Hero Splendor 135: In the storied landscape of Indian motorcycling, few names carry the weight and recognition of the Hero Splendor.

As the backbone of personal mobility for millions of Indians across generations, this modest commuter motorcycle has transcended its utilitarian origins to become a genuine cultural touchstone.

The introduction of the Splendor 135 represents Hero MotoCorp’s most significant evolution of this iconic nameplate, carefully balancing enhanced performance and contemporary features while preserving the fundamental reliability and efficiency that established the model’s legendary status.

Hero Splendor 135: Legacy and Evolution

The original Splendor carved its place in Indian automotive history through a combination of exceptional fuel efficiency, bulletproof reliability, and accessible pricing that democratized personal mobility across socioeconomic boundaries.

These attributes transformed the motorcycle from mere transportation into an aspirational yet attainable asset that symbolized progress and opportunity for countless families.

The challenge in developing the Splendor 135 lay in enhancing this established formula without compromising the core values that earned such extraordinary loyalty across decades.

What distinguishes Hero’s approach with the Splendor 135 is the recognition that evolution, rather than revolution, would best serve both the nameplate’s heritage and its diverse owner base.

Rather than pursuing dramatic reinvention that might alienate existing customers, the development team identified specific enhancement opportunities that address contemporary expectations while maintaining the model’s essential character.

This measured approach acknowledges that for many buyers, the Splendor represents not merely a motorcycle choice but a known quantity whose predictable ownership experience holds significant value.

Performance Enhancement: Power with Purpose

At the heart of the Splendor 135 lies its most significant departure from tradition—a displacement increase that elevates performance without compromising the model’s fundamental nature.

The 134.5cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine produces 11.5 horsepower and 11.4 Nm of torque—modest figures by enthusiast standards but representing approximately 30% increases over the traditional 100-125cc Splendor variants.

More significant than raw numbers is how this power is delivered, with the torque peak occurring at accessible mid-range RPMs where most everyday riding occurs rather than requiring high-revving operation that might feel unnatural to traditional Splendor riders.

This thoughtful calibration creates performance enhancement that manifests primarily as improved load-carrying capability and more confident highway cruising rather than aggressive acceleration or speed increases that might compromise the model’s approachable character.

Two-up riding, particularly with the additional passenger weight common in family usage scenarios, benefits significantly from this additional power reserve, creating more relaxed operation where previous generations might have felt strained.

Similarly, maintaining comfortable cruising speeds of 70-80 km/h becomes effortless rather than demanding constant attention to throttle position and gear selection.

The transmission receives corresponding enhancements with a 5-speed gearbox replacing the traditional 4-speed unit found in smaller Splendor variants.

The additional ratio provides better highway efficiency while reducing engine speeds during sustained cruising, contributing to both reduced mechanical stress and improved rider comfort through decreased vibration.

Shift quality receives particular attention with a revised mechanism featuring shorter throws and more positive engagement—subtle refinements that enhance daily operation without requiring adaptation from riders accustomed to previous generations.

Perhaps most impressively, these performance enhancements come with minimal compromise to the legendary fuel efficiency that defines the Splendor identity.

While naturally showing some reduction compared to smaller-displacement siblings, the 135 still delivers remarkable economy exceeding 60 kilometers per liter during mixed riding—efficiency that maintains the model’s compelling economic proposition for value-conscious buyers who carefully calculate ownership costs beyond the initial purchase price.

Chassis Evolution: Balanced Improvement

The chassis architecture evolves to accommodate the enhanced performance while maintaining the approachable riding dynamics essential to the Splendor’s broad appeal.

The diamond frame receives specific reinforcement at key stress points to handle the increased power while front fork diameter increases slightly to improve stability during higher-speed operation.

Rear suspension maintains the proven dual-shock absorber configuration but with recalibrated spring rates and damping characteristics that better absorb road imperfections without compromising load-carrying capability.

Wheel and tire specifications see measured updates with the front increasing from 18 to 19 inches while maintaining the narrow profile that contributes to easy handling and maneuverability in congested urban environments.

This dimensional change enhances stability during highway cruising without creating the heavy steering that might compromise the nimble character valued during city operation.

The drum brakes receive corresponding enhancement with increased diameter and pad surface area improving stopping power while maintaining the progressive feel that inspires confidence across rider experience levels.

Ground clearance remains generous at 180mm, acknowledging the diverse infrastructure challenges encountered across India from urban potholes to rural roads with limited maintenance.

This practical specification proves particularly valuable during monsoon season when water-logged streets can present serious obstacles for motorcycles with insufficient clearance.

Similarly, the wheelbase strikes an effective balance between stability during loaded operation and maneuverability in tight spaces—considerations that reflect understanding of how these motorcycles actually function in their operating environment rather than merely pursuing specification advantages.

Design Language: Respectful Modernization

The visual presentation of the Splendor 135 demonstrates Hero’s understanding that while contemporary appeal matters, radical styling departures might alienate the loyal customer base that values the model’s established identity.

The overall silhouette maintains the Splendor’s recognizable proportions while incorporating subtle refinements that communicate the model’s enhanced capabilities without resorting to aggressive styling elements that might compromise its approachable character.

The fuel tank receives more pronounced contours that create visual interest while providing improved ergonomic support during riding.

These thoughtfully shaped knee recesses create natural positioning that reduces fatigue during longer journeys without compromising capacity or requiring awkward seating postures.

Graphics packages offer more contemporary designs that allow personalization while maintaining the restraint appropriate for a motorcycle that often serves business purposes beyond personal transportation.

Lighting elements represent one area of significant visual update, with the headlamp housing now incorporating LED daytime running lights alongside the traditional halogen main beam.

This modern touch enhances both visibility to other road users and contemporary appearance without the cost and complexity of full LED headlamps that might place the model at a price disadvantage.

Similarly, the tail lamp and indicators receive updated designs that improve visibility while maintaining affordable replacement costs—a practical consideration for a motorcycle where operating economics remain paramount.

Color options demonstrate similar thoughtfulness, with palette selections expanded beyond traditional choices to include more vibrant options that appeal to younger demographics while maintaining conservative selections appropriate for commercial users.

The paint application achieves impressive depth and uniformity across price points, with consistent quality across different materials and panel transitions—subtle details that collectively communicate attention to quality throughout the development process.

Feature Integration: Meaningful Enhancement

Beyond fundamental performance and design updates, the Splendor 135 incorporates thoughtfully selected features that enhance daily usability without creating unnecessary complexity or potential failure points.

The instrument cluster evolves to include a digital-analog hybrid display that maintains excellent visibility under varied lighting conditions while providing enhanced information including real-time fuel efficiency, service reminders, and gear position indication.

This implementation acknowledges both traditional and emerging user expectations without overwhelming riders with unnecessary complexity.

The electrical system receives comprehensive updates with enhanced alternator output supporting features like a USB charging port positioned near the instrument cluster—a practical addition that acknowledges the centrality of mobile devices in contemporary life regardless of demographic or economic segment.

The ignition system incorporates Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology on select variants, automatically cutting engine power during extended stops and restarting when the clutch is engaged—a feature that enhances both fuel efficiency and environmental performance without requiring rider adaptation.

Storage solutions receive thoughtful attention despite the inherent limitations of motorcycle architecture.

The lockable storage compartment beneath the seat expands to accommodate essential items like documentation, basic tools, or small personal effects—modest capacity but genuinely useful during daily operation.

The side panels incorporate subtle utility hooks sized appropriately for securing small grocery bags or parcels—a practical consideration for a vehicle frequently used for dual-purpose transportation and utility roles.

Lighting throughout the motorcycle demonstrates similar attention to actual usage patterns. The aforementioned daytime running lights enhance visibility during daylight hours when many accidents occur due to motorcycle conspicuity issues.

The headlamp’s halogen main beam provides excellent illumination range and spread without the replacement cost penalties associated with LED or HID alternatives—an important consideration for a motorcycle where maintenance affordability significantly impacts ownership satisfaction.

Ownership Experience: Beyond the Product

Hero extends the Splendor 135’s thoughtful development approach to the overall ownership experience, recognizing that for many customers—particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas—after-sales support often proves as important as initial product attributes.

The service network reaches into regions where many competitors maintain limited presence, ensuring maintenance accessibility regardless of location.

Standardized service procedures and transparent pricing reduce ownership anxiety, particularly in areas where automotive expertise may be limited.

Parts availability receives similar attention, with components designed for long-term accessibility and reasonable cost rather than planned obsolescence.

Routine maintenance items like filters, cables, and lubricants utilize standardized specifications where possible, reducing dependency on dealer-specific components that might prove difficult to source in remote regions.

This practical approach acknowledges that for many Splendor 135 owners, vehicle downtime translates directly to economic impact rather than mere inconvenience.

The warranty package expands to five years on select components, reflecting confidence in the motorcycle’s durability while providing additional peace of mind, particularly for first-time owners.

Service intervals extend to 6,000 kilometers, reducing maintenance frequency and associated costs without compromising long-term reliability.

These considerations acknowledge that while purchase price remains important, total cost of ownership often proves more significant throughout the typical 8-10 year lifespan these motorcycles frequently serve.

Market Position: Elevated Essentials

The Splendor 135 occupies an interesting position within Hero’s expansive lineup and the broader Indian motorcycle market.

Rather than competing directly with enthusiast-oriented 150cc+ models through performance specifications or with entry-level 100cc offerings through absolute affordability, it creates a thoughtful middle ground that elevates the essentials without compromising the values that established the Splendor’s reputation.

This positioning acknowledges evolving consumer aspirations while respecting the practical considerations that remain essential for many buyers.

The variant structure reflects this nuanced understanding with configurations ranging from the work-oriented base model with minimal features to more comprehensively equipped options incorporating the full range of enhancements.

This approach allows the Splendor 135 to serve diverse customer profiles from commercial users focused primarily on operational economics to private owners seeking more comfortable personal transportation without unnecessary compromise.

Hero Splendor 135: Conclusion- Authentic Progress

The Hero Splendor 135 represents a thoughtfully executed evolution of an established icon—one that enhances capabilities and features while maintaining the core attributes that earned the nameplate its extraordinary loyalty.

By focusing improvements on areas that deliver meaningful value in daily usage rather than pursuing specification advantages or styling trends with limited practical benefit, Hero has created a motorcycle that respects its heritage while addressing contemporary expectations.

In a market increasingly influenced by fashion-driven purchase decisions and specification-sheet comparisons, the Splendor 135 offers something increasingly rare—authentic progress that serves genuine user needs rather than marketing differentiation.

For the millions of riders who depend on their motorcycles as essential tools for both personal mobility and economic opportunity, this focused approach delivers value that transcends trends or fashions, ensuring the Splendor nameplate’s continued relevance across generations and geographies throughout India’s diverse motorcycle market.