The humble Hero Honda Splendor has been the world’s single largest selling model since the year 2000. Without any doubt Hero Honda calls it as one of "the world's greatest achievements" (on its current Splendor+ minisite).
It was therefore surprising that Hero Honda was not putting a self start even as option on its best selling model (even lower priced model like the CD Deluxe has been available with self start) for so long.
Finally Hero Honda decides to put an electric starter as an option on the Splendor and also gets a new name, the Splendor Pro. [News Source: Splendor Pro launched]
What else is new in the Hero Honda Splendor Pro?
New graphics (obviously), new clear lens turn indicators, matt black exhaust silencer instead of the earlier one in chrome, new design speedometer console, new adjustable rear shock absorbers, a pass light and a ignition system which Hero Honda calls APDV (Advanced Pro series Digital Variable ignition system).
I decide to pay homage to this two wheeled sales wonder from India by taking it out for a test ride.
Looks:
It was therefore surprising that Hero Honda was not putting a self start even as option on its best selling model (even lower priced model like the CD Deluxe has been available with self start) for so long.
Finally Hero Honda decides to put an electric starter as an option on the Splendor and also gets a new name, the Splendor Pro. [News Source: Splendor Pro launched]
What else is new in the Hero Honda Splendor Pro?
New graphics (obviously), new clear lens turn indicators, matt black exhaust silencer instead of the earlier one in chrome, new design speedometer console, new adjustable rear shock absorbers, a pass light and a ignition system which Hero Honda calls APDV (Advanced Pro series Digital Variable ignition system).
I decide to pay homage to this two wheeled sales wonder from India by taking it out for a test ride.
Looks:
Why does every bike on the need to be sporty..??
Simple, honest and mature, that’s the Splendor Pro for you.. and I like it
Simple, honest and mature, that’s the Splendor Pro for you.. and I like it
The Splendor has always had pleasing and proportionate looks of a mini retro British styled motorcycle. To me it’s the only model in India (apart from the Royal Enfield models) which looks better in spoke wheels than in cast/alloy wheels.
The Splendor has looks of a simple and honest commuter. Simple straight seat, simple body panels and tank design. The chrome rear grab rail cum luggage carrier might be outdated by today’s standard but it helps the bike retain the classic styling of the bike. The speedometer on the Splendor Pro has got chrome finished dials which to me appears tacky and is the only part which did not go down well with me.
The Splendor has looks of a simple and honest commuter. Simple straight seat, simple body panels and tank design. The chrome rear grab rail cum luggage carrier might be outdated by today’s standard but it helps the bike retain the classic styling of the bike. The speedometer on the Splendor Pro has got chrome finished dials which to me appears tacky and is the only part which did not go down well with me.
To summarize it, I like the Old is Gold kind of classic appeal which the Splendor’s got.
Ride Experience:
Astride the Splendor, the bike feels every bit of an honest commuter. Tall comfortable handlebars, natural position of the foot pegs and a decently padded seat (slightly slimmer than the Passion Pro).
The model which I got for test ride was the kick start only + spoke model. The performance is identical to the Passion Pro and for obvious reasons as both the engines are identical. Smooth engine with decent performance for a 97 cc bike.
Ride Experience:
Astride the Splendor, the bike feels every bit of an honest commuter. Tall comfortable handlebars, natural position of the foot pegs and a decently padded seat (slightly slimmer than the Passion Pro).
The model which I got for test ride was the kick start only + spoke model. The performance is identical to the Passion Pro and for obvious reasons as both the engines are identical. Smooth engine with decent performance for a 97 cc bike.
The ride quality of its suspension is supple and comfortable. The Splendor also has a fine balance of ride quality and handling. Even with two up, the handling remains decently stable on straights and also around corners. Braking is ok for a drum brake motorcycle. Unlike the Passion Pro one sits slightly lower on the Splendor Pro which gives a sitting in the bike rather than on the bike feeling.
Splendor Pro Price and Fuel Efficiency:
The Pune on road price of the Splendor Pro is around Rs. 48,000 for the Alloy Wheel + Self Start model. That is around Rs. 4,000 more than the Passion Pro. Fuel efficiency of the Splendor Pro can be expected to be around 60-65 Kmpl under normal riding conditions.
Verdict:
I actually liked the Splendor Pro more than the Passion Pro. Probably because of the lower sitting position and also probably the Splendor doesn’t have an artificial attitude of trying to be a sporty bike. After all why does every bike on the need to be sporty..??
Simple, honest and mature, that’s the Splendor Pro for you.. and I like it.
Splendor Pro Price and Fuel Efficiency:
The Pune on road price of the Splendor Pro is around Rs. 48,000 for the Alloy Wheel + Self Start model. That is around Rs. 4,000 more than the Passion Pro. Fuel efficiency of the Splendor Pro can be expected to be around 60-65 Kmpl under normal riding conditions.
Verdict:
I actually liked the Splendor Pro more than the Passion Pro. Probably because of the lower sitting position and also probably the Splendor doesn’t have an artificial attitude of trying to be a sporty bike. After all why does every bike on the need to be sporty..??
Simple, honest and mature, that’s the Splendor Pro for you.. and I like it.
Hero Honda Splendor Pro Technical Specifications:
ENGINE
Type: Air cooled, 4-Stroke single cylinder
Displacement: 97.2 cc
Maximum Power: 7.8 Ps @ 7500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 8.04 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Starting: Kick / Self Start
Ignition: Digital CDI
TRANSMISSION
Clutch: Multiplate wet
Gearbox: 4 Speed constant mesh
SUSPENSION
Front: Telescopic Hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear: Swing arm with 5 step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers
Tyres:
Front: 2.75 x 18
Rear: 2.75 x 18
DIMENSIONS
Length x Width x Height: 1970mm x720mm x 1040mm
Ground Clearance: 159 mm
Kerb Weight: 109 Kg (Kick start) / 112 Kg (Self Start)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 11 lts
ELECTRICALS
Battery: Maintenance Free, 12V 3Ah (Kick), 12V 4 Ah (Self)
Headlamp: 12V – 35W/35W – Halogen Bulb (Multi Reflector Type)
ENGINE
Type: Air cooled, 4-Stroke single cylinder
Displacement: 97.2 cc
Maximum Power: 7.8 Ps @ 7500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 8.04 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Starting: Kick / Self Start
Ignition: Digital CDI
TRANSMISSION
Clutch: Multiplate wet
Gearbox: 4 Speed constant mesh
SUSPENSION
Front: Telescopic Hydraulic shock absorbers
Rear: Swing arm with 5 step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers
Tyres:
Front: 2.75 x 18
Rear: 2.75 x 18
DIMENSIONS
Length x Width x Height: 1970mm x720mm x 1040mm
Ground Clearance: 159 mm
Kerb Weight: 109 Kg (Kick start) / 112 Kg (Self Start)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 11 lts
ELECTRICALS
Battery: Maintenance Free, 12V 3Ah (Kick), 12V 4 Ah (Self)
Headlamp: 12V – 35W/35W – Halogen Bulb (Multi Reflector Type)
Hero Honda Splendor Pro [Photos]
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