Hero MotoCorp has quietly pulled off something that’s becoming more rare in today’s market for motorcycles: creating a motorcycle that can deliver more power, but without sacrificing the fuel efficiency. The brand new Splendor 135 manages to blend the famed reliability of India’s top-selling motorcycle with the necessary performance enhancements that the riders of today are looking for.
The Splendor Legacy Gets an Upgrade
If you’ve ever been along Indian roadways, chances are you’ve probably seen many Splendors moving around. With more than 30 million sales since the launch in the late 1990s It’s more than only a bike It’s a largely nationwide institution. The initial formula was straightforward with a high efficiency in fuel consumption with low maintenance costs and affordable pricing.
What’s fascinating about the 135cc model is the way Hero has redesigned the platform but remained in line with the core values. “Many Splendor owners were upgrading to 150-180cc motorcycles from competitors when they wanted more performance,” a dealer in motorcycles in Delhi said to me recently. “The 135 gives them a reason to stay with a brand they trust.”
Power Meets Efficiency
The numbers tell a compelling story. The Splendor 135’s single-cylinder air-cooled engine is capable of producing around 11.5 horses in addition to 11.5 Nm of torque – significantly more than its standard counterpart’s 8.3 horsepower. However, it provides between 60-65 km per liter, in standard conditions.
How did they do it? The engineering team was focused on several efficiency factors, instead of one silver bullet. The combustion chamber is a sophisticated design to optimize the air-fuel mix, and the precision-engineered components minimize friction in the engine. The fuel injection system that is electronically controlled allows for precise fueling under different conditions of riding.
One of the most useful options for everyday drivers is the five-speed transmission with ratios that are equally suitable for busy city streets and open roads. This extra gear can make an impact when striving to get every mile from your tank of fuel.
Practical Features for Real-World Riders
Hero appears to recognize that the modern commuter demands more than basic transportation. The Splendor 135 has a variety of clever features that make everyday commute more enjoyable without driving up the cost to premium area.
The built-in USB charging port recognizes that even those with a tight budget must keep their mobiles charged, while the idle stop-start system automatically turns off the engine when it comes to longer stops to help conserve fuel. This feature is typically available on higher-end bicycles.
Safety receives a significant upgrade with the front disc brake measuring 240mm and 130mm drum brake on the rear. This isn’t the most cutting-edge technology but it’s a huge improvement over the previous Splendor’s drum-only setup. The alloy wheels are 18 inches and have tubes-free tires that anyone who’s suffered a roadside injury will be grateful for.
Read more
Xiaomi SU7 Ranks Worst in China’s Q1 EV Quality Report
Finding Its Market Niche
Since its introduction it’s been a success. Splendor 135 has carved out an impressive market. With sales per month ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 units It’s found a perfect space between commuters with 100-110ccc engines as well as more powerful 150cc bikes.
“The customer profile is really interesting,” says an Hero store manager who I talked to in Pune. “We’re seeing lots of existing Splendor owners upgrading, but also younger first-time buyers who want something more substantial than an entry-level bike without the higher running costs of a larger motorcycle.”
The pricing strategy positions it just a bit higher than 125cc rivals but is still well below 150cc offers which creates a distinct worth proposition for customers looking for the elusive balance between performance and economics.
Competition Heating Up
The Splendor 135 will face tough competition from established brands in this market. Bajaj’s Pulsar 125 appeals to those looking for a more sporty look. Honda’s SP 125 offers Japanese refinement, TVS Raider 125 comes packed with features and Yamaha’s Saluto is a model that emphasizes durability.
To compete with these worthy rivals The Splendor 135 is able to draw on Hero’s vast service network (over 6000 touchpoints across the country) as well as its strong resale worth as well as a history of reliability and trust. These factors continue to be a big hit with Indian customers who are making substantial financial commitments.
More Than Just Transportation
The most interesting thing regarding Splendor 135? Splendor 135 is the way it is a reflection of changing expectations for consumers. In the eyes of many families, the purchase signifies more than just transportation It also signifies upward mobility.
The conversations of owners reveal that they’re satisfied with the car’s top-of-the-line place in comparison to regular commuters. However, they do talk about practical things like efficiency in fuel as their primary motivation behind buying. An owner of Bangalore described that in this manner: “It’s still a Splendor, so my father approves, but it’s got enough power that I enjoy riding it too.”
As the Indian motorcycle market continues to grow as it continues to grow, the Splendor 135 proves that practical factors like exceptional mileage and an reasonable prices for purchase do not have to be at the cost of features and performance. They can make everyday riding more enjoyable. Hero’s rethinking approach to their most famous nameplate proves that sometimes intelligent refinement is more effective than revolutionary change, particularly when you’re constructing on the foundation of 30 million loyal customers.
One Response