Hero Splendor 135: India’s most iconic motorcycle nameplate, now with a new performance platformSurprisingly, the new Hero Splendor 135 sounds similar on paper to the Honda CB Shine, with which it is most likely to directly compete.
This careful evolution is a clear reminder of all that is good about Hero MotoCorp’s strategy towards building products — where the core principles that made the Splendor the market leader remain intact, but relevant changes are made to keep pace with ever-changing customer expectations.
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Hero Splendor 135: Design Evolution for Modern Sensibilities
The 135 still has that characteristic silhouette the nameplate has had for the past 30 years, but the details have been smoothed out a bit and its capabilities amended.
The fuel tank has a more sculpted look to it, and new graphics that visually set the machine apart from smaller-displacement siblings.
The side panels sport modern design elements, but nothing that would stray too far from the traditional DNA — necessary to maintain family resemblance — but helps the 135 Weargle claim its identity amongst the throng of Splendor variants.
However, there is also a good balance of personalization within the color palette here, which comes in four different colorways;Techno Blue, Fiery Red, Noble Grey and Pearl White, despite reversing the general trend of the population that preferred to receive models with a dignified appearance.
The alloy wheels of the premium variants sport machined highlights — a sign that Hero understands that Splendor owners prefer to go for understated quality than attention-grabbing styling.
Balancing engine performance and efficiency
Central to all this is the bike’s most important advancement—a dedicated 134.5cc single-cylinder mill with air cooling and programmed fuel injection.
This powerplant generates 10.7 horsepower at 7,500 RPM, along with 11.4 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM, numbers that’s not only good for a significant performance increase over the standard Splendor but also keeps the legendary reliability that makes the platform tick.
It uses Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) engine architecture which shuts off the engine during periods of prolonged idle and switches back on when the user depresses the clutch.
This system offers significant fuel savings in congested urban environments often found in Indian cities.
Claiming consumptions of 65 kilometers per liter under standardized testing, the resulting economy in real world remains a flagship selling point for buyers conscious on costs.
Another notable upgrade comes in the form of a new 5-speed gearbox, which slots in that additional ratio for more relaxed cruising at highway speeds without compromising standing start punch.
The transmission includes precision shifters that require a shortened lever throw from the previous Splendor generations, to improve the riding experience with less operative effort and better tactile feedback.
Lightweight chassis and increased comfort
The Splendor 135 uses a tubular double-cradle frame with a focus on structural rigidity, while also keeping in mind the weight savings needed for everyday use.
Suspension components consist of 41mm telescopic front forks with opposite-side damping, coupled with dual rear shock absorbers with 5-way preload adjustment which lets you adjust based on load conditions and rider preference.
Dispelling road imperfections before they make their advance towards the rider, the calibration tips in favour of ride compliance, thus becoming important given the state of the road surface in India.
The Splendor easily tackles regular urban obstacles with 180mm of ground clearance, and the 1,265mm wheelbase gives it a small footprint that allows it to very well be able to navigate busy traffic conditions.
The riding ergonomics are decidedly upright and remain unchanged from the blow to the original Splendor experience, ensuring that the rider doesn’t get fatigued on longer rides.
The seat has a high-density foam with a newly designed seat, perfect for riders doing those mile-long daily commutes.
Brake Performance And Safety Features
The brakes consist of a 240mm disc up front and a 130mm drum at the back, with an integrated brake system splitting braking force between both wheels when you apply the rear brake.
This design provides progressive stopping power as per the motorcycle’s performance capabilities while keeping things simple, a quality appreciated by the target demographic.
Safety gets a little extra attention with an automatic headlamp-on feature that improves visibility in different driving environments.
The tires are wider than those available on the standard Splendor models, a feature that allows both greater stability when braking and cornering, as well as additional confidence for riders used to smaller motorcycles or scooters.
Technology Integration and Practical Features
The instrument cluster is a mix of analog and digital, and it shows relevant information like real-time fuel efficiency, service reminders, and a side-stand indicator.
That, and an eco-mode indicator that helps riders confirm that they’re using throttle in an economic manner—very smart for value-conscious consumers that are looking for operating economy.
There is also a USB charging port located under the instrument panel to suit the needs of today’s commuters.
With its 12-liter fuel tank paired with an economical engine, the bike offers an impressive range of more than 750 kilometers, reducing the need to refuel in regions with sparse fuel stations.
Hero Splendor 135: Position in the Marketplace & Target Customer
That puts the Splendor 135 in a sensible place in Hero’s huge portfolio with a focus on experienced commuters who want more performance without compromising on the reliability and economy that made the Splendor name.
While holding onto the qualities that have kept the platform on top for three decades now, this positioning recognizes the shifting expectations of the motorcycle segment in India.
And that’s just a really smart evolution, where one can see that for Hero MotoCorp, the Splendor 135 has clearly been a student of their core consumer and that’s how they’ve been able to make those tiny, little, but massive changes just to make owning the bike better without losing sight of its core elements which have made the Splendor the most trusted motorcycle platform in India.
