Hero Splendor Xtec : Over the last few decades, Indian two-wheeler scene has seen plenty of innovation, but few have managed to make the kind of impact that the Hero Splendor has.
This legendary commuter bike segment is witnessing a renaissance with the recent launch of the new variant, Splendor Xtec, which marries old-school charm with state-of-the-art technology.
At this juncture we take a closer look at the Splendor Xtec, how some parts take inspiration from over three decades of heritage, while the other components focus on futuristic innovation to come up with a motorcycle that very much fits the bill for the average Indian motorcyclist today.
Evolution of an Icon
Hero Splendor: the backbone of Indian motoring for decades. This humble, fuel-efficient motorcycle has became something much, much more but has not forgotten its roots.
The Xtec variant is the biggest upgrade in the Splendor’s lineage, sharing smart features that were previously limited to the premium segments in a more affordable commuter.
With the Hero Splendor Xtec, the company has described a new look and a new feel for what a commuter motorcycle can be; not simply a playlist of modernisation touches above an old platform.
The bike maintains its time-tested reliability but adds features aimed at the tech-savvy younger generation.
UI-The Design Language: Blending The Old With The New
While the Silhouette will be well known to millions and the new Splendor Xtec retains a familiar shape, there is no denying the refinements.
They also include a new headlamp cluster with an LED unit, for more light with less power. Chrome around the headlight and on the side panels offers a sense of luxury without overpowering the motorcycle’s simple beauty.
The bodywork has also been redone, especially with tortuous lines and modern-day graphics, making the motorcycle look fresher than ever.
Even when standing still, say, at a signal, the Splendor Xtec makes heads turn with its bright colour options – Magnificent Cyan, Canvas Black and Fiery Red.
The new seat also features better cushioning and contours to keep the rider and pillion comfortable, until the end of long rides.
While the wider grab rail will make pillion comfort easier to achieve, it is also a practical addition during day-to-day rides, for securing luggage.
Technological Advancements
The biggest feature addition on the Splendor Xtec is the Bluetooth-enabled fully digital instrument console.
This LCD display shows you information such as speed, fuel level, and gear position and more advanced features such as a real-time mileage indicator, service reminders, and trip meters.
The console, when integrated with a smartphone, provides call alerts and SMS notifications, which allows riders to feel connected without putting themselves in danger.
The system itself is easy to interface with, thankfully, with well-labeled buttons that can be activated while riding, even while wearing gloves.
Another new addition worth mentioning is the USB charging port — a plain and simple kind of feature, but one that adds a huge amount of practical value in terms of keeping devices charged on the go.
In a world where smartphones have become indispensable utensils, this well-considered addition greatly improves the ownership experience.
It also features Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) tech, which automatically cuts the engine when stopped and restarts it with a pull on the clutch; useful for improving fuel efficiency in the stop-and-go traffic conditions typical of India.
Performance and Efficiency
Beneath the familiar skin lies a sophisticated 110cc engine which manages to be performance oriented while wrapping it in Hero’s gold standard reliability.
The engine is air-cooled and single-cylinder, producing modest but adequate power for commuting in the city, with a smooth delivery that makes it a good fit for riders of all experience levels.
In fact, real-world tests have shown that the figures tend to be well north of 65kmpl most of the time on the wrist.
This is incredible efficiency amplified by the i3S system, which is capable of prolonging every liter by a few kilometers in those tedious traffic situations.
It mates to a silky-smooth 4-speed trans, with crisp gearswaps requiring little more than a gentle push.
The well-staggered ratios optimize Z650Rs for the city with just enough flexibility to keep you at comfortable cruising speeds on open highways.
Ride Quality and Handling
With its commuter focus, the Splendor Xtec would be expected to have a rather basic riding experience.
While the telescopic up-front suspension lends a hand in absorbing potholes, the rear features a last-choice adjustable suspension to load and terrain.
Also, the motorcycle’s lightweight design (it tips the scales at a little under 115 kg) makes it easy to cut through traffic, and also negotiate through tight spaces.
A 785mm low seat height means that riders of all statures can stop with both feet firmly planted on the ground.
Additionally, the 18-inch wheel with tubeless tires enhances stability and safety, ensuring a smoother ride than some rivals equipped with smaller diameter wheels.
The front disc brake combined with rear drum brake provides sufficient stopping power, while the integrated braking system for added safety distributes the braking force appropriately between both the front and rear wheels.
Realism and practical use in daily life
The Splendor Xtec is at its best in its natural habitat—daily commuting. Yes, you can ride these for hours without getting uncomfortable, and yes, you will rarely have to stop and fill up.
It theoretically offers a range of over 650 kilometers from its 10-liter fuel tank, bucket loads of room between refills for the average commuter.
Storage options are a small but handy utility box beneath the seat that keeps documents or other small tools secure.
The side stand indicator and engine cut-off feature also adding a bit of a safety mechanism: you cannot ride with the stand down which is a thoughtful addition and can avoid accidents.
The motorcycle’s tough internals and a large service network mean that upkeep during ownership will continue to be a non-issue and inexpensive.
The availability of parts and service, has always been vital to the Splendor’s appeal, and the new Xtec continues the tradition, despite all the tech on board.
Value Proposition
The Splendor Xtec is likely to be a great value proposition in a segment where every rupee counts.
Although it is slightly costlier than the standard Splendor, with the added tech in it, the premium is justified for riders who prefer convenience and safety.
Take into consideration its exceptional fuel efficiency and Hero’s low-maintenance reputation in the long term, and you have a value proposition that is hard to beat.
The Xtec variant retains everything that made the Splendor a household name, and adds some meaningful updates that improve the ownership experience.
On the Road Experience
Yet navigating through quite congested urban streets, the Splendor Xtec comes alive. In the city, the responsive throttle and light clutch action help make stop-and-go easier to deal with, while the upright seating position offers a good view of the world around.
In open-pavement stretches, the motorcycle settles to a comfortable cruising rhythm with some vibrations up to speeds of 70 kmph.
The engine note is pleasantly muted throughout the rev range, and this is a package that feels refined in all the right places.
The Splendor Xtecis well-capable of weekend jaunts to neighboring cities, but long-distance touring isn’t really its domain; it’s a creature of the daily urban grind.
Nonetheless, its comfort and reliability do make it a more than willing companion for infrequent longer jaunts.
The modern commuter
The new Hero Splendor Xtec democratises the traditional values associated with a commuter motorcycle with modern expectations of technology.
It retains the Splendor’s legendary reliability and mileage while adding features for younger, more tech-savvy consumers.
In a market, which is getting more and more enamored with being flashy with their feature list, the Splendor Xtec has taken the road less travelled and has introduced technology which adds more value to your overall ownership experience, without mixing up the motorcycle’s DNA.
And it isn’t pretending to be something it isn’t — it is rather a well considered evolution of what it always has been: Your trusted two-wheeled companion in India.
If you want a reliable, efficient and in recent times, surprisingly well-specced motorcycle that won’t leave your pocket crying, then the Hero Splendor Xtec makes a strong case for itself.
It shows that evolution, rather than revolution, is a more appropriate road to ongoing relevance in a portfolio built atop a legacy as solid as Splendor’s.
The Splendor Xtec is not merely a motorcycle; it’s a statement that practical transit can integrate modern conveniences without sacrificing its soul. Its greatest success is in that perfect balance.
