The New Super Splendor is an evolution of the Splendor iSmart. Not only is the motorcycle better looking and offer similar equipment it is also a better performer and more expensive.
What is it?
The 2017 Super Splendor was powered by the older motor but the new 2018 model gets a fully in-house developed 125cc engine. This engine has been around since it made its debut in the new Glamour in 2017. For this new Splendor, it continues to run the same specifications which are 11.5hp and 11Nm of torque. Bikers familiar with the Splendor will be able to tell that is a gain of 1.9hp and 0.6Nm of torque. However, this motorcycle continues to use the same four-speed transmission.
What’s new?
The engine on the Super Splendor is technically not a brand-new motor, it has been seen before. However, it does get a few neat additions. To meet the demands of the customers in this segment, the SS gets a sportier-styled seat which is decently wide and comfortable. The side panels on the new bike are also redesigned and not boxy anymore. Hero says that the horizontal profile and straighter design lines are well-loved in the commuter segment and represent toughness. However, when compared to the outgoing model, the taillight is now a LED unit and features a better design.
How does it ride?
The 125cc engine on the Super Splendor feels impressive; especially if you come from 110cc, and it is quiet at idle. However, once we got used the all-down gearshift pattern, we started building up speed. The SS does not feel as smooth as a Honda CB Shine but it feels well-sorted if ridden with gentle input. Moreover, the typical Splendor rider would short-shift through the gearbox and this is where it feels great. The SS has been tuned to be ridden between 60kph and 80kph. However, when ridden aggressively the handlebars and pegs vibrate in a harsh manner.
In terms of fuel economy, considering the lowest it will give is 60kpl, its 13-litre fuel tank will mean it will have an impressive range of 800km. Helping it achieve these high fuel efficiency figures is Hero’s i3S tech which is basically an idle-start-stop tech.
How comfortable and safe is it?
To redesign the Hero Splendor is a tough task because it is limited in terms of costs and rigid buyer mindset. The motorcycle’s main formula is its no-nonsense personality. This means it can evolve but slowly. The low seat height of just 785mm will seat most comfortably. Its 124kg kerb weight is more than that of its rivals but is not something that will affect performance or comfort. The motorcycle maker does not offer a disc brake on the Super Splendor, not even as an option. It doesn’t even get tubeless tyres which reduce the convenience of fixing a puncture without removing the tyre.
Should I buy one?
Hero will launch the SS in a phased manner from January 2018 and in terms of pricing, it will demand an increment for the reworked engine and features. The outgoing Super Splendor sells for Rs 52,468 (ex-showroom, Mumbai). However, considering the entire new tech we expect the upcoming SS to be priced at Rs 56,000.
In conclusion, the Super Splendor is a simple, no-nonsense motorcycle that will easily find customers for being comfortable and fuel-efficient. That said, it’s not ahead of the game in any way and is less desired than the better-equipped and more-refined Honda CB Shine.
