Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0: Comprehensive Review
The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is the latest iteration of the ever-popular Splendor series. With significant upgrades, modern features, and an improved design, the 2024 Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 promises to continue the legacy of reliability and efficiency while introducing new elements to attract contemporary riders. Let’s dive deep into the features, specifications, and overall performance of this new offering from Hero.
Key Highlights
- Ex-showroom Price: ₹85,000
- On-road Price: ₹95,000 – ₹1,00,000 (varies by region)
- Engine: 97cc, 4-stroke
- Power: 8 PS
- Torque: 8 Nm
- Mileage: 73 km/l (claimed)
- Weight: 112 kg
Design and Aesthetics
The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 introduces a refreshed and contemporary design while retaining the classic appeal that has made the Splendor series a household name. Let’s delve into the specific design enhancements and aesthetic upgrades.
LED Headlight
One of the most notable upgrades in the Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is the introduction of the H-shaped LED headlight. This new headlight not only improves visibility during night rides but also gives the bike a modern and stylish appearance. The H-shaped design adds a unique character to the bike, setting it apart from other models in the segment.
Dual-tone Color Scheme
The bike sports a dual-tone color scheme, combining grey and black with red accents. This color combination adds a touch of elegance and makes the bike stand out on the road. The red accents on the tank and side panels provide a sporty feel, appealing to younger riders as well.

Redesigned Components
- Front Visor: The front visor has been redesigned with a new black finish, contributing to the bike’s sleek look. The visor’s aerodynamic design not only enhances the visual appeal but also reduces wind resistance, improving ride comfort.
- Indicators: New, larger indicators enhance visibility and add to the bike’s contemporary design. These indicators are brighter and more prominent, ensuring better safety during lane changes and turns.
- Rear LED Tail Light: The rear features an H-shaped LED tail light, providing a unique and attractive look when the brakes are applied. This design element mirrors the front headlight, creating a cohesive aesthetic appeal.
Build Quality and Safety Features
Build Quality Enhancements
Hero has focused on improving the build quality of the Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0. The materials used in the construction of the bike are more durable and better designed compared to previous models. The frame is more rigid, providing better stability and handling. The paint quality has also been improved, offering better resistance to wear and tear.
Safety Features
- Combined Braking System (CBS): The bike comes with a combined braking system, ensuring better safety even in the absence of ABS. CBS helps in distributing the braking force between the front and rear wheels, reducing stopping distance and improving control during emergency braking.
- Hazard Lights: The introduction of hazard lights in a 100cc bike is a noteworthy safety feature. It enhances visibility during emergencies and adverse weather conditions. This feature is especially useful during breakdowns or when the bike is parked on the roadside.
Digital Instrument Console
Features
The fully digital LCD console is packed with features:
- Speedometer: Displays the current speed, providing accurate and real-time information to the rider.
- Odometer: Records the total distance traveled, helping riders keep track of their bike’s usage.
- Fuel Gauge: Indicates the fuel level, ensuring that riders are always aware of when it’s time to refuel.
- Engine Malfunction Indicator: Alerts the rider in case of any engine issues, allowing for timely maintenance and avoiding potential breakdowns.
- Side-stand Engine Cut-off Switch: Ensures the engine doesn’t start if the side stand is engaged, preventing accidents.
- Smartphone Connectivity: Provides SMS alerts, call alerts, and battery status. This feature keeps the rider connected without the need to constantly check their phone.
- USB Port: Allows for mobile charging on the go, ensuring that riders can keep their devices powered during long journeys.
- Trip Meters (Trip A and Trip B): Useful for tracking journey distances, helping riders plan their trips and manage fuel consumption.
Enhanced User Interface
The console is user-friendly, with a single button to operate all its features, making it easy to navigate through the various settings and information. The backlit display ensures visibility in all lighting conditions, providing clear and legible information.
Engine and Performance
Engine Specifications
- Displacement: 97cc
- Type: 4-stroke, single-cylinder
- Valves: 2
- Power Output: 8 PS
- Torque: 8 Nm
Performance
The bike retains its reliable 97cc engine, known for its durability and efficiency. The maximum power output of 8 PS and torque of 8 Nm ensures adequate performance for daily commuting. The 4-speed gearbox provides smooth gear transitions, contributing to an overall pleasant riding experience.
The engine has been fine-tuned to offer better throttle response and smoother acceleration. This makes the Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 an ideal choice for navigating through city traffic, where quick acceleration and deceleration are frequently required.
Fuel Efficiency
Hero claims a mileage of 73 km/l, making the Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 an economical choice for daily commuters. With a fuel tank capacity of 9.8 liters, the bike can cover approximately 700 km on a full tank. This impressive mileage is a key selling point, especially for riders who prioritize fuel economy.
Comfort and Convenience
Seating
- Seat Size: The seat has been slightly enlarged for better comfort, accommodating both the rider and pillion comfortably. The increased seat length ensures that both the rider and pillion have ample space.
- Cushioning: Improved cushioning offers a more comfortable ride, especially on longer journeys. The new foam material used in the seat provides better support and reduces fatigue.
- Design: The seat features a new texture design and dual-tone color scheme, adding to the bike’s aesthetic appeal. The stitching is also of higher quality, ensuring durability.
Utility Features
- Luggage Carrier: The bike retains its robust luggage carrier, useful for carrying small loads. This is particularly beneficial for riders who use their bike for daily chores and short-distance travel.
- Utility Box: The redesigned utility box with a chrome plate adds a touch of elegance and provides practical storage space. It’s perfect for storing small items like a toolkit, documents, or personal belongings.
Exhaust System
Design and Sound
The exhaust system has undergone a significant design change. The new full-chrome cover not only enhances the bike’s appearance but also affects the exhaust note, giving it a more refined and pleasant sound. The chrome finish is resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity.
The exhaust note has been tuned to be more subdued, providing a quieter ride experience. This is particularly appreciated in urban settings where noise pollution is a concern.

Lighting and Visibility
Front and Rear Lighting
- Headlight: The new H-shaped LED headlight ensures better illumination and adds a modern touch. It provides a wider and longer beam, improving night-time visibility and safety.
- Tail Light: The rear H-shaped LED tail light enhances visibility and aesthetics. It ensures that the bike is easily noticeable by vehicles approaching from behind, especially during braking.
- Indicators: Larger and brighter indicators improve visibility and safety. They are designed to be easily seen even in bright daylight, ensuring that other road users are aware of the rider’s intentions.
Dimensions and Weight
Key Dimensions
Specification | Value |
---|---|
Seat Height | 785 mm |
Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
Weight | 112 kg |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 9.8 liters |
Wheelbase | 1236 mm |
Overall Length | 2000 mm |
Overall Width | 720 mm |
Overall Height | 1050 mm |
Comfort and Rideability
The bike’s dimensions are designed to offer a comfortable ride for a wide range of riders. The seat height of 785 mm is ideal for both short and tall riders, ensuring that they can easily reach the ground when stationary. The ground clearance of 165 mm allows the bike to handle various road conditions, including speed bumps and potholes, without scraping the underside.
Suspension and Wheels
Suspension
- Front Suspension: Telescopic front forks provide a smooth and stable ride. They are designed to absorb shocks and vibrations, ensuring a comfortable ride even on rough roads.
- Rear Suspension: Twin shock absorbers at the rear ensure comfort and stability, especially when carrying a pillion or load. The rear suspension is adjustable, allowing riders to customize the ride according to their preference and load.
Wheels and Tires
- Front Wheel: 18-inch wheel with 80/100 section tire. These wheels are designed to offer stability and grip on various road surfaces.
- Rear Wheel: 18-inch wheel with 80/100 section tire. The rear tire provides excellent traction and ensures a smooth ride.
- Tire Type: CEAT Secure tires offer excellent grip and stability on various road conditions. These tires are known for their durability and performance, providing a safe and reliable ride.
Additional Features
i3S Technology
The Idle Start-Stop System (i3S) is a notable feature that enhances fuel efficiency by automatically turning off the engine when idling and restarting it when needed. This technology is particularly useful in city traffic conditions, where frequent stops are common. The i3S system helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making the bike more eco-friendly.
Chain Cover
The bike now comes with a fiber chain cover instead of a metal one. This change reduces noise and overall weight, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and a cleaner look. The fiber cover is also less prone to rust and corrosion, ensuring longer durability.
Heat Shield
A heat shield is provided to protect the rider’s leg from the engine heat, enhancing comfort and safety. This feature is especially useful during long rides or in hot weather conditions, preventing discomfort caused by engine heat.
Riding Experience
Handling
The lightweight nature of the bike, combined with its well-balanced chassis, ensures easy maneuverability in city traffic. The comfortable seating position and improved cushioning make it suitable for longer rides as well. The bike’s agility and responsiveness make it a pleasure to ride in urban settings, where quick maneuvering is often required.
Stability
The combined braking system and excellent grip of the tires provide a stable and secure riding experience, even at higher speeds. The suspension system effectively absorbs shocks and vibrations, ensuring a smooth and stable ride on various road conditions.
Exhaust Note
The redesigned exhaust system produces a more refined and pleasant exhaust note, adding to the overall riding pleasure. The quieter exhaust note reduces noise pollution, making the ride more enjoyable for both the rider and the surrounding environment.
Conclusion
The 2024 Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 stands out as a well-rounded commuter bike that brings together reliability, efficiency, and modern features. Its new LED headlight, enhanced digital console, and improved build quality make it a compelling choice in the ₹1 lakh budget segment.
Pros
- Modern Features: LED headlight, digital console with smartphone connectivity.
- Fuel Efficiency: Claimed mileage of 73 km/l.
- Build Quality: Improved materials and design elements.
- Safety Features: Combined braking system and hazard lights.
- Comfort: Enlarged seat with better cushioning.
Cons
- No ABS: Lacks ABS, but CBS compensates to some extent.
- Limited Engine Power: 97cc engine may not be sufficient for riders looking for higher performance.
Overall, the Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 offers excellent value for money, making it an ideal choice for daily commuting and urban riding. Its blend of traditional reliability and modern enhancements ensures that it continues to be a favorite among riders.
Comparative Analysis
Competing Models
In the competitive 100cc segment, the Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 faces competition from several models. Let’s compare it with a few key competitors to understand how it stands out.
Honda Shine 100
- Price: ₹85,000 (ex-showroom)
- Engine: 98cc, 7.8 PS power, 8 Nm torque
- Mileage: 70 km/l
- Features: LED headlight, digital console, CBS
Bajaj Platina 100
- Price: ₹82,000 (ex-showroom)
- Engine: 102cc, 8 PS power, 8.34 Nm torque
- Mileage: 75 km/l
- Features: Halogen headlight, analog console, CBS
Comparative Table
Feature | Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 | Honda Shine 100 | Bajaj Platina 100 |
---|---|---|---|
Price (ex-showroom) | ₹85,000 | ₹85,000 | ₹82,000 |
Engine Displacement | 97cc | 98cc | 102cc |
Power | 8 PS | 7.8 PS | 8 PS |
Torque | 8 Nm | 8 Nm | 8.34 Nm |
Mileage | 73 km/l | 70 km/l | 75 km/l |
Headlight | LED | LED | Halogen |
Instrument Console | Digital | Digital | Analog |
Braking System | CBS | CBS | CBS |
Seat Comfort | Improved Cushioning | Standard Cushioning | Standard Cushioning |
Additional Features | Smartphone Connectivity, i3S | None | None |
Market Position and Consumer Feedback
Target Audience
The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 targets a broad audience, from young professionals and college students to daily commuters and small business owners. Its balance of modern features, fuel efficiency, and affordability makes it appealing to a wide demographic.
Consumer Feedback
Initial consumer feedback has been positive, with many appreciating the modern features and improved design. The digital console and smartphone connectivity have been particularly well-received, as they add a layer of convenience and connectivity that was previously missing in this segment. Riders have also praised the bike’s fuel efficiency and comfortable ride quality.
Final Thoughts
The Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the Splendor series. By combining traditional reliability with modern features, Hero has created a bike that appeals to both new and returning riders. The enhancements in design, safety, and convenience make it a strong contender in the 100cc segment.
For riders looking for a reliable, efficient, and modern commuter bike, the Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is an excellent choice. Its competitive pricing, advanced features, and improved build quality ensure that it will continue to be a favorite among Indian riders for years to come.