Hero Splendor 135: Before delving into the Splendor 135’s specifics, it’s worth understanding the foundation upon which this new variant builds.

The original Splendor, launched during Hero’s partnership with Honda, quickly earned a reputation for unmatched reliability, exceptional fuel efficiency, and minimal maintenance requirements – a trifecta of virtues perfectly aligned with the priorities of the Indian commuter.

The motorcycle became the default choice for millions of Indians, from office workers in bustling metros to farmers in remote villages, all united by their trust in a product that never disappointed.

Annual sales regularly exceeded two million units, making it not just India’s but the world’s highest-selling two-wheeler – a title it has defended against increasingly sophisticated competition for decades.

This legacy of trust represents both the Splendor 135’s greatest asset and its most significant challenge.

Any evolution must enhance the product without diluting the core attributes that built its reputation.

It’s against this backdrop that Hero MotoCorp has introduced the most powerful Splendor ever.

Hero Splendor 135: Design- Familiar Yet Fresh

The Splendor 135 maintains the model’s recognizable silhouette while incorporating subtle contemporary elements that signal its evolution.

The traditional commuter proportions remain intact – an upright riding position, modest dimensions, and practical ergonomics that prioritize comfort over sportiness.

The front end features a redesigned headlamp with LED daytime running lights – a premium touch that enhances visibility while adding a modern aesthetic.

The fuel tank maintains the classic Splendor shape but incorporates sharper character lines and new graphics that add visual interest without appearing overwrought.

Side panels and rear cowl receive similar treatment, with cleaner lines and more contemporary detailing that refreshes the appearance without alienating loyal customers.

The exhaust shield features a matte black finish with a chrome tip – a subtle design element that adds a touch of premium feel.

Available in five colors – Techno Blue, Candy Blazing Red, Black with Sports Red, Black with Heavy Grey, and the signature Hero Maroon – the Splendor 135 offers sufficient personalization options while maintaining the dignified appearance expected of a mature commuter.

Perhaps most importantly, the design retains the approachable, unpretentious character that has defined the Splendor name.

There’s no attempt to masquerade as something it’s not – no unnecessary faux sportbike elements or misplaced aggression. It’s honest transportation designed for daily use, and this authenticity represents one of its most endearing qualities.

Engine: More Power, Same Reliability

The heart of any motorcycle is its engine, and here the Splendor 135 makes its most significant departure from tradition.

The new air-cooled, single-cylinder 134.5cc engine produces 10.7PS at 7,500rpm and 11.0Nm of torque at 6,000rpm – modest numbers by performance motorcycle standards but representing approximately 30% more power and 25% more torque than the traditional 97.2cc Splendor powerplant.

This increase might seem marginal to enthusiasts accustomed to high-performance machines, but in the context of a commuter motorcycle designed primarily for efficiency, it transforms the riding experience without compromising the model’s core virtues.

The additional displacement and power manifest most noticeably in improved acceleration and overtaking capability – crucial safety considerations on India’s increasingly congested roads.

The motorcycle accelerates from 0-60km/h in approximately 5.7 seconds, allowing riders to merge confidently with traffic or navigate busy intersections more safely.

More impressive than the performance figures is how this power is delivered. The engine maintains the Splendor’s characteristic refinement, with minimal vibration even at higher revs.

The power delivery is linear and predictable, with a strong mid-range that suits urban riding conditions perfectly. There’s no abrupt surge or peaky power band that would make the motorcycle difficult to manage for less experienced riders.

Hero’s engineers have achieved this balance through careful tuning of both intake and exhaust systems, along with a 5-speed transmission that represents another departure from the traditional 4-speed gearbox found in smaller Splendors.

The additional ratio allows for more precise speed management and lower engine RPM at highway speeds, contributing to both efficiency and long-term durability.

Fuel efficiency, the defining characteristic of the Splendor nameplate, remains impressive despite the increased performance.

Under real-world mixed riding conditions, the Splendor 135 returns approximately 60-65km/l – a slight decrease from the smaller engine variants but still exceptional by any standard and sufficient for a range of over 600km from the 11-liter fuel tank.

The engine incorporates Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology, which automatically shuts off the engine when idling for extended periods and restarts it with a simple clutch pull.

This feature, particularly valuable in India’s notorious traffic jams, contributes to both fuel savings and reduced emissions.

Perhaps most significantly for the typical Splendor owner, this increased performance comes without compromising the legendary reliability that built the model’s reputation.

Hero has subjected the engine to extensive durability testing under varied conditions, ensuring it maintains the same longevity expectations while delivering enhanced performance.

Chassis and Handling: Confidence-Inspiring Competence

The Splendor 135 utilizes an updated tubular double-cradle frame that balances rigidity with appropriate flex characteristics for comfort.

The diamond-type chassis provides stable handling while maintaining the nimble maneuverability essential for navigating crowded urban environments.

Suspension duties are handled by telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front with 130mm travel and 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear.

This conventional setup prioritizes comfort over sporty handling, soaking up road imperfections with aplomb while maintaining sufficient control for confident cornering at commuter speeds.

The 18-inch wheels at both ends represent another traditional Splendor element, chosen for their ability to roll over imperfections more effectively than smaller diameters.

These wheels come shod with tubeless tires – 80/100 front and 90/90 rear – that provide a good balance between grip, durability, and efficiency.

Braking performance comes via a 240mm disc brake up front and a 130mm drum at the rear, with integrated braking system (IBS) technology that automatically applies some front brake pressure when the rear brake is engaged.

This system provides more balanced deceleration without requiring rider expertise in brake distribution – a genuinely useful safety feature for everyday riders.

The riding position remains upright and neutral, with a wide handlebar providing good leverage for tight turns while minimizing wrist strain during longer journeys.

The seat height of 805mm makes the motorcycle accessible to riders of varying statures, while the 122kg kerb weight ensures easy maneuverability even when pushing the bike in parking areas.

Ground clearance of 180mm navigates urban obstacles and rural undulations with equal confidence, another thoughtful specification that acknowledges the varied conditions this motorcycle will encounter across India.

Features: Practical Modern Conveniences

While the Splendor has never been about lavish features, the 135 variant incorporates several modern conveniences that enhance the ownership experience without adding unnecessary complexity or cost.

The semi-digital instrument console combines an analog speedometer with a digital display for fuel level, odometer, trip meter, and service reminders.

The console also incorporates telltale lights for the i3S system status and side-stand indicator – practical information presented clearly without distracting flourishes.

LED daytime running lights enhance visibility to other road users, a valuable safety feature given India’s chaotic traffic conditions.

The headlamp, while not full-LED, provides excellent illumination for night riding, with a well-defined cutoff pattern that minimizes glare for oncoming vehicles.

The USB charging port located below the instrument console acknowledges the modern rider’s connectivity needs, allowing for smartphone charging during commutes.

This small addition represents a thoughtful update that aligns with how today’s riders integrate technology into their daily lives.

Other practical touches include a side-stand engine cut-off feature that prevents the motorcycle from being ridden with the stand down, along with a heel-toe shifter that accommodates both traditional and modern riding styles – small details that demonstrate Hero’s understanding of how their products are actually used.

Ownership Experience: The Complete Ecosystem

The Splendor 135’s appeal extends beyond its mechanical attributes to encompass the entire ownership ecosystem that Hero MotoCorp has developed over decades.

Service intervals are set at every 6,000 kilometers or 5 months, with the first three services provided free of charge.

A typical service costs between ₹800-1,500 depending on the maintenance required – extremely reasonable figures that contribute to the motorcycle’s low cost of ownership.

Hero’s unparalleled service network, with over 6,000 touchpoints across India, ensures that maintenance and repairs are conveniently available regardless of location.

This extensive network proves particularly valuable in rural areas where alternative options may be limited or non-existent.

Parts availability and affordability represent another Splendor strength, with common wear items like filters, brake pads, and clutch plates widely available at competitive prices.

This accessibility extends to the vast aftermarket ecosystem that has developed around the Splendor platform, offering everything from practical accessories to personalization options.

The motorcycle comes with a standard 5-year/70,000km warranty – one of the most comprehensive in the segment and a testament to Hero’s confidence in the product’s durability.

This warranty, combined with the brand’s established reputation for reliability, contributes to excellent resale value – another factor in the overall ownership cost equation that often goes unmentioned but impacts real-world expenses significantly.

Hero Splendor 135: Evolution Without Revolution

The Hero Splendor 135 exemplifies how a mature product can evolve to meet changing market demands without abandoning the core attributes that built its success.

The increased performance addresses legitimate needs for improved safety and capability in today’s traffic conditions, while the thoughtful modern features enhance the ownership experience without adding unnecessary complexity.

Most impressively, these improvements come without compromising the legendary reliability, efficiency, and value proposition that made the Splendor India’s favorite motorcycle.

The 135 variant doesn’t reinvent the Splendor formula – it refines it for contemporary requirements while maintaining the trusted character that has sustained its popularity across generations.

In a market increasingly dominated by style-focused products that prioritize appearances over substance, the Splendor 135’s honest, function-first approach represents a refreshing commitment to values that never go out of fashion – reliability, efficiency, and value.

These attributes might not generate excitement in marketing materials or showroom floors, but they build the deep, lasting satisfaction that transforms customers into lifetime advocates.

For millions of Indians, the motorcycle isn’t just transportation but a vital tool that enables livelihoods, connects communities, and expands opportunities.

By enhancing the capability of this tool while maintaining its fundamental dependability, Hero has ensured that the Splendor nameplate will continue its remarkable journey as an integral part of India’s mobility landscape for years to come.