When it comes to daily commuting in India, the Hero Splendor Plus is one of the most popular choices among riders. Known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and low maintenance, this Hero bike has been a trusted companion for decades. However, with so many commuter bikes available today, it’s important to compare the Splendor Plus with alternatives to ensure you pick the bike that suits your needs best.
Why the Hero Splendor Plus Stands Out
The Hero Splendor Plus offers a combination of performance, mileage, and affordability that makes it appealing for city riders:
- Fuel Efficiency: Its 97.2 cc engine delivers impressive mileage, often ranging between 60–70 km/l, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.
- Reliability: As a Hero bike, the Splendor Plus is renowned for its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Spare parts are widely available, ensuring hassle-free ownership.
- Comfortable Ride: Its lightweight design and upright seating position make city rides easy and comfortable. The 4-speed manual transmission is smooth and beginner-friendly.
- Affordable: With a low purchase price and minimal running costs, this bike is ideal for budget-conscious buyers, students, and first-time riders.
Points to Consider Before Choosing
While the Splendor Plus is reliable, it may not be perfect for everyone:
- Limited Power: Its 97.2 cc engine produces modest power, making long highway rides or fast overtaking slightly challenging.
- Basic Features: Most variants lack modern amenities like digital displays, LED lighting, or advanced braking systems, which are becoming standard in newer commuter bikes.
- Highway Comfort: It’s designed mainly for city commuting. Long-distance travel may not be as comfortable due to the limited engine capacity and suspension setup.
Comparing With Other Commuter Bikes
If you’re considering alternatives, look at other popular commuter bikes in the 100–125 cc range:
- TVS Radeon / Bajaj Platina 110: Slightly higher power and similar mileage, offering better stability for mixed city-rural commuting.
- Honda Shine / Hero HF Deluxe: Smooth performance, slightly better comfort, and reliable mileage make them strong contenders for everyday riders.
- Other 110–125 cc Bikes: For riders seeking more power, highway capability, and modern features, bikes in this range can provide a better balance of mileage, comfort, and performance.
How to Decide Which Bike Is Right for You
To make the right choice, consider your commuting needs:
- Daily Commute Distance: Splendor Plus is ideal for short city rides, while longer rides may require a higher-capacity bike.
- Budget: Splendor Plus is cost-effective in terms of purchase and maintenance.
- Features: If you want digital consoles, disc brakes, or modern styling, consider higher-capacity alternatives.
- Usage Pattern: For frequent highway travel, comfort, and better power are key factors to consider.
Conclusion
The Hero Splendor Plus remains one of the best Hero bikes for daily city commuting thanks to its affordability, mileage, and reliability. However, if you need more power, modern features, or highway comfort, exploring other commuter bikes in the 110–125 cc range is a wise choice. Assess your commuting pattern, budget, and feature requirements to pick the bike that suits your lifestyle best.
