Hero Splendor 135: In the vast landscape of Indian motorcycling, few names resonate as deeply as the Hero Splendor. For decades, this iconic brand has been synonymous with reliability, efficiency, and affordability. While the 100cc and 125cc variants have long been the darlings of the Indian market, there’s an often-overlooked gem in the Splendor lineup that deserves its moment in the spotlight – the Hero Splendor 135. Let’s take a deep dive into this unsung hero of Indian roads and explore why it might just be the perfect blend of power and practicality for the discerning Indian rider.
The Evolution of a Legend
To truly appreciate the Splendor 135, we need to understand its roots. The Splendor saga began in 1994 when Hero, in collaboration with Honda, introduced a motorcycle that would go on to change the face of Indian commuting. The original Splendor, with its 97cc engine, quickly became a household name, known for its incredible fuel efficiency and bulletproof reliability.
As India’s roads and riders evolved, so did the Splendor. The introduction of the 125cc variant catered to those seeking a bit more punch without sacrificing the Splendor’s core values. But Hero didn’t stop there. Recognizing a niche between the 125cc commuters and the 150cc sports commuters, they introduced the Splendor 135 – a motorcycle that promised to offer the best of both worlds.
The Heart of the Matter: The 135cc Powerhouse
At the core of the Splendor 135 lies its beating heart – a 134.2cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke single-cylinder engine. This powerplant is a masterpiece of engineering, designed to deliver a perfect balance of performance and efficiency. Let’s break down what makes this engine special:
- Power Output: The engine churns out a respectable 11.4 bhp at 7500 rpm. While this might not sound earth-shattering on paper, it’s important to remember that this bike is built for real-world performance, not spec sheet bragging rights.
- Torque: With 11.4 Nm of torque peaking at 5500 rpm, the Splendor 135 offers excellent low-end grunt. This translates to effortless acceleration in city traffic and confident overtaking on highways.
- Fuel Efficiency: True to the Splendor legacy, the 135 variant doesn’t disappoint when it comes to mileage. Riders can expect an impressive 60-65 kmpl in real-world conditions, making it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in its class.
- Refinement: Hero has put years of experience into refining this engine. The result is a smooth, vibration-free ride that belies the bike’s commuter roots.
Design: Subtle Evolution, Not Revolution
When it comes to design, Hero has taken an evolutionary approach with the Splendor 135. It retains the classic Splendor silhouette that millions of Indians have come to love, but with subtle modern touches that keep it relevant in today’s market.
The front fascia features a sleek headlamp with a chrome bezel, giving it a premium look. The fuel tank is sculpted to offer better ergonomics for the rider, while also adding a touch of sportiness to the overall design. Moving to the rear, the taillight cluster is neatly integrated, maintaining the bike’s clean lines.
One of the standout design features is the graphics scheme. Hero offers the Splendor 135 in a range of colors, from bold and sporty to subtle and elegant, ensuring there’s a variant to suit every taste.
Riding Experience: Comfort Meets Capability
Swing a leg over the Splendor 135, and you’re immediately struck by how familiar and comfortable it feels. The riding position is upright and relaxed, perfect for long commutes or leisurely weekend rides. The seat is well-padded and spacious enough to accommodate riders of all sizes comfortably.
But don’t let the comfortable ergonomics fool you – this bike is capable of much more than just city commuting. The 135cc engine provides enough grunt to tackle long highway stretches with ease. Whether you’re zipping through city traffic or cruising on the open road, the Splendor 135 feels composed and confident.
The suspension setup, consisting of telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, is tuned to offer a plush ride over India’s often challenging road conditions. It soaks up bumps and potholes with aplomb, ensuring that both rider and pillion remain comfortable throughout the journey.
Technology and Features: Modern Touches for the Modern Rider
While the Splendor 135 stays true to its commuter roots, Hero has incorporated several modern features to enhance the riding experience:
- Digital-Analog Instrument Cluster: The bike features a part-digital instrument console that provides all essential information at a glance. The analog speedometer is complemented by a digital display showing the odometer, trip meter, and fuel gauge.
- i3s Technology: Hero’s innovative i3s (Idle Start-Stop System) technology is a standout feature. This system automatically shuts off the engine when idling for more than a few seconds and restarts it with a simple clutch pull. It’s a fuel-saving feature that’s particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic.
- LED Lighting: The Splendor 135 comes equipped with LED tail lamps, enhancing both visibility and style.
- Tubeless Tires: A often overlooked but crucial feature, tubeless tires offer better safety and convenience, reducing the chances of sudden deflation in case of a puncture.
- Electric Start: Gone are the days of kick-starting your bike. The Splendor 135 comes with an electric starter as standard, making those early morning starts a breeze.
Safety: Prioritizing Rider Protection
Safety is a paramount concern for any motorcycle, and the Splendor 135 doesn’t disappoint in this department. Here are some key safety features:
- Combi-Brake System (CBS): This system distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels, even when only the rear brake is applied. It results in shorter stopping distances and more stable braking, especially for less experienced riders.
- Robust Build Quality: The Splendor 135 is built on a strong, durable frame that can withstand the rigors of daily use on Indian roads.
- Wide Tires: The bike comes with wider tires compared to its smaller siblings, offering better grip and stability, especially in wet conditions.
- Bright Headlamp: The powerful headlamp ensures good visibility during night rides, a crucial safety feature for those who commute in the early morning or late evening hours.
Practicality: The Splendor’s Strongest Suit
Practicality has always been the Splendor’s forte, and the 135cc variant takes this to the next level. Here’s how:
- Fuel Efficiency: As mentioned earlier, the impressive mileage of 60-65 kmpl means fewer stops at the fuel station and more money in your pocket.
- Low Maintenance: Like all Splendors, the 135 is built to be low-maintenance. Service intervals are long, and spare parts are readily available and affordable.
- Comfortable Pillion Seat: The long, well-padded seat ensures that your pillion rider is just as comfortable as you are.
- Luggage Carrying Capacity: The strong rear grab rail and the option to install a luggage carrier make it easy to carry bags or small packages.
- Ground Clearance: With ample ground clearance, the Splendor 135 can tackle speed breakers and rough patches with ease.
The Riding Experience: More Than Just Commuting
Riding the Splendor 135 is an experience that goes beyond mere point-to-point transportation. It’s a bike that grows on you, becoming an extension of your daily life. Here’s what you can expect:
- City Riding: In urban environments, the Splendor 135 shines. Its nimble handling and responsive engine make weaving through traffic a breeze. The upright seating position gives you a commanding view of the road, while the light clutch and smooth gearbox ensure that your left hand and foot don’t tire out in stop-and-go traffic.
- Highway Cruising: Unlike smaller commuters that feel out of breath on the highway, the Splendor 135 holds its own at higher speeds. It can comfortably cruise at 80-90 km/h, making it suitable for inter-city rides. The engine’s refinement means that even at these speeds, vibrations are kept to a minimum.
- Rural Roads: The Splendor 135’s versatility truly shines on rural roads. Its robust build quality and well-tuned suspension soak up bumps and ruts with ease. The torquey engine provides enough grunt to tackle inclines, even with a pillion rider.
- Fuel Efficiency: One of the joys of riding the Splendor 135 is watching the fuel gauge move ever so slowly. The bike’s excellent fuel efficiency means you can go for weeks between fill-ups if your daily commute is short.
- Low-Speed Maneuverability: In tight spaces like parking lots or narrow lanes, the Splendor 135’s low-speed balance and tight turning radius make it easy to maneuver.
Ownership Experience: More Than Just a Motorcycle
Owning a Splendor 135 is about more than just the bike itself. It’s about becoming part of a legacy, a community of millions of Splendor owners across India. Here’s what you can expect from the ownership experience:
- Reliability: The Splendor name is synonymous with reliability, and the 135 variant is no exception. It’s not uncommon to see Splendors with lakhs of kilometers on the odometer, still running strong.
- Service Network: Hero’s vast service network means that no matter where you are in India, help is never far away. This peace of mind is invaluable for those who use their bikes for long-distance travel.
- Resale Value: Splendors are known for holding their value well. The 135, being a slightly premium variant, tends to depreciate even slower than its smaller siblings.
- Community: From local Splendor owners’ clubs to online forums, there’s a vast community of Splendor enthusiasts ready to share tips, tricks, and riding experiences.
- Customization: While not as popular in the modification scene as some sportier bikes, there’s still a decent aftermarket for Splendor 135 parts and accessories, allowing owners to personalize their rides.
The Future of the Splendor 135
As India’s automotive landscape evolves, with a growing focus on electric vehicles and stricter emission norms, one might wonder about the future of bikes like the Splendor 135. However, Hero has shown a commitment to evolving the Splendor line to meet these challenges.
Recent updates to the Splendor range have included the introduction of fuel injection technology to meet BS6 emission norms. It’s likely that the Splendor 135, if it continues in production, will see similar updates to keep it relevant in a changing market.
There’s also the possibility of a hybrid or even fully electric Splendor in the future. Given the brand’s strong association with efficiency and reliability, an electric Splendor could be well-positioned to lead India’s two-wheeler electrification charge.
Conclusion: The Unsung Hero of Indian Roads
The Hero Splendor 135 might not be the flashiest or the most powerful bike on the market, but it represents something uniquely Indian – the ability to find the perfect balance between practicality and performance, between tradition and modernity.
In a market increasingly dominated by high-powered, feature-laden motorcycles, the Splendor 135 stands as a reminder that sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one. It offers just enough power to make riding enjoyable, wrapped in a package that’s reliable, efficient, and affordable.
For millions of Indians, the Splendor isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a trusted companion on life’s journey. The 135cc variant takes this trusted companion and gives it a bit more pep in its step, a bit more spring in its suspension, without losing the core values that made the Splendor a legend.
Whether you’re a daily commuter looking for a reliable workhorse, a weekend rider seeking a comfortable tourer, or simply someone who appreciates the joy of a well-engineered machine, the Hero Splendor 135 has something to offer. It may be the unsung hero of Indian roads, but for those in the know, it’s a hero nonetheless – one that continues to win hearts, one kilometer at a time.