Hero Splendor 135: In the vast landscape of India’s two-wheeler market, few names evoke as much recognition and trust as the Hero Splendor.
For decades, this iconic motorcycle has dominated the commuter segment, becoming synonymous with reliability, fuel efficiency, and value.
The latest evolution in this legendary lineage—the Hero Splendor 135—represents a significant step forward, blending the brand’s trusted heritage with modern engineering advancements and contemporary features.
Hero Splendor 135 The Evolution of an Icon
The Hero Splendor’s journey began in the late 1990s when Hero, then in partnership with Honda, introduced a motorcycle that would ultimately transform India’s mobility landscape.
The original Splendor, with its 97.2cc engine, quickly became the preferred choice for millions of Indians seeking affordable, dependable transportation.
Its reputation for exceptional mileage and minimal maintenance costs established it as the gold standard in the commuter segment.
Over the years, the Splendor evolved incrementally, with Hero introducing various iterations including the Splendor+, Splendor Pro, and Splendor iSmart.
Each version maintained the core DNA of reliability while incorporating gradual improvements in design, technology, and performance.
The introduction of the Splendor 135, however, marks a more substantial leap forward—an acknowledgment that today’s commuter motorcycles must offer more than just basic transportation.
Engine Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
At the heart of the Hero Splendor 135 lies its newly developed 134.5cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine.
This power unit represents a significant upgrade from the smaller displacement engines of previous Splendor models, delivering approximately 11.5 bhp of maximum power and 11 Nm of peak torque.
Despite the increase in capacity and output, Hero’s engineers have successfully maintained the fuel efficiency that has been the hallmark of the Splendor brand.
The engine employs advanced technologies including programmed fuel injection (PFI) and variable valve timing, optimizing combustion efficiency across different riding conditions.
The result is a claimed fuel economy figure of approximately 65-70 kilometers per liter under standard testing conditions—impressive numbers for a 135cc motorcycle.
This balance of performance and efficiency positions the Splendor 135 as an ideal choice for daily commuters who occasionally need additional power for highway riding or carrying a pillion.
The five-speed transmission offers smooth shifts and well-spaced gear ratios, providing adequate acceleration in urban environments while maintaining comfortable cruising capabilities on open roads.
The engine’s refinement is notable, with vibrations well controlled even at higher speeds—a significant improvement over earlier Splendor models.
Design Philosophy: Modern Evolution with Traditional Values
Visually, the Hero Splendor 135 strikes a delicate balance between honoring its heritage and embracing contemporary design elements.
The motorcycle retains the recognizable silhouette that has defined the Splendor family, including the straightforward, approachable stance and practical proportions.
However, Hero’s designers have introduced modern touches including sleeker body panels, redesigned graphics, and LED lighting elements.
The fuel tank maintains its characteristic shape but features more pronounced contours, enhancing the motorcycle’s visual appeal while providing improved ergonomics for the rider.
The side panels flow more organically into the rear section, creating a more cohesive overall appearance.
Available in a palette of contemporary colors including Matte Techno Blue, Gloss Black, Pearl White, and Crimson Red, the Splendor 135 offers visual options to appeal to different consumer preferences.
The attention to detail extends to components like the newly designed alloy wheels (available on higher variants), the textured seat material that provides better grip, and the meticulously finished switchgear.
These elements collectively elevate the perceived quality of the motorcycle, positioning it as a premium offering within the commuter segment.
Riding Dynamics: Comfort and Control
The Splendor has always prioritized comfort and ease of use—attributes that the Splendor 135 preserves and enhances.
The motorcycle features a tubular double-cradle frame that provides excellent structural rigidity while maintaining the lightweight character essential for a commuter motorcycle.
With a kerb weight of approximately 122 kilograms, the Splendor 135 remains maneuverable in congested urban traffic.
The suspension setup consists of conventional telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, both calibrated to deliver a pliant ride over India’s varied road surfaces.
The suspension travel has been optimized to absorb significant impacts without compromising stability, addressing a common concern in previous models.
Braking performance has received particular attention, with the Splendor 135 featuring a 240mm disc brake at the front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear.
Hero has incorporated a combined braking system (CBS) across all variants, enhancing braking effectiveness and safety particularly for less experienced riders.
This system distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels when the rear brake is applied, potentially reducing stopping distances in emergency situations.
The motorcycle’s ergonomics have been thoughtfully designed with the average Indian rider in mind.
The 785mm seat height allows riders of various statures to place their feet firmly on the ground when stationary, while the handlebar position promotes an upright riding posture that reduces fatigue during extended commutes.
The seat itself has been contoured to provide better support for both rider and pillion, addressing a point of criticism in earlier Splendor variants.
Technology Integration: Smart Features for the Modern Rider
Recognizing the evolving expectations of today’s consumers, Hero has incorporated several technological features in the Splendor 135 that were previously reserved for more premium segments.
The motorcycle features a semi-digital instrument cluster that displays essential information including speed, fuel level, odometer, and trip meters, along with service reminders and gear position indicators.
Selected variants include Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology, which automatically shuts down the engine when idling for extended periods and restarts it when the clutch is engaged.
This feature contributes significantly to fuel conservation, particularly in stop-and-go urban traffic conditions.
Connectivity features have also made their way into the Splendor 135, with top-tier models offering Bluetooth integration that enables navigation alerts, call notifications, and vehicle diagnostics through a dedicated smartphone application.
While not as comprehensive as the connectivity suites found in premium motorcycles, these features represent a meaningful addition to the commuter segment.
The LED headlamp provides superior illumination compared to the conventional halogen bulbs of previous models, enhancing visibility and safety during night riding.
Similarly, the LED tail lamp and indicators offer improved visibility to other road users while consuming less electrical power from the motorcycle’s charging system.
Ownership Experience: The Complete Package
Beyond the motorcycle’s technical specifications and features, Hero has focused on enhancing the overall ownership experience of the Splendor 135.
The company’s extensive service network—the largest for any two-wheeler manufacturer in India—ensures that maintenance and repairs can be addressed promptly and conveniently.
Standardized service costs and transparent maintenance schedules help owners budget for the motorcycle’s upkeep over its lifecycle.
The warranty coverage has been enhanced to three years or 30,000 kilometers (whichever comes first), demonstrating Hero’s confidence in the Splendor 135’s reliability and build quality.
Extended warranty options and service packages are available for owners seeking additional peace of mind.
Market Positioning and Competition
Priced between ₹85,000 and ₹95,000 (ex-showroom) depending on the variant, the Hero Splendor 135 positions itself in the premium commuter segment.
This pricing places it above conventional 100-110cc commuters but below the 150cc sports commuter category. Its primary competitors include the Honda SP 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125, and TVS Raider 125.
Compared to these rivals, the Splendor 135 differentiates itself through its superior fuel efficiency, the trusted Splendor brand heritage, and Hero’s unmatched service network.
While some competitors offer more aggressive styling or marginally higher performance figures, the Splendor 135 presents a compelling overall package that aligns perfectly with the priorities of its target demographic—practical commuters seeking reliability, efficiency, and reasonable ownership costs.
Environmental Considerations
The Hero Splendor 135 complies with BS6 Phase 2 emission standards, incorporating advanced catalytic converters and engine management systems to minimize environmental impact.
Hero claims that the model produces approximately 5% lower carbon emissions compared to equivalent displacement motorcycles, reflecting the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Materials used in the motorcycle’s construction have been selected with recyclability in mind, and Hero has implemented manufacturing processes that reduce waste and energy consumption at its production facilities.
These initiatives align with growing consumer awareness regarding the environmental footprint of their transportation choices.
Hero Splendor 135 Conclusion: The Evolution of a Legend
The Hero Splendor 135 represents a thoughtful evolution of India’s most iconic motorcycle nameplate.
By preserving the core values that established the Splendor’s reputation—reliability, efficiency, and value—while incorporating modern performance, features, and design elements, Hero has created a motorcycle that respects its heritage while embracing the future.
For the millions of Indian commuters who depend on two-wheeled transportation for their daily mobility needs, the Splendor 135 offers a familiar yet improved solution.
It acknowledges that today’s motorcycle buyers expect more than basic transportation—they seek a balance of practicality, technology, and style, all delivered at an accessible price point.
In a market increasingly populated by motorcycles that prioritize flash over substance, the Hero Splendor 135 stands as a reminder that evolutionary improvement of a proven formula can be more valuable than revolutionary change for its own sake.
As India’s mobility landscape continues to evolve, the Splendor 135 seems poised to maintain its predecessor’s position as the backbone of the nation’s two-wheeler fleet—a testament to Hero’s understanding of its core customer base and the enduring appeal of sensible, reliable transportation.
In the final analysis, the Hero Splendor 135 achieves exactly what it sets out to do: it delivers a measurably improved motorcycle experience while remaining true to the values that made the Splendor name legendary.
For current Splendor owners looking to upgrade and new entrants to the motorcycle market alike, it represents a choice that’s unlikely to disappoint—a modern interpretation of a proven classic.