Hero Splendor 135: The Hero Splendor has been an enduring presence on Indian roads for decades, embodying reliability, efficiency, and value for millions of commuters.
With the introduction of the Splendor 135, Hero MotoCorp has reimagined its flagship product to meet evolving consumer expectations while maintaining the core attributes that made the original a household name.
This article explores the development, technical specifications, market positioning, and cultural significance of the Hero Splendor 135 in the context of India’s dynamic two-wheeler landscape.
Hero Splendor 135: The Legacy of the Splendor Brand
Few motorcycles have achieved the iconic status of the Hero Splendor in the Indian context. Since its introduction in the 1990s as a collaborative product between Hero and Honda, the Splendor has consistently ranked among India’s bestselling motorcycles, with cumulative sales figures exceeding 30 million units.
This remarkable sales performance established the Splendor as not merely a product but a cultural institution representing affordable mobility for India’s emerging middle class.
The Splendor’s success stemmed from its fundamental alignment with Indian consumer priorities: exceptional fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, reliable performance, and accessible pricing.
These attributes positioned it perfectly for a market where motorcycles serve as essential family transportation rather than recreational vehicles.
After Hero and Honda parted ways in 2010, Hero MotoCorp maintained the Splendor’s market leadership through incremental improvements while preserving its core identity.
The introduction of the Splendor 135 represents the most significant evolution of this storied nameplate, balancing respect for heritage with necessary modernization.
Product Development and Positioning
The development of the Splendor 135 reflected Hero MotoCorp’s recognition of changing consumer expectations in the commuter segment.
While traditional Splendor buyers prioritized functional attributes like fuel efficiency and reliability above all else, newer entrants to the motorcycle market increasingly sought additional power, modern styling, and contemporary features without sacrificing the practical benefits that defined the original.
Market research indicated that many Splendor owners were upgrading to 150-180cc motorcycles from competitors like Bajaj and TVS when seeking more performance.
The Splendor 135 was conceived as a strategic response to retain these customers within the Hero fold by offering a meaningful performance upgrade while maintaining the Splendor’s core values.
Hero’s product planners positioned the Splendor 135 as a “premium commuter”—a segment bridging the gap between basic 100-110cc commuters and the more performance-oriented 150cc-plus category.
This positioning acknowledged the evolving Indian motorcycle market, where purely utilitarian considerations were increasingly balanced with aspirational factors, even in commuter segments.
Technical Specifications and Engineering
The heart of the Splendor 135 is its newly developed single-cylinder, air-cooled engine displacing 134.5cc. This powerplant produces approximately 11.5 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 11.5 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm—representing a significant upgrade from the standard Splendor’s 97.2cc engine that produces around 8.3 horsepower and 8.05 Nm of torque.
This power increase transforms the riding experience without compromising the Splendor’s legendary fuel efficiency, which remains impressive at approximately 60-65 kilometers per liter under standard testing conditions. Hero achieved this balance through careful engineering, including:
Advanced combustion chamber design optimizing the air-fuel mixture for efficient burning
Precision-engineered moving components that reduce friction and mechanical losses
Electronic fuel injection system providing precise fueling across operating conditions
Five-speed transmission with optimized gear ratios for both urban commuting and highway cruising
The chassis features a conventional tubular double cradle frame, selected for its proven durability and cost-effectiveness rather than more sophisticated alternatives that would increase the price point.
Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload, balancing ride comfort with handling predictability.
Braking performance receives a significant upgrade with a 240mm front disc brake complemented by a 130mm rear drum brake.
This configuration delivers improved stopping power over the standard Splendor’s drum brake setup, addressing a key safety consideration as average traffic speeds increase in urban India.
The motorcycle rides on 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tires—another meaningful upgrade that enhances safety by reducing the risk of sudden deflation in case of punctures while simplifying roadside repairs.
Design and Aesthetics
Visually, the Splendor 135 walks a careful line between modernization and familiarity. The basic silhouette maintains the upright, accessible stance that defines the commuter segment, ensuring that riders of all experience levels feel immediately comfortable.
However, several design elements distinguish the 135 from its smaller siblings:
A more sculpted fuel tank with sharper character lines conveying a sense of dynamism
LED lighting elements including daytime running lights and tail lamps that enhance visibility while providing a contemporary appearance
Bold graphics and color schemes that appeal to younger buyers without alienating traditional customers
Redesigned side panels and tail section that create a more cohesive overall design
Digital-analog instrument cluster that combines traditional readability with modern information display
The design philosophy prioritizes clean, uncluttered surfaces that age gracefully rather than following short-lived trends. This approach aligns with the Splendor’s reputation for longevity, acknowledging that these motorcycles typically serve families for many years rather than being frequently replaced.
Feature Set and Technology
While maintaining its value proposition, the Splendor 135 incorporates several features previously unavailable in the Splendor lineup:
Programmed fuel injection system that improves throttle response, cold starting, and altitude adaptability
Integrated USB charging port acknowledging the ubiquity of smartphones even among price-sensitive consumers
Idle start-stop system that automatically shuts off the engine during extended stops to conserve fuel
LED headlamp with automatic headlamp on (AHO) feature for improved visibility and safety
Real-time fuel efficiency indicator helping riders optimize their riding technique for maximum economy
Combined braking system that distributes braking force between front and rear wheels for safer emergency stops
Hero’s mobile connectivity platform is also available on premium variants, allowing riders to pair their smartphones for call notifications, navigation assistance, and service reminders—features increasingly expected by younger buyers for whom digital integration is a baseline expectation rather than a luxury.
Market Reception and Performance
Since its introduction, the Splendor 135 has carved a distinct niche in the Indian motorcycle market. While not achieving the same volume as the standard Splendor (an unrealistic expectation given the latter’s extraordinary market penetration), the 135 has successfully attracted two key customer segments:
Existing Splendor owners seeking a meaningful upgrade while remaining within a trusted brand ecosystem
First-time motorcycle buyers with slightly higher budgets who prioritize the Splendor’s reliability reputation but desire more contemporary styling and performance
Monthly sales figures averaging 15,000-20,000 units represent significant volume in this intermediate segment.
More importantly, the Splendor 135 has achieved higher profit margins than the standard model, contributing disproportionately to Hero MotoCorp’s bottom line despite lower unit volumes.
Dealer feedback indicates that the Splendor 135 has successfully retained customers who might otherwise have migrated to competing brands when upgrading from smaller motorcycles.
This customer retention has strategic importance beyond immediate sales figures, as it maintains brand loyalty and future upgrade potential within the Hero ecosystem.
Manufacturing and Distribution
The Splendor 135 is manufactured at Hero MotoCorp’s state-of-the-art facilities in Haridwar, Uttarakhand and Neemrana, Rajasthan, with a production capacity that can be adjusted based on market demand.
The manufacturing approach leverages Hero’s substantial economies of scale and established supply chain relationships, enabling competitive pricing despite the model’s more advanced specifications.
With over 6,000 customer touchpoints nationwide, Hero’s unparalleled distribution network ensures that the Splendor 135 is available even in India’s smaller towns and rural areas, where many competitors struggle to maintain consistent presence.
This extensive reach represents a significant competitive advantage, particularly for a product that appeals to upgraders in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets where the original Splendor enjoys massive installed base.
Competitive Landscape
The Splendor 135 competes in an increasingly contested segment occupied by models including the Bajaj Pulsar 125, Honda SP 125, TVS Raider 125, and Yamaha Saluto.
Each competitor offers distinct value propositions: the Pulsar emphasizes sportiness, the Honda highlights refinement, the TVS focuses on features, and the Yamaha stresses reliability.
Against this diverse competition, the Splendor 135 differentiates itself through its heritage of proven dependability, exceptional service network, and strong resale value—attributes that continue to resonate strongly with pragmatic Indian consumers making significant financial commitments relative to their household incomes.
The motorcycle’s pricing strategy positions it at a slight premium to 125cc competitors but significantly below 150cc offerings, creating a distinct value proposition for buyers seeking a balance between performance and economy.
Cultural Impact and Consumer Behavior
Perhaps most interesting is the Splendor 135’s role in evolving consumer behavior in the Indian motorcycle market.
As disposable incomes rise and utilitarian transportation increasingly incorporates lifestyle elements, the Splendor 135 represents a transitional product balancing practical considerations with emotional appeal.
For many households, the purchase represents more than a practical transportation decision—it signifies upward mobility and achievement.
Ownership surveys indicate that Splendor 135 buyers take particular pride in the model’s more premium positioning compared to basic commuters, even while citing practical attributes like fuel efficiency as primary purchase motivations.
This duality reflects broader trends in Indian consumer behavior, where pragmatic considerations remain paramount but are increasingly accompanied by brand consciousness and aspiration signaling even in value-focused segments.
Future Outlook
Looking forward, the Splendor 135 platform offers Hero MotoCorp multiple evolution pathways. Industry analysts anticipate potential developments including:
Further refinement of the powertrain to meet increasingly stringent emission regulations while maintaining performance characteristics
Expanded connectivity features addressing the growing digitalization of daily life
Potential hybrid or fully electric variants as India accelerates its electric mobility transition
- Special editions targeting specific regional preferences or commemorating significant milestones
These potential developments would maintain the model’s relevance while preserving the core attributes that have made the Splendor nameplate an enduring success.
Hero’s substantial investment in research and development facilities positions the company to implement these innovations while maintaining the value proposition that defines the brand.
Hero Splendor 135
The Hero Splendor 135 represents more than just another model variant in an extensive product lineup. It embodies the evolution of India’s motorcycle market itself—from purely utilitarian transportation to vehicles that balance practical considerations with performance, features, and emotional appeal.
By successfully maintaining the Splendor’s core values of reliability, efficiency, and value while introducing meaningful performance and feature upgrades, Hero MotoCorp has ensured the continued relevance of its most important nameplate in a rapidly changing marketplace.
The model’s success demonstrates that evolutionary rather than revolutionary product development can yield substantial business results when executed with deep understanding of consumer priorities and market dynamics.
As India’s transportation landscape continues to evolve with increasing urbanization, rising incomes, and eventual electrification, the Splendor’s journey from basic transportation to the more aspirational 135 variant illustrates how established brands can maintain relevance and cultural significance through thoughtful adaptation to changing consumer expectations.