The Hero Splendor+ i3S is one of the most iconic commuter motorcycles in India, known for its durability, fuel efficiency, and reliability. With a legacy that dates back to the 1990s, the Splendor brand has become a household name across the country. The i3S variant is a modern iteration of this classic bike, bringing in a bit of innovation with Hero’s patented Idle Start-Stop System (i3S) for enhanced efficiency. This motorcycle caters primarily to daily riders who seek a no-nonsense, cost-effective, and practical two-wheeler for city and rural usage alike.
Design and Styling
The Splendor+ i3S sticks to the traditional commuter bike aesthetics. It retains the simple, clean, and timeless design that appeals to a wide audience. Hero hasn’t attempted to radically alter the look, and that’s deliberate – the conservative styling is what many users love about it.
The bike features body-colored mirrors, black alloy wheels, and a sleek fuel tank with neat graphics. The seat is long and comfortable, suitable for both rider and pillion. The i3S badge is subtly placed on the side panel, indicating the bike’s modern upgrade without being flashy.
Although it’s not sporty or aggressive in design, the Splendor+ i3S wears its practical charm with pride. It’s lightweight and compact, making it ideal for navigating tight traffic or narrow rural paths.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Hero Splendor+ i3S is a 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine. It produces around 8.02 PS of power at 8000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. The engine is BS6-compliant, meaning it adheres to the latest emission norms.
While these numbers might not sound thrilling, the bike isn’t built for speed or performance – it’s built for efficiency and consistent performance in daily use. And that’s where the Splendor+ i3S truly shines. The engine is smooth, refined, and offers a predictable power delivery, making it easy for even novice riders to handle.
The 4-speed gearbox complements the engine well, and gear shifts are smooth and intuitive. Whether it’s zipping through congested city roads or commuting through village streets, the bike handles its duties with ease.
Hero’s i3S Technology
One of the main highlights of this variant is the i3S (Idle Start-Stop System). This technology automatically switches off the engine when the bike is idle for a few seconds, like at a traffic signal, and restarts it as soon as the clutch is pulled in. This feature is especially useful in urban areas where stop-and-go traffic is common.
The i3S system significantly contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. It’s a smart feature that aligns well with modern demands for eco-friendly mobility without adding complexity for the rider.
Ride and Handling
The Hero Splendor+ i3S is built on a tubular double cradle frame and gets telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers, which offer decent comfort on most road surfaces. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, which is perfect for the kind of user this bike is meant for.
With a kerb weight of around 112 kg, the bike feels extremely light and nimble. This makes it easy to maneuver through traffic, park in tight spaces, and even push around when needed. Its 18-inch wheels with 80/100-section tubeless tires provide adequate grip and contribute to the bike’s stable ride.
The riding posture is upright, with easy-to-reach handlebars and forward-set footpegs. This makes the bike comfortable for long rides as well as daily short commutes. Even with a pillion, the Splendor+ i3S remains composed and stable.
Braking and Safety
The bike comes with drum brakes at both ends – 130mm at the front and 110mm at the rear – along with Hero’s Integrated Braking System (IBS), which distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels for improved safety.
While disc brakes would have been a welcome addition, the drum setup is adequate for the bike’s performance and usage range. The braking is progressive and does a good job in regular riding conditions.
Mileage and Efficiency
One of the strongest selling points of the Hero Splendor+ i3S is its exceptional fuel efficiency. Thanks to the i3S technology and fuel injection system, the bike delivers an impressive mileage of around 65-75 km/l, depending on riding conditions and maintenance.
With a fuel tank capacity of 9.8 liters, the bike offers a range of over 600 kilometers on a full tank – a huge plus for daily commuters who want to minimize fuel expenses.
Variants and Features
The Hero Splendor+ i3S is available in several color options, including Black with Silver, Black with Purple, and more. It features:
- Electric start
- i3S technology
- Stylish body graphics
- Alloy wheels
- Tubeless tires
- Halogen headlamp
- Analogue instrument cluster
Although it doesn’t boast modern digital consoles or smartphone connectivity, the bike keeps things simple and focused on functionality.
Price and Value
The Splendor+ i3S is priced around ₹75,000 – ₹78,000 (ex-showroom) depending on the city and variant. When you consider its reliability, low maintenance cost, high mileage, and resale value, it offers tremendous value for money.
It’s also backed by Hero’s vast service network, making maintenance easy even in remote locations.
Who Should Buy the Hero Splendor+ i3S?
If you are:
- A daily commuter looking for a reliable and efficient bike
- A first-time rider needing something simple and easy to manage
- Someone on a budget who wants to avoid high fuel costs
- A rural or city user needing low-cost, low-maintenance transportation
Then the Splendor+ i3S is perfect for you.
Final Verdict
The Hero Splendor+ i3S might not be flashy or fast, but it excels where it matters most – reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. With its proven engine, smart i3S technology, and simple design, it remains a top contender in the commuter segment.
In a world that’s increasingly chasing electric and high-performance bikes, the Splendor+ i3S reminds us that sometimes, all you need is a trustworthy partner that just gets the job done – day in and day out.
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