.
The lighting system has received comprehensive upgrades with LED technology implemented for the headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators.
Beyond aesthetic modernization, this change delivers practical benefits including improved visibility, reduced power consumption, and longer service life—considerations particularly relevant for daily commuters who often ride in varied lighting conditions.
Engineering Excellence: The Refined Powertrain
While technology enhancements define the Xtec variant, Hero MotoCorp has not overlooked the heart of the motorcycle—its powertrain.
The Splendor Xtec continues to employ the renowned 97.2cc single-cylinder engine, albeit with refinements to meet increasingly stringent emission standards while maintaining the legendary reliability.
This air-cooled unit produces a modest 7.9 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm—figures that might seem unimpressive in isolation but perfectly suit the motorcycle’s intended purpose.
The engine’s character prioritizes low-end torque and smooth power delivery over outright performance, creating an approachable riding experience even for novice riders.
The integration of programmed fuel injection (PFI) technology represents a significant advancement over the carburetor systems of earlier generations.
This electronic system precisely controls the air-fuel mixture across various operating conditions, resulting in improved cold starting, more consistent performance in varying altitudes and temperatures, and reduced emissions.
The i3s (Idle Stop-Start System) further enhances efficiency by automatically shutting down the engine during extended idle periods and seamlessly restarting it when needed—a particularly valuable feature in congested urban traffic.
The four-speed gearbox maintains the simple, robust design that has proven its durability over decades of real-world use.
The gear ratios are thoughtfully spaced to maximize usability in typical riding scenarios, from navigating crowded city streets to maintaining comfortable cruising speeds on open roads.
The light clutch action reduces fatigue during frequent shifts in stop-and-go traffic, addressing a genuine concern for daily commuters.
Chassis and Ergonomics: Comfort Meets Practicality
The Splendor Xtec retains the tried-and-tested tubular double cradle frame that has underpinned the model for generations. This simple yet effective chassis design provides adequate rigidity while keeping weight and complexity to a minimum—factors that contribute to the motorcycle’s manageable handling characteristics and ease of maintenance.
The suspension system combines telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, a configuration chosen for its balance of comfort, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
While not employing cutting-edge technology, the suspension components are tuned specifically for Indian road conditions, absorbing imperfections effectively while maintaining stability during everyday riding scenarios.
Ergonomics have always been a strength of the Splendor series, and the Xtec variant continues this tradition. The natural riding position, with a neutral placement of handlebars, footpegs, and seat, allows for hours of fatigue-free riding—crucial for those who depend on their motorcycles for daily transportation.
The seat height of 785mm makes the motorcycle accessible to riders of varying statures, while the slender profile allows for easy foot placement when stopped.
The attention to ergonomic details extends to the switchgear, which has been redesigned with improved tactile feedback and durability.
The handlebar-mounted controls for the digital features are intuitively placed, allowing riders to access various functions without taking their attention away from the road—a subtle but significant safety consideration.
Design Evolution: Modern Aesthetics with Familiar Character
Visually, the Splendor Xtec represents an evolution rather than a revolution. The basic silhouette remains instantly recognizable as a Splendor, maintaining continuity with its illustrious predecessors.
However, contemporary elements have been tastefully incorporated to create a more modern appearance that appeals to younger riders without alienating the traditional customer base.
The redesigned headlamp cowl with LED lighting creates a distinctive front end, while the tank shrouds add a touch of muscular character to the otherwise straightforward design.
The graphic schemes employ a combination of bold colors and subtle patterns, offering visual freshness while maintaining a dignified appearance appropriate for riders of all ages and occupations.
Material quality and fit-and-finish have seen noticeable improvements, reflecting Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to elevating the ownership experience. The paint quality, chrome finishing, and plastic components demonstrate attention to detail that belies the motorcycle’s accessible price point.
Practicality Redefined: Real-World Usability
What truly distinguishes the Splendor series, including the Xtec variant, is its unwavering focus on practical considerations that matter in daily use.
The exceptional fuel efficiency—officially rated at approximately 60-65 kilometers per liter under standard testing conditions—translates to remarkable range from the modest 9.8-liter fuel tank. For many owners, this means weekly rather than daily refueling, representing tangible time and cost savings.
Maintenance requirements have been deliberately kept straightforward, with service intervals and procedures designed for maximum convenience and minimum downtime.
The availability of spare parts is virtually universal across India, ensuring that even in remote locations, keeping a Splendor operational is rarely challenging.
The 10-inch wheels with tubeless tires strike a balance between ride quality and durability, while the 130mm drum brakes (with optional front disc on select variants) provide adequate stopping power for the motorcycle’s performance envelope.
The integration of CBS (Combi-Brake System) enhances safety by distributing braking force between front and rear wheels even when only one brake is applied—a valuable feature for less experienced riders.
Market Positioning and Target Audience
The Splendor Xtec occupies a strategic position in Hero MotoCorp’s extensive portfolio. Priced marginally higher than the standard Splendor variants but below premium 125cc offerings, it targets riders who appreciate the Splendor’s core attributes but desire modern features without stepping up to a larger displacement category.
This positioning appeals to diverse demographic segments. Young professionals entering the workforce find value in its combination of economy and technology.
Established commuters seeking to upgrade from older motorcycles appreciate the familiar riding experience enhanced with contemporary conveniences. Even families looking for a versatile second vehicle recognize the practical benefits of its efficiency and reliability.
Hero Splendor Xtec: A Timely Evolution of an Icon
The Hero Splendor Xtec represents a thoughtful modernization of an iconic motorcycle, demonstrating how technological advancement can complement rather than replace fundamental virtues.
By carefully integrating digital features, enhanced lighting, and refined engineering while preserving the accessibility, economy, and reliability that defined the original, Hero MotoCorp has ensured the Splendor remains relevant in a rapidly changing marketplace.
In a broader context, the Splendor Xtec symbolizes the evolution of Indian motorcycling itself—embracing progress while respecting practical realities.
It acknowledges that for millions of riders, a motorcycle is not merely a recreational choice but an essential tool for mobility and livelihood.
By enhancing this tool with meaningful features rather than superficial styling or impractical performance, Hero MotoCorp continues to fulfill its mission of providing “mobility for millions.”
As India’s transportation landscape continues to evolve with emerging technologies and shifting preferences, the Splendor Xtec stands as evidence that thoughtful evolution can be as compelling as radical innovation—particularly when it builds upon a foundation of genuine usefulness and trusted performance.
In that sense, the Splendor Xtec isn’t just a new model variant; it’s the continuation of a legacy that has earned its place in the fabric of Indian mobility.