Hero Splendor Xtec: The ever-evolving landscape of Indian commuter motorcycles, few names carry the weight and recognition of the Hero Splendor.
For decades, this unassuming two-wheeler has been the backbone of personal transportation across the country, ferrying millions of riders through crowded city streets and rural pathways alike.
Now, the venerable Splendor returns in its Xtec avatar, bringing a host of premium features that elevate this everyday workhorse into territory previously reserved for higher-segment motorcycles.
Hero Splendor Xtec-When Tradition Meets Technology
The moment you swing a leg over the latest Hero Splendor Xtec, the familiar feeling of the Splendor DNA remains instantly recognizable—the 785mm seat height.
the upright handlebar position, and the narrow profile that makes weaving through traffic effortless. Yet subtle differences immediately announce this isn’t your father’s Splendor.
“I’ve been riding Splendors since the early 2000s,” remarks Rajesh Kumar, a banking professional from Pune who recently upgraded to the Xtec variant.
“What impressed me most was how Hero managed to add modern features without compromising the Splendor’s fundamental character. It’s like meeting an old friend who suddenly shows up wearing designer clothes.”
This balance between heritage and innovation defines the Xtec experience. The most obvious upgrade stares you in the face: a fully digital instrument console that brings this commuter staple firmly into the contemporary era.
Unlike the basic analog units found in standard commuters, this Bluetooth-enabled display provides real-time information that genuinely enhances the riding experience.
Hero Splendor Xtec-Digital Heart in an Analog World
The digital console doesn’t merely show speed and fuel level. Pairing with Hero’s mobile application opens access to call alerts, SMS notifications, and—perhaps most valuable for the fuel-conscious commuter segment—real-time mileage indicators that help riders maximize efficiency.
During a week-long test across various riding conditions, the system proved surprisingly intuitive. While riding through the morning rush hour.
incoming call notifications appeared clearly on the display without becoming a distraction. For riders who previously had to stop and fish out their phones from pockets or bags, this feature alone transforms the daily commute.
“The digital console might seem like a luxury, but once you experience the convenience, it’s hard to go back,” explains Sanjay Verma, a service engineer who covers nearly 70 kilometers daily.
on his Splendor Xtec. “Being able to see who’s calling without stopping has saved me countless times when expecting important work calls.”
The inclusion of a USB charging port further emphasizes Hero’s understanding of modern commuter needs. This thoughtful addition acknowledges that today’s riders rely on smartphones for navigation, communication, and entertainment—a reality that many manufacturers in this segment have been slow to address.
Mechanical Refinement: The Silent Evolution
Beneath the technological additions, the Splendor Xtec retains the mechanical formula that has made it India’s most trusted commuter.
The 97.2cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine produces 8.02 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm—figures that won’t impress sportbike enthusiasts but deliver exactly what the target audience prioritizes: reliability, fuel efficiency, and easy maintenance.
The real evolution lies in refinement. Hero’s engineers have clearly focused on reducing vibration and improving overall NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels.
During an extended 40-kilometer highway stretch, the engine maintained a smooth, unstressed character even when held at 60-65 kph for extended periods—a scenario where older Splendors would typically exhibit noticeable vibration through the handlebars and footpegs.
The four-speed gearbox shifts with a positive action that rarely feels vague or notchy. First-time riders will appreciate the forgiving clutch that prevents stalling even with abrupt engagement, while experienced commuters will value the seamless power delivery that makes navigating stop-and-go traffic less fatiguing.
“What many people overlook is how these small refinements add up over thousands of kilometers,” notes Vikram Singh, a veteran mechanic who services dozens of Splendors weekly.
“The Xtec’s engine runs cooler and smoother, which translates to longer component life and fewer maintenance issues down the road.”
Premium Touches That Matter
The term “premium features” often brings to mind flashy additions with questionable utility. The Splendor Xtec takes a different approach, focusing on enhancements that deliver tangible benefits to everyday riders:
The addition of a front disc brake option represents perhaps the most significant safety upgrade, providing noticeably improved stopping power compared to the drum brake variant.
During emergency braking tests from 40 kph, the disc-equipped model consistently stopped in shorter distances with better control—an advantage that can make a critical difference in unpredictable urban traffic.
LED headlamps, once considered a luxury feature, now come standard on the Xtec variant. Beyond the modern aesthetic they bring to the front profile, these units provide superior illumination during night riding, with a brighter, wider spread that improves visibility on poorly lit roads.
During a pre-dawn ride through rural outskirts, the difference compared to traditional halogen units was immediately apparent, especially when encountering unlit obstacles.
The H-shaped LED tail lamp isn’t merely a styling exercise but improves visibility to following traffic, addressing a common safety concern in the commuter segment where motorcycles often disappear in the visual chaos of Indian roads during twilight hours.
Real-World Efficiency: The Numbers That Matter
For the target demographic, fuel efficiency remains the North Star specification, and here the Splendor Xtec continues to deliver impressive results.
Hero claims an ARAI-certified mileage of 73 kmpl, but real-world testing suggests that careful riders can achieve 65-70 kmpl in mixed riding conditions—figures that translate to remarkable range from the 9.8-liter fuel tank.
“I fill up just once every two weeks despite commuting daily,” shares Priya Sharma, a college professor who switched from public transport to a Splendor Xtec last year.
“Even with fuel prices increasing, my transportation costs have actually decreased while giving me much more flexibility in my schedule.”
The i3s (Idle Start-Stop System) contributes significantly to this efficiency, automatically shutting off the engine after a few seconds at traffic signals and restarting instantly with a clutch pull.
During a particularly congested Monday morning commute with numerous long stops, this system noticeably reduced fuel consumption compared to conventional commuters that idle continuously.
Color and Customization: Personal Expression
The Splendor Xtec offers seven color options—Red Black, Pearl Fadeless White, Black Tornado Grey, Black Sparking Blue, Nobel Red, Matte Grey, and Black Heavy Grey—moving beyond the limited palettes typically associated with utilitarian commuters. This expanded range acknowledges that even practical transportation can reflect personal style.
“The Black Sparking Blue caught my eye immediately,” mentions Rahul Patel, a recent college graduate who chose the Splendor Xtec as his first motorcycle. “My friends ride sportier bikes, but none of them get the attention this color does when parked on campus.”
Beyond factory colors, the Xtec’s modern design language has spawned a small aftermarket ecosystem offering tasteful accessories from windscreens to luggage options, allowing riders to personalize their motorcycles without compromising reliability or warranty coverage.
Value Proposition: The Price of Progress
With prices ranging from approximately ₹80,750 for the base drum brake variant to ₹99,476 for the top-spec disc brake version (on-road Delhi), the Splendor Xtec commands a premium over the standard Splendor Plus.
This price difference represents an investment in technology, safety, and convenience that delivers tangible returns over the ownership period.
The value equation strengthens further when considering Hero’s comprehensive service network—the largest in the country—and the Splendor’s legendary parts availability.
These factors significantly reduce the total cost of ownership, especially for riders in smaller towns and rural areas where service access for more exotic brands can prove challenging.
“I initially considered less expensive alternatives,” admits Harish Mehta, a small business owner from Ahmedabad. “But when I calculated the resale value after three years plus the savings on maintenance and fuel, the Xtec actually worked out more economical in the long run.”
Looking Forward: The Future of the Commuter Segment
The Splendor Xtec represents more than just another variant in Hero’s extensive lineup—it signals the direction for the entire commuter segment.
By successfully integrating modern technology into a proven platform without sacrificing reliability or drastically increasing costs, Hero has created a template that other manufacturers will inevitably follow.
As India’s transportation landscape evolves with increasing urbanization and changing consumer expectations, the definition of “essential transportation” is expanding beyond basic mobility to include connectivity.
safety, and personal expression—areas where the Splendor Xtec delivers without abandoning the core values that made its predecessors icons.
“Twenty years ago, a commuter motorcycle needed to be reliable and efficient—nothing more,” reflects Ashok Bhatia, a veteran automotive journalist who has witnessed the segment’s evolution firsthand.
“Today’s riders expect their motorcycles to integrate with their digital lives while still delivering those fundamental qualities. The Xtec manages this balance better than any commuter I’ve tested recently.”
For millions of riders across India seeking practical transportation with a touch of modernity, the Hero Splendor Xtec offers a compelling package that respects tradition while embracing progress—a combination that ensures this venerable nameplate will remain relevant for years to come.