Hero Splendor Plus XTEC

The recently launched Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 celebrates the 30th anniversary of the most popular bike in India. It now comes equipped with an LED headlight (a first for any 100cc bike), H-shaped DRL and a H-shaped bulb type tail light. The Xtec 2.0 is priced at Rs 82,911 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Xtec 2.0 has three new colours: Matte Grey, Gloss Black and Gloss Red. Also, here’s how it differs from the Splendor Plus Xtec and also how it fairs against its rivals, on paper. The Hero Splendor Plus is India’s best-selling bike. Why is that so? Check out the reasons here. Also, curious about what models are currently available in the Hero Splendor lineup and what are the differences between them? Here is our detailed explanation about it.

The Hero Splendor has been India’s best-selling bike for a long time. The motorcycle has completed 30 years of production and to celebrate this, the manufacturer has launched a new Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0. While the Xtec already had a digital console and Bluetooth connectivity, the updated Xtec 2.0 features an LED headlight with an integrated H-shaped DRL (daytime running light), an H-shaped tail light, and a hazard light as standard. The bike now also comes with new colour schemes.

Design

The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 continues to feature the iconic Splendor design, as the basic commuter design is liked and preferred by most of the customers. The new Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is equipped with the signature rectangular headlight, which is now LED and has an integrated H-shaped DRL. The tail section looks simple as before with the only change being the H-shaped tail light. It also has chrome elements all around including the handlebar, leg guard, exhaust heat shield, pillion grab rail, and tail rack, which gives it a more premium look. The new Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 comes in three dual-tone colour options including Matte Grey, Gloss Black and Gloss Red.

Engine, Mileage & Performance

The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is powered by a 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that delivers 8.02PS at 8000rpm and 8.05Nm at 6000rpm. It is paired with a 4-speed gearbox. While the output figures are not very impressive, its light weight (112kg kerb) makes it very easy to handle. The Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 has good low-end performance and sufficient power for your everyday commute. The lively engine and well-spaced gearing make sure you don’t fall short of that extra grunt while making overtakes.

The Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 claims to deliver a mileage of 73kmpl and has a 9.8-litre fuel tank capacity. While the previous version that we tested delivered an impressive real-world mileage of 83.2kmpl in the city and 95.8kmpl on the highway.

Handling & Ride Quality

The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is suspended on a telescopic fork and twin rear shocks with five-step adjustability, both of which work very well in absorbing bumps and potholes, ensuring rider and passenger comfort even while riding on bad roads. Moreover, the big 18-inch alloy wheels help it to take on all kinds of roads.

The Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 has good brakes that offer a decent bite. However, it would have been even better if Hero had equipped the bike with a front disc brake.

Comfort

The Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 comes with a well-padded single seat that keeps both rider and pillion comfortable on short as well as long rides. Even though the seat is 785mm tall, its slim design makes it easy for shorter riders to get on and off the bike. Moreover, at 112kg kerb, the Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is a lightweight bike and allows you to effortlessly move it around in parking lots and tight spaces.

Features

The Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is equipped with a full-LED headlight, a first among any 100cc bike in the market. The new headlight now has an integrated H-shaped LED DRL (daytime running light), and an H-shaped tail light. It also gets hazard light functionality.

Another segment-first feature on the Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is the all-LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and call/SMS alerts. Apart from the regular speedometer, odometer, tachometer, trip meter and fuel gauge, the display also shows real-time mileage, which is also a first-in-segment feature.

Other features on the bike include a USB charging port, side-stand engine cut-off, and an idle stop-start system (i3S) which automatically shuts off the engine when it idles in traffic for a long time, to help save fuel. It also has a safety feature that cuts off the engine when the bike falls or tips over.

Should You Buy The Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0? 

The Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 along with its modern features, impressive mileage, and comfortable ride quality makes it one of the most attractive picks in the 100-110cc category. If you are looking for a no-nonsense commuter which is also feature-loaded and reliable, then the Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is one of the best bikes in the market. However, at Rs 82,911 (ex-showroom), the Xtec 2.0 comes with a slight premium of Rs 7,770 over the standard Splendor Plus. Meanwhile, for a similar price as the Splendor Xtec, other manufacturers offer bigger 110cc bikes.