Hero Super Splendor 2018 Review

Hero has given an upgrade to its motorcycle range for 2018. The Super Splendor also is a part of it. The Splendor brand has been the best selling motorcycle in the world. The Hero Super Splendor was a more powerful version introduced sometime back. This time it gets some upgrades. What are these? Read further to know more.

Design

The Super Splendor now gets a spruced up look. The side panels have been redesigned and it gets new body graphics as well.

The seat is also a new one and gets better cusioning too as it is a little firmer than the earlier model.

This helps the rider and pillion in being comfortable on longer rides. The seat is pretty wide hence adds to the overall comfort as well. The bike looks different from the rear as well. There is a new LED taillamp that comes in the update. It does add some flair to this otherwise plain jane looking bike. The Super Splendor also gets a black treatment, wherein the alloy wheels, engine and exhaust are back coloured. This does make it look premium.

The fuel tank has a capacity of 13 litres, thereby providing a good range. It also gets a utility box below the fuel tank. This is useful for storing small things like documents or other stuff. There is also storage available under the seat. The Splendor has always been known for its utility value and practicality. Which made it a best seller. The Super Splendor carries all these virtues.

Performance

The biggest change that the new Super Splendor gets is a new engine. This engine has been developed in-house by Hero MotoCorp. This 125cc engine also does duty in the Glamour. It produces 11.4 bhp of power and 11Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to a 4-speed constant mesh gearbox, with an all-down shift pattern.

Hero claims that this is the most powerful bike in its class. The power is now up by 27%. It has a top speed of 94 km/h. The engine however, feels the best between 50-80kms and runs smoothly too. It is pretty silent on idle and also doesn’t make too much noise on the run. The speeds also build up quickly.

The Super Splendor now comes with i3S technology.

This is Hero’s own technology and the company is now offering it on various models. This technology helps save fuel. While at idle, the engine cuts of after a few seconds and restarts on depressing the clutch. This system can be overidden with the help of a switch located on the right side switchgear.

Ride And Handling

The Super Splendor has a low seat height hence can be ridden by a variety of riders. The suspension set up is soft, hence it rides well even on rough roads. As a utilitarian bike, it does its job. Braking is the only area where it falls short. We expected this bike to have a disc brake, though as an option. For a 125cc bike, I think this is imperative. Also with the kind of customer awareness today, offering one would have been good. The mileage of the bike has not yet been declared, however we estimate it to return around 50 km/l, overall.

Verdict

The Super Splendor comes with its traditional virtues of practicality and utility. It is available is 5 colour options, thereby increasing choices for its buyers. The 125cc engine provides better performance and the new i3S technology gives it an edge over competition. With the new upgrades, It is now a better bike then ever before. It rivals with Honda CB Shine and though it does not feel as refined, features like i3S, do give it an edge, apart from its brand equity.