In the bustling streets of India, where the rhythm of life is often set by the hum of two-wheelers, a new contender has emerged to claim the throne of the commuter segment.
Hero MotoCorp, the undisputed king of motorcycles in the world’s largest two-wheeler market, has unveiled its latest offering – the Hero Splendor 135. This new entrant isn’t just another upgrade; it’s a bold statement that blends tradition with innovation, promising to redefine the commuter motorcycle landscape.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Splendor nameplate has been synonymous with reliability and efficiency for decades. Now, with the introduction of the Splendor 135, Hero MotoCorp is pushing the boundaries of what a commuter motorcycle can be.
“We didn’t just want to create another variant,” says Rajesh Kumar, Chief Design Officer at Hero MotoCorp. “Our goal was to evolve the Splendor DNA while addressing the changing needs of the Indian consumer. The Splendor 135 is the result of years of research, customer feedback, and cutting-edge engineering.”
Power Meets Efficiency
At the heart of the Splendor 135 lies a newly developed 134.2cc air-cooled engine. This powerplant is a marvel of engineering, striking a perfect balance between performance and fuel efficiency. With 11.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11.5 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, the Splendor 135 offers a significant bump in power compared to its smaller siblings.
But it’s not just about raw numbers. Hero’s engineers have incorporated advanced technologies to ensure that this increase in power doesn’t come at the cost of the legendary Splendor fuel efficiency.
Dr. Anita Sharma, Head of Powertrain Development at Hero, explains, “We’ve implemented a new combustion chamber design and optimized the valve timing. The result is an engine that’s 15% more powerful than the Splendor+ but still delivers an impressive mileage of 65 kmpl under standard testing conditions.”
Riding into the Future
The Splendor 135 isn’t just about the engine; it’s a complete package designed for the modern rider. The bike features a redesigned chassis that offers improved stability and handling, making it equally at home in crowded city streets and on open highways.
The suspension setup, consisting of telescopic forks at the front and 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear, has been tuned to provide a plush ride without compromising on handling. Larger 18-inch alloy wheels shod with tubeless tires offer better grip and safety.
Braking duties are handled by a 240mm disc brake at the front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear. In a first for the Splendor series, the 135 comes with a single-channel ABS system, further enhancing safety.
Design: A Perfect Blend of Classic and Contemporary
One look at the Splendor 135, and it’s clear that Hero’s designers have pulled out all the stops. The bike retains the iconic Splendor silhouette but adds modern touches that give it a premium feel.
“We wanted to create a design that respects the Splendor’s heritage while looking firmly towards the future,” says Priya Patel, Senior Designer at Hero MotoCorp. “The sharp lines, the sculpted fuel tank, and the sleek tail section – every element has been crafted to turn heads.”
The bike comes in five striking color options: Blazing Red, Electric Blue, Mystic Grey, Panther Black, and Pearl White. A new 3D logo and graphics package add to the premium appeal.
Tech-Savvy Commuter
In an era where connectivity is king, the Splendor 135 doesn’t disappoint. It features a fully digital instrument cluster that provides all essential information at a glance. But that’s not all – the bike also comes with Hero’s new ConnectNext technology.
This Bluetooth-enabled system allows riders to connect their smartphones to the bike. Once paired, users can access features like turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and even a ‘find my bike’ function through a dedicated mobile app.
Vikram Mehta, a 28-year-old software engineer from Pune, was among the first to test ride the Splendor 135. “I never thought I’d see the day when a Splendor would have these kinds of features,” he says. “The ConnectNext system is intuitive and actually useful in day-to-day riding. It’s like Hero has brought the Splendor into the smartphone age.”
Comfort: The Long-Distance Commuter’s Dream
Recognizing that many Splendor users clock significant miles on their daily commutes, Hero has paid special attention to rider comfort. The seat has been redesigned with high-density foam and a new contour that reduces pressure points on long rides.
The ergonomics have also been fine-tuned. The handlebar is slightly raised, and the footpegs are positioned to provide a natural riding posture that reduces fatigue on long journeys.
Eco-Friendly Commuting
In an age of increasing environmental consciousness, the Splendor 135 steps up to the plate. The bike is BS6 Phase 2 compliant and features Hero’s advanced i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology. This system automatically shuts off the engine when idling for extended periods, such as at traffic lights, and restarts it with a simple twist of the throttle.
“With the Splendor 135, we’re not just thinking about today’s riders, but also about the world they’ll be riding in tomorrow,” says Dr. Ravi Chopra, Head of Sustainability at Hero MotoCorp. “The i3S system alone can reduce fuel consumption by up to 5% in city riding conditions.”
Pricing and Market Positioning
Hero MotoCorp has always been known for offering value for money, and the Splendor 135 continues this tradition. While official pricing will be announced at launch, industry insiders suggest that the bike will be priced between ₹80,000 to ₹85,000 (ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy positions the Splendor 135 as a premium offering in the commuter segment, bridging the gap between traditional 100-110cc commuters and more powerful 150cc motorcycles.
Amit Gupta, a leading automotive analyst, believes Hero has struck gold with this positioning. “The Splendor 135 offers the perfect upgrade path for existing Splendor owners who want more power without stepping into a completely different segment,” he opines. “At the same time, it could attract new buyers who find 150cc bikes too powerful or expensive for their needs.”
The Road Ahead – Hero Splendor 135
As the Splendor 135 gears up for its nationwide launch, the anticipation in the market is palpable. Dealers across the country report a surge in inquiries, with many potential buyers eager to book the bike sight unseen.
For Hero MotoCorp, the Splendor 135 represents more than just a new product launch. It’s a bold step towards the future, a declaration that the commuter segment is ripe for innovation.
As we watch the first batch of Splendor 135s roll off the production line, one thing is clear – the king of Indian roads is not resting on its laurels. With the Splendor 135, Hero MotoCorp isn’t just evolving an icon; it’s redefining what it means to be a commuter motorcycle in the 21st century.
The Splendor has been the backbone of Indian mobility for decades. Now, with the 135, it’s ready to carry that legacy forward into a new era of smart, efficient, and exciting commuting. The roads of India are about to witness the dawn of a new Splendor.