Hero Splendor Plus Review (2026): Still the Best Budget Bike in India?
The mileage king gets scrutinised — here's the honest verdict
Some bikes don't need an introduction. But here's the thing about the Hero Splendor Plus — it's so deeply embedded in Indian roads that people almost stop seeing it. Your neighbour has one. Your uncle has had three. The courier guy in your colony has racked up 80,000 km on one without a breakdown story worth telling.
That invisibility is actually the biggest compliment you can give a commuter bike. And yet, when you're actually shopping for a low price bike in India under 1 lakh, the Splendor Plus still deserves a proper, honest look — not just inherited reputation.
So here it is. No fluff, no brand loyalty — just what the Splendor Plus is actually like to live with in 2026.
Quick Specs at a Glance
Specification | Details |
Engine | 97.2cc, Single Cylinder, Air-Cooled |
Power | 8.02 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
Torque | 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
Mileage (ARAI) | ~80 kmpl |
Real-World Mileage | 65–72 kmpl (verified) |
Gearbox | 4-Speed Manual |
Fuel Tank | 9.7 litres |
Kerb Weight | 112 kg |
Seat Height | 785 mm |
Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
Rear Suspension | Dual Shock Absorbers |
Front Brake | Drum (Disc optional) |
Rear Brake | Drum |
Starting | Self + Kick Start |
Ex-Showroom Price | ₹73,000 – ₹80,000 (varies by city/variant) |
Mileage: The Real Story
Let's address the elephant in the room first — because for most people shopping in this category, mileage is everything.
Hero claims around 80 kmpl under ARAI conditions. Real world? You're looking at 65–72 kmpl depending on how you ride, the quality of fuel you use, and whether you're fighting city traffic or cruising on a highway. That's still exceptional. At ₹105/litre, covering 1,500 km a month costs you roughly ₹2,300. A month. That's less than most people spend on weekend chai and snacks.
Among all the cheap bikes with best mileage in India, the Splendor Plus has held this crown for years — and newer competitors haven't really managed to dethrone it in real-world conditions. The Honda Shine 100 comes close, but the Splendor still edges it out when you average across mixed riding.
Ride Quality and Day-to-Day Comfort
The Splendor Plus isn't a performance bike. It doesn't pretend to be one. But for the kind of riding most Indian commuters actually do — potholed city roads, speed bumps every 200 metres, occasional highway stretches — it handles things quietly and competently.
The suspension is tuned soft, which is exactly right for bad roads. You won't feel every bump through your spine. The seat is well-padded for solo riding, though pillion comfort drops off on longer trips. Seat height is 785mm — accessible for most average-height Indian riders without any tiptoeing.
One honest limitation: Cornering confidence isn't great at speed. But this is a bike designed for straight-line city commuting, not canyon carving. Judge it on what it was built for.
Engine and Performance — Enough for Daily Use
The 97.2cc air-cooled engine produces 8.02 bhp — modest, but perfectly matched to the bike's purpose. It pulls smoothly from low rpm, which makes stop-and-go city traffic genuinely effortless. The 4-speed gearbox is slick enough that you stop noticing it after the first week.
Top speed sits around 90–95 kmph, which is more than you'll legally or practically need on most Indian roads. What matters more is the mid-range pull, and that's where the Splendor delivers — consistent, lag-free acceleration between 30–60 kmph.
Both kick and self-start are available, which is a feature that gets underappreciated until a cold January morning when the self-start is being moody.
Why It Still Makes Sense for Bikes for Students Under 1 Lakh
The Splendor Plus is often dismissed by younger buyers as their parent's bike. Understandable. But look past the styling and it makes a compelling practical case for students too:
It's not glamorous. But glamorous doesn't pay its own fuel bill.
Where It Falls Short
In the interest of keeping this honest — because every bike has weaknesses:
Note: Higher trims do get a semi-digital console and i3S idle stop-start tech, which helps urban mileage further.
How It Compares to Other Budget Bikes in India
In the broader context of best bikes under 1 lakh in India — where does it actually stand?
vs Honda Shine 100: Shine has a smoother engine feel and slightly better build quality. Splendor wins on mileage and service network breadth.
vs Bajaj Pulsar 125: No contest on performance and styling — Pulsar wins. But the Splendor costs less to run and maintain every single month.
vs TVS Jupiter 110: Different segment (scooter vs motorcycle), but Jupiter offers more storage and city convenience. Splendor wins on open-road efficiency.
The Splendor isn't trying to beat anyone at everything. It just does one thing — reliable, cheap, everyday transport — better than almost anyone.
Final Verdict
Here's the honest truth: if you're buying a bike primarily as a tool — to get somewhere affordably, reliably, and without drama — the Hero Splendor Plus in 2026 is still one of the smartest purchases you can make under 1 lakh.
If you want excitement, style, or a bike that starts conversations in parking lots — look elsewhere. The Pulsar 125 or the Yamaha FZ-S will serve you better on those counts.
But if you're a daily commuter, a student counting fuel costs, or someone buying a second household bike for practical use — the Splendor Plus earns its reputation the old-fashioned way: by showing up, every single day, without asking for much in return.
That's not a small thing. And in this segment, that's exactly everything.
FAQ
Is the Hero Splendor Plus worth buying in 2026?
Yes — especially for daily commuters and budget-conscious buyers. The mileage, service network, and low running costs still make it one of the most practical bikes under 1 lakh in India.
What is the real-world mileage of Hero Splendor Plus?
Between 65–72 kmpl under mixed city and highway conditions. The ARAI figure of ~80 kmpl is achievable only in ideal test conditions — real-world numbers are slightly lower but still best-in-class.
Is the Splendor Plus good for students?
Absolutely. Low fuel costs, easy availability of spare parts, and strong resale value make it a smart pick. The only trade-off is styling — it doesn't have the visual appeal of a Pulsar or FZ.
How does the Hero Splendor Plus compare to the Honda Shine 100?
Both are excellent commuters. Splendor edges ahead on mileage and service reach; Shine wins on engine refinement and slightly more modern feel. For pure cost-per-kilometre, Splendor is still the better deal.
Last updated: April 2026 | Prices are approximate ex-showroom and may vary by city and variant.
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