Hero Splendor Plus XTEC 2.0: The Hero Splendor Plus XTEC 2.0 is the next step in the evolution of India’s favourite commuter motorcycle as it looks to become an even more desirable and tech-friendly two-wheeler.
TRUST For over 25 years, Splendor has been synonymous with mileage, durability, and low cost.
And now, in the XTEC 2.0 update, Hero MotoCorp is hoping to bring some of that wisdom and safety to a bike that’s already a household name.
Even though the heart of Splendor is still the same, these new-age add-ons cater to urban commuters looking for a bit of connectivity along with a dash of style.
There’s That Nostalgic Look, With Sprinkles of Novelty
The Splendor Plus XTEC 2.0 continues to sport the classic design it’s famous for, a look that is loved by the city and appreciated in the rural countryside of India.
It looks simple and clean, no-nonsense with a square-ish headlamp, a flat seat and no non-sense body graphics.
But with this update, Hero has added new dual-tone graphics, revised graphics and an added premium feel through panels.
But the thing that is real head-turning is the full digital instrument cluster, quite a departure from the past analog dials.
The real-time distance to empty and fuel level, service reminder, and the addition of call and message alerts adds connectivity via Bluetooth, a first in the segment, displayed on the LCD screen.
Engine and Performance
The Splendor Plus XTEC 2.0 is powered by the familiar 97.2cc, air cooled, single cylinder engine, which makes 8.02PS of power and 8.05Nm of torque.
The engine, which is now BS6-compliant, is paired to a 4-speed gearbox and is meant more for hassle-free and cost effective city commuting, than outright performance.
The bike is great with slow speed handling and mileage. It’s fast enough for in-town trips, light traffic, and errands.
They employ the i3S (Idle Start Stop System), which saves fuel by cutting off the engine when idling and seamlessly restarting it with the pull of the clutch on stop-go city roads.
Mileage is still one of the top talking points, with real-world consumption in the ballpark of 65-70 km/l, impressive for one of the most fuel efficient petrol two-wheelers in the country.
Comfort and Ride Quality
Hero has been all about comfort – an extended and soft seat that gives plenty of support to the rider and the pillion.
The suspension complement of the bike comprises of telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers in the rear and they do a fair task at damping potholes and speed breakers.
It’s not sporty — nor does it need to be — designed for comfort and stability instead.
Upright riding position, relaxed,providing a healthy and comfortable ride, commuters, and casual exercisers,office goers, and seniors will love this bike. The bike is extremely light (approximately 112 kgs) so it is really easy to ride in traffic, tight lanes and parking.
Safety and Features
In the list of safety features, Hero introduced side-stand engine cut-off, bank angle sensor (switches off the engine in case of a fall) and integrated hazard lights to the Xtreme 160R.
The XTEC 2.0’s USB charging port, Bluetooth pairing, and LED DRLs set a standard that commuters have never seen the likes of before.
For regular usage it will provide decent stopping power thanks to the combined braking system (CBS) despite drum brakes being employed on both ends.
Pros
Excellent mileage use in daily commuting
Digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth - segment first bits
Safety All in all the three newly generated features Safety When a standing bike is in gear, the side stand is an important element in terms of safety and also the appearing hazard lights have never existed in comparable motorcycles.
An engine that is easy to take care of and to rely on
Soft and lightweight, appropriate for all ages
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Cons
Power is adequate but not for highway use, even with the manual.
No disc-brake option, even at the high end.
Gearshift and power delivery not as slick as rivals 4-speed transmission feels outdated
The Telescopic Front Fork is missing in all the versions except one (depends on the trim)
Not that appealing to enthusiasts, commuter focused vessel
Hero Splendor Plus XTEC 2.0: Verdict
The Hero Splendor Plus XTEC 2.0 is a perfect example of how a good bike doesn’t have to be expensive, fast or even exciting – but it does have to be reliable, practical and now a touch smarter.
Hero has made sure that the Splendor remains current in today’s digital age by integrating contemporary elements to a tried and tested platform. The XTEC 2.0 is hard to beat for anybody in the market for a decent value-for-money commuter with a sprinkle of tech.
It’s not just a bike; it’s a habit millions of Indians rely on — and now it’s better than ever.