Hero Splendor 125: The iconic Hero Splendor nameplate has dominated Indian roads for decades. With over 100 million units sold, this humble commuter motorcycle has become synonymous with reliability and efficiency.
Now, Hero MotoCorp pushes the beloved Splendor into new territory with the Splendor 125. This modest displacement bump brings newfound vigor to the platform without abandoning the core principles that made it a household name.
Design: Familiar Yet Fresh
The Splendor 125 maintains the recognizable silhouette that has become part of India’s visual landscape. The classic commuter stance remains, with its straightforward tank, single-piece seat, and practical grab rails.
Subtle design refreshes differentiate this 125cc variant. Chrome accents on the side panels catch the light elegantly. The redesigned headlamp housing incorporates sharper lines while maintaining the characteristic oval shape.
New graphics adorn the tank and side panels, with “Splendor 125” badging prominently displayed. The color palette expands to include Matte Techno Blue, Candy Blazing Red, and Black with Sports Red accents.
Despite these updates, Hero wisely preserves the motorcycle’s understated elegance. This is deliberate product planning—the Splendor’s appeal has always stemmed from its approachable, unpretentious character.
Engineering: Heart of the Matter
At the core of this evolution sits the new 124.7cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This power plant delivers approximately 10.7 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 10.8 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm—modest on paper but perfectly calibrated for real-world Indian riding conditions.
Hero’s proprietary i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology makes its appearance here, automatically shutting down the engine when idling for extended periods. This feature alone contributes significantly to the claimed 65 kilometers per liter fuel efficiency.
The 5-speed gearbox represents an upgrade from the traditional 4-speed transmission found on smaller Splendor variants. This additional gear allows for more relaxed highway cruising while maintaining the accessible, smooth shifting action.
Refinement levels impress immediately. The counterbalancer mechanism effectively minimizes vibrations, creating a smooth riding experience unusual in this segment. Even at sustained speeds of 70-80 kph, the engine maintains its composure.
Chassis and Handling: Confidence Inspiring
The diamond frame has been reinforced to accommodate the increased power and potential speeds. This structural enhancement maintains the legendary Splendor stability without compromising maneuverability in congested urban environments.
Suspension duties are handled by conventional telescopic forks at the front offering 120mm of travel. The rear features twin shock absorbers with 5-step preload adjustment, allowing easy customization based on rider weight or pillion presence.
Braking performance sees notable improvement with a 240mm front disc brake option complementing the 130mm rear drum. The Integrated Braking System (IBS) provides additional safety by automatically engaging the rear brake when the front brake is applied.
The 18-inch alloy wheels come shod with tubeless tires—80/100 front and 90/90 rear—offering improved grip and puncture protection compared to earlier Splendor iterations. This wheel size maintains the generous ground clearance of 159mm, essential for navigating unpredictable Indian road surfaces.
Riding Experience: Everyday Excellence
Swing a leg over the 785mm seat, and familiarity greets long-time Splendor riders. The ergonomics remain commuter-friendly, with an upright seating position that reduces fatigue during extended riding sessions.
The slightly wider seat offers improved comfort, particularly welcome during longer journeys. The handlebar position naturally places arms at a relaxed angle, while footpegs centered beneath the rider create a neutral riding triangle.
Once underway, the additional displacement makes its presence felt. Acceleration from standstill is noticeably more spirited than the 110cc variant, reducing vulnerability during traffic merges and overtaking maneuvers.
Mid-range torque impresses most. The engine pulls cleanly from 3,000 rpm, reducing the need for frequent gear changes in stop-and-go traffic. This characteristic significantly enhances the daily commuting experience.
Highway behavior demonstrates the most dramatic improvement. The Splendor 125 comfortably maintains 80-85 kph, with enough reserve power for occasional overtaking. The engine feels unstressed at these speeds, unlike smaller variants that often seem breathless beyond city limits.
Fuel efficiency remains remarkable despite the increased displacement. Real-world testing confirms figures of 60-63 kilometers per liter in mixed riding conditions—economic sustainability that remains central to the Splendor’s appeal.
Technology and Features: Thoughtful Integration
The semi-digital instrument console represents a meaningful upgrade, featuring an analog speedometer paired with a digital display for fuel level, odometer, trip meter, and service indicators. The i3S activation light provides visual confirmation of the system’s operation.
LED daytime running lights enhance visibility and modern appeal, while the main headlamp retains halogen illumination for cost-effective replacement. The taillight likewise incorporates LED elements for improved visibility and power efficiency.
Mobile connectivity arrives via Hero’s new Connect app, enabling basic features like service reminders, location sharing, and trip analysis.
While not as comprehensive as systems found on premium models, this represents significant value addition in the commuter segment.
The USB charging port located beneath the seat acknowledges contemporary needs without compromising the motorcycle’s clean lines. This thoughtful addition eliminates the need for aftermarket charging solutions.
Value Proposition: Economic Sensibility
Priced approximately 15% higher than the standard Splendor 110, the 125cc variant delivers substantial additional performance and features that justify the premium.
The economic calculus extends beyond purchase price to encompass exceptional fuel efficiency, proven reliability, and strong resale value.
The service interval of 6,000 kilometers exceeds industry standards in this segment, reducing maintenance frequency and associated costs.
The vast Hero service network ensures support remains accessible regardless of location—a crucial consideration for vehicles often serving as primary family transportation.
Genuine parts availability and affordability further strengthen the ownership proposition. The Splendor’s mechanical simplicity means many routine maintenance tasks can be performed by owners themselves, reducing dependency on service centers.
Market Positioning: Strategic Placement
The Splendor 125 occupies a strategic position within Hero’s expansive portfolio. It bridges the gap between the traditional 100-110cc commuters and the more performance-oriented 150cc Achiever, providing a logical upgrade path for existing Splendor owners.
This positioning also counters competitive threats from Honda’s CB Shine and Bajaj’s Discover 125, which have established footholds in the 125cc segment. The Splendor nameplate brings unmatched brand equity to this competitive battleground.
Rural markets particularly stand to embrace this variant. The additional power proves invaluable on challenging roads, while the proven reliability addresses concerns about service accessibility in remote areas.
Conclusion: Evolution Without Revolution
The Hero Splendor 125 demonstrates thoughtful product development—enhancing capability without abandoning core values. This evolutionary approach preserves the motorcycle’s essential character while addressing changing consumer expectations and competitive pressures.
For daily commuters, the Splendor 125 delivers tangible benefits through improved performance, modern features, and maintained efficiency. It remains fundamentally a Splendor—approachable, dependable, and economical—simply with enhanced capabilities for contemporary conditions.
In a market increasingly characterized by feature-laden, visually aggressive offerings, the Splendor 125’s straightforward honesty feels refreshingly authentic. It exemplifies focused engineering addressing real-world requirements rather than marketing-driven feature proliferation.
The Splendor legacy continues, not through revolutionary reinvention but via carefully calibrated evolution. For millions of Indian riders seeking practical, reliable transportation, this measured approach delivers exactly what’s needed—no more, no less.