Hero Splendor Plus Xtec: Hero Splendor+ Xtec isn’t just another addition to the iconic Splendor family – it is the next-generation of one of the most-trusted brands in India.
The Splendor has been ruling the rustic ghats and urban lanes for decades! And with the Xtec avatar, Hero MotoCorp has married the traditional reliable nature of the bike with modern digital features to attract a younger, tech-savvy audience without disturbing its sub-10-lakh (ex-showroom) constituency.
Design:
Classic Look with Modern Elementslichkeit Design and Displayamiliar Looks with Subtle Contemporary Touches
The Splendor Plus Xtec design remains true to the traditional design of the original Splendor, with a boxy headlamp, sleek bodywork and straight, practical seat.
But there’s a visual upgrade via new paint choices, graphics and a completely digital instrument panel, which gives an upscale flair to an otherwise straightforward design.
The inclusion of LED DRLs and body-coloured mirrors lend the bike some sporty flair, though it never really dives too deep down that rabbit hole and maintains its commuter roots.
Engine and Performance
The Xtec VS900 is powered by the tried-and-tested 97.2cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine which has been around in the Splendor for ages.
It produces 7.9 bhp and 8.05 Nm of torque mated to 4-speed gearbox.
Those may not seem like impressive numbers, but where this engine really shines is with regard to refinement, fuel economy, and longevity.
At lower revs, the engine is creamy, and it is designed to serve as a sedate city rider.
It can easily carry on with everyday riding in 40-50 km/h without any hassle.
Hero advertises fuel efficiency of around 65–70 km/l and real-world users also report the same, which makes it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in India.
Technology and Features
This is where the Xtec variant shines. This means Hero has (somewhat bravely) chucked in a few mod-cons which are less than common in this price range:
ALL DIGITAL INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WITH BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY
Call and SMS on screen alerts
Real-time mileage indicator
Side-stand engine cut-off
LED DRLs
Service reminder indicator
Integrated USB charging port
The intelligent add-ons are designed for those city dwellers who are looking for more than a straight-up commuter.
The tech suite is actually quite good for the price, and helps make the Xtec more attractive to first car buyers and those who belong to the younger demographic.
Ride and Comfort
At the front the bike is equipped with telescopic forks while remotely positioned twin rear shock absorbers are rotated towards comfort rather than handling.
The suspension actually soaks in potholes and speed breakers fairly well; particularly when you’re riding solo.
The rider sits erect, on a plump saddle, in great comfort over long hours of city commutes.
At just 112kg this is an easy bike to throw around in traffic and the tightest parking spots.
Both ends feature 130mm drum brakes, equipped with Hero’s Integrated Braking System (IBS), and provide sufficient braking performance for its segment.
Advantages of Hero Splendor Plus Xtec
Exceptional fuel efficiency
Proven engine, Long-life & promising,
Bluetooth and digital console provide contemporary styling
Easy & nimble handling in the city
The pricing for the features is very good
Perfect for daily use, especially for students and office goers
Disadvantages of Hero Splendor Plus Xtec
Not so much motor for highway ride duties
Drum brakes, disc not available
May not suit everyone’s aesthetic tastes
Some vibration is felt only at higher rev ranges.
Doesn’t have a sporty or premium suspension feel
Hero Splendor Plus Xtec: Verdict
The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec is an intelligent upgrade to a legend of a commuter which already dominates our roads.
The reliable, economical and easy to maintain motorcycle that has shaped the modern vintage movement is now updated to the digital era.
If you are in the market for a motorcycle that sips fuel, is built to last for years, and now gets a mobile app too, the Splendor Plus Xtec makes a strong case for itself in its segment.