New Hero Splendor Pro Classic Review Action Shots

Hero Splendor Pro Classic Review: Handy Dandy

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Words: Suvil Susvirkar / Photos: Chirag Mondal

Before we start with the review of the Hero Splendor Pro Classic, let’s first understand what a cafe racer means in motorcycling terms. The term cafe racer came into existence in England, in the 60’s where motorcycles enthusiasts used to race their machines from one coffee bar to another. Everyday motorcycles were streamlined, performance modded and ‘bobbed’, along with a more aggressive riding position for a race-oriented stance. These motorcycles were essentially everyday machines which were modified by speed enthusiasts in their backyards for fun filled rides. The culture that grew in European countries during the 1960’s gained popularity during the mid-1970. The rise in popularity attracted motorcycle manufacturers from across the world to enter the segment. The cafe racer culture in India gained some momentum recently with the introduction of the Royal Enfield Continental GT. But the expensive price tag kept it away from many motorcyclists. The Hero Splendor Pro Classic presents itself as an affordable option for the fans of the classic motorcycle form. Although too feeble to be termed a proper cafe racer, the mini-me version of the traditional template is targeted at the cost conscious audience.

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Reviewing the Hero Splendor Pro Classic was more than just a regular day’s work for me. It was like meeting my first girlfriend after a long span of time, only to find her more attractive and desirable. Having ridden the first generation Splendor for nearly eight years, I knew the motorcycle to the core. Even with its small engine size and commuter oriented performance, the Splendor Pro Classic managed to charm me with its unique styling and character. So ‘let’s get started’ about this “cafe” racer, as the tagline of a coffee brand reads.

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Design, instruments and features

After having ridden the motorcycle for over two days, I realised that the Hero Splendor Pro Classic is quite an attention grabber (and in a good way). Family, friends, colleagues, everyone I met over those two days were impressed by the new design, many thinking of it as a well planned modification. The motorcycle would attract curious questions from fellow commuters on traffic signals as well. In fact, the Hero Splendor Pro Classic also managed to grab eyeballs at one of the KTM Orange Day events I covered. Friends and fellow bikers appreciated the design and build quality of the new motorcycle, and almost everyone agreed that it looked much better in flesh than how it appeared in pictures.

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Inspired by old school cafe racer motorcycles, the Hero Splendor Pro Classic is by far, one of the best looking 100cc commuter motorcycles in the country today. Hero has tried to incorporate many aspects from the cafe racer genre with a profusion of chrome. The front and rear fenders are carved out of sheet metal and the build quality feels rock solid. The 11-litre fuel tank is made of metal. The side panels and rear cowl are made of plastic but the quality is top notch. Despite the extra metal and chrome on board, the Splendor Pro Classic is nearly three kilograms lighter than the standard Splendor Pro.

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Round shaped headlight and turn indicators give the Splendor Pro Classic a classy, old school look. Mirrors come in round shape and receive chrome treatment at the back. The switchgear quality is in line with the industry standards. The shape of the metal tank remains the same as on the Splendor, though the stickers are new, along with a Hero tag. The side panels get a 3-D Splendor Pro brand emblem. The rear cowl receives a hint of black border on the bottom. The “Classic” tag is placed on both the sides of the rear cowl. The elongated single seat is well padded and is quite comfortable. Going further behind, the tail lights and turn indicators too receive a round shape completing the overall design in a rather well-executed manner. The quick access storage space placed under the fuel tank comes handy for storing documents, medical kit and tools.

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The twin-pod instrument cluster also gets the chrome treatment in the form of surrounding rings. The tell-tale indicators consist of speedometer, fuel gauge, turn indicator, neutral and high beam indicator. In addition to these features, the Splendor Pro Classic also gets a side stand warning indicator. The font and design has been kept as simple as possible to give it a classic look.

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There are a few negatives too, but most of them are minor glitches which, according to us, are something that one can live with. Firstly, we got to see an improper mechanism at play in the side panel covering the battery of the motorcycle where it does not lock in place as desired. The rear view mirrors often spin out of place and are affected by the vibrations from the motorcycle and winds. The headlight unit, though large in size isn’t as luminous in the dark as we expected it to be. And lastly, the cafe racer design leads to the absence of the centre stand which might prove a little inconvenient in tight parking spaces but we’re really nitpicking here. Overall, we were quite impressed by the build quality especially for the price which Hero has placed the Splendor Pro Classic.

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Click here to read more about the Hero Splendor Pro Classic>>>

8 thoughts on “Hero Splendor Pro Classic Review: Handy Dandy”

  1. Great review…I travel 40km everyday in city and I’m planing to buy new bike soon I’m bit confuse between Hero Splendor Classic Pro and Honda Stunner.

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