If you grew up in India, you know the Hero Splendor. It’s not just a bike; it’s practically a family member. Launched back in 1994, it changed the way India commuted. Decades later, despite fancy sports bikes and electric scooters flooding the market, the Splendor remains the undisputed champion of Indian roads.
But with the 2026 price updates and new “XTEC” features, is it still the best “Fill it, Shut it, Forget it” machine?
The “Kitna Deti Hai?” Secret
Let’s be honest, we buy the Splendor for one main reason: Mileage. The Hero Splendor Plus continues to dominate because of its incredibly frugal engine.
- Real-World Mileage: While the company claims higher figures, owners consistently report a real-world mileage between 60 to 70 kmpl.
- The Secret Tech: The bike uses the i3S (Idle Stop-Start System). This smart tech turns the engine off when you stop at a red light and restarts it the moment you pull the clutch. It saves every drop of fuel in city traffic!
- The Engine: It’s powered by the legendary 97.2cc air-cooled engine. It’s not built for racing; it’s built to sip fuel and last forever.
What’s New? (The XTEC 2.0 Upgrade)
Think the Splendor is “old school”? Think again. The new Splendor Plus XTEC 2.0 has been given a modern makeover to keep up with the times.
- LED Headlight: No more dim yellow bulbs. The new model gets a high-intensity LED headlamp with a cool H-shaped DRL (Daytime Running Light).
- Digital Console: It now features a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. Yes, you can see call and SMS alerts right on your bike’s screen!.
- Charging on the Go: It comes with a USB charging port, so your phone never dies during your commute.
- Hazard Lights: A new safety feature usually found in premium bikes.
Price Check: Is It Still Affordable?
Hero recently revised the prices for the 2026 lineup. Here is what you need to know about the damage to your wallet:
- Price Hike: There has been a maximum hike of roughly ₹1,750 across variants.
- Base Model: The drum brake variant starts at approximately ₹73,902 (ex-showroom).
- Top Model: The fancy XTEC variants or the “125 Million Edition” can go up to ₹76,437 (ex-showroom).
- On-Road: Depending on your city (like Bangalore or Delhi), the on-road price will range between ₹86,000 to ₹90,000.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If your priority is saving money on petrol, low maintenance, and a bike that will last for years, the Hero Splendor Plus is still the king.
However, if you want speed or sporty looks, you might want to look at the Hero Xtreme 125R or the TVS Raider. But for the daily office or college commute? The Splendor remains unbeatable.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes