Hero Splendor 135: The commuter motorcycle segment in India continues to serve as the backbone of personal transportation, with millions of riders depending on these machines for daily mobility. The 2025 Hero Splendor 135 represents a significant evolution for the world’s highest-selling motorcycle platform, bringing new capabilities while maintaining the core values that have made it a household name.
Design Philosophy
The new Splendor 135 adopts a more contemporary design language while preserving the recognizable silhouette that has defined the model for decades. The body panels feature sharper lines and more defined surfaces that communicate a premium approach without alienating the traditional customer base.
Lighting systems upgrade to full LED technology across all variants, providing better illumination while reducing electrical load. The distinctive headlight signature creates improved visibility to other road users while establishing a modern brand identity.
Color options expand beyond conservative choices with metallic finishes and dual-tone options that appeal to younger riders without compromising the model’s broad market appeal. The paint application demonstrates improved quality with greater depth and durability.
Wheel designs evolve with alloy options standard across most variants. The machined surfaces and contemporary patterns elevate the visual appeal while reducing unsprung weight compared to the spoke wheels of earlier generations.
Graphics receive subtle updating with refined placement and execution that add visual interest without appearing excessive. This balanced approach acknowledges both traditional customers and newer riders seeking more contemporary styling.
Engine Performance
At the heart of the Splendor 135 sits Hero’s refined single-cylinder engine, now expanded to 135cc. This air-cooled powerplant delivers approximately 12 horsepower and 11.5 Nm of torque—modest increases that enhance real-world rideability while maintaining exceptional efficiency.
Fuel injection technology continues with updated mapping that improves both cold-start behavior and throttle response. The system adapts to varying environmental conditions while optimizing combustion for both performance and emissions compliance.
The five-speed transmission represents a significant upgrade from the traditional four-speed, providing better gear spacing that improves both acceleration and cruising capability. The shift mechanism delivers more precise engagement with lighter lever action.
Engine refinement benefits from revised balancer shaft configuration that dramatically reduces vibration without adding significant weight. This improvement transforms the riding experience, particularly during higher-speed operation or longer journeys.
Fuel efficiency remains impressive despite the increased displacement, with figures exceeding 65 km/l under real-world riding conditions. This economy results from advanced combustion chamber design and precise electronic fuel management.
Chassis Refinement
The frame architecture evolves with focused improvements to specific areas that enhance stability without compromising the nimble handling that urban riders value. The steering geometry provides confident high-speed behavior while maintaining maneuverability in congested traffic.
Suspension components receive meaningful updates with longer travel telescopic front forks that better absorb road imperfections. The rear twin shock absorbers feature 5-step preload adjustment, allowing optimization based on load and road conditions.
Braking performance improves significantly with a 240mm front disc brake now standard on most variants. The system provides confident stopping power with good modulation, while the rear drum continues to offer reliable performance with minimal maintenance requirements.
Tire specifications move to tubeless designs across the range, mounted on wider rims that improve stability and permit more modern tire profiles. This upgrade enhances both safety and convenience, with punctures typically becoming slow leaks rather than immediate flats.
The wheelbase extends slightly to improve straight-line stability without compromising the motorcycle’s compact dimensions. This recalibration delivers more confident highway behavior while maintaining the agility essential for navigating urban environments.
Technology Integration
The instrument panel evolves to a semi-digital format that combines traditional analog readability with digital functionality. The LCD section provides comprehensive information including real-time efficiency metrics, service reminders, and trip data.
Connectivity arrives through Hero’s smartphone application that enables basic features including call and message notifications, service scheduling, and location tracking. This entry-level connectivity acknowledges changing consumer expectations without adding excessive cost.
USB charging capability becomes standard across most variants, with the weatherproof port positioned conveniently near the instrument panel. This practical addition recognizes the essential nature of smartphones for communication and navigation.
The idle stop-start system on higher trims automatically shuts down the engine during extended stops, restarting instantly when throttle is applied. This technology reduces both fuel consumption and emissions during urban commuting with frequent stops.
Security features expand with an engine immobilizer on premium variants that prevents unauthorized starting. This theft deterrent adds peace of mind for owners who often must park in public areas without dedicated security.
Rider Experience
Ergonomics receive careful attention with a redesigned seat that offers improved support during longer journeys. The foam density and contour distribute weight more effectively, reducing pressure points that can develop during extended riding.
Handlebar positioning balances upright comfort with appropriate reach for different rider physiques. The slightly wider bar provides better leverage for control while maintaining the natural riding position that defines the platform.
Vibration management benefits substantially from the engine refinements and additional isolation at contact points. These improvements eliminate the numbness that could develop during longer rides on previous generations, enhancing both comfort and control.
Wind protection remains minimal by design, yet the front cowl shape directs airflow to reduce chest pressure at highway speeds. This subtle improvement enhances comfort during sustained higher-speed travel without compromising the clean, uncluttered design.
Passenger accommodation improves with a wider rear section and repositioned grab rails that provide better security without compromising comfort. These considerations acknowledge the motorcycle’s frequent use for two-up transportation.
Practical Considerations
Fuel capacity increases to 13 liters, providing range exceeding 800 kilometers between refills under typical riding conditions. This exceptional range proves particularly valuable for riders in areas with limited fueling infrastructure.
Ground clearance remains generous at 180mm, allowing confident navigation over speed breakers and broken pavement without scraping. This specification proves especially important on rural roads where surface conditions vary dramatically.
Maintenance intervals extend to 6,000 kilometers for oil changes and routine service, reducing ownership costs while accommodating busy owner schedules. Component accessibility facilitates both dealer and owner maintenance where appropriate.
The electrical system upgrades to 12V architecture across all variants, supporting the expanded electronic features while providing more consistent lighting performance. The charging system delivers adequate output even with increased electrical demands.
The side stand now incorporates an engine inhibitor switch that prevents riding with the stand deployed. This simple yet effective safety feature prevents potential accidents from a common oversight, particularly valuable for less experienced riders.
Market Positioning
The Splendor 135 continues to target value-conscious commuters seeking reliable daily transportation with minimal operating costs. Its positioning acknowledges both existing Splendor owners looking to upgrade and new customers entering the motorcycle market.
Price points maintain Hero’s reputation for value while reflecting the significant improvements in specification and features. The structured model range provides clear progression through the variants, allowing customers to select appropriate feature levels.
Competition comes primarily from Bajaj, TVS, and Honda models of similar displacement, with the Hero offering generally stronger value and lower operating costs due to exceptional efficiency and extensive service network.
Urban and rural markets receive equal attention with features and specifications that address the needs of both environments. The motorcycle’s versatility proves equally valuable for crowded city streets and connecting highways between smaller communities.
Fleet and commercial operators form an important secondary market, attracted by the platform’s proven reliability and economical operation. The enhanced capabilities of the 135cc engine particularly benefit delivery services and other business applications.
Ownership Experience
Service accessibility remains a core Hero advantage, with over 6,000 touchpoints across India ensuring that maintenance and repairs are conveniently available regardless of location. This extensive network provides peace of mind, particularly for owners who travel between regions.
Parts availability benefits from the model’s immense sales volumes, with common service items stocked even in smaller centers. Pricing remains reasonable due to economies of scale and high localization of manufacturing.
Warranty coverage extends to 5 years on selected components, demonstrating Hero’s confidence in the platform’s durability. This exceptional protection reduces ownership risk, particularly for customers making their first significant vehicle purchase.
Resale value traditionally remains strong, particularly in rural markets where the Splendor name carries substantial brand equity. This value retention creates favorable total cost of ownership that enhances the initial value proposition.
The ownership community provides informal support through numerous rider groups and online forums. This ecosystem offers practical advice, modification suggestions, and general camaraderie that enhances the ownership experience beyond the motorcycle itself.
Conclusion
The 2025 Hero Splendor 135 successfully modernizes a legendary platform without abandoning the core attributes that have made it India’s most trusted motorcycle. By carefully balancing new capabilities with established strengths, Hero has created a more complete package that addresses evolving customer expectations while maintaining the reliability and efficiency fundamental to the model’s identity.
For millions of riders who depend on their motorcycles for daily transportation, the Splendor 135 offers meaningful improvements that enhance both practical utility and ownership satisfaction. The thoughtful engineering approach prioritizes real-world benefits over marketing-driven features, demonstrating Hero’s deep understanding of their customer base.
As the motorcycle market continues to evolve with increased segmentation and specialization, the Splendor’s focused mission and execution provide a refreshing clarity of purpose. It remains, above all, an honest motorcycle that delivers exceptional value through engineering that addresses genuine user needs rather than passing trends.