Engine and performance
Good fuel efficiency has always been a USP of the Splendor brand and the Splendor Pro Classic is no different. The 97.2cc air cooled, 4-stroke single cylinder engine produces 8.36 PS of power and 8.05Nm of torque  (same as the Splendor Pro) and comes clubbed to a 4-speed constant mesh transmission. Naught to 60 kph comes in nearly 10 seconds while the top speed hovers around 100 kph mark. Taller gears and speed gains are impressive for city riding conditions. The torque has been well placed in the low and mid RPM range. The engine feels stress free till 70 kph zone after which you can feel the vibrations creeping in. So, besides the slightly lesser body weight, there is no perceptible improvement in performance over the Splendor Pro to write home about. The Pro Classic somewhat disappoints in the braking department. The front and rear drum brakes feel soft and spongy and require that extra squeeze to stop the motorcycle with confidence.
Ergonomics and handling
This is the part that bothered me a little bit. Instead of adjustable clip-on handlebars, Hero have installed a U-shaped handlebar which tries to imply a similar setup. And we don’t mind that, really. The main issue is with the foot rest position. The commuter style foot rest position on the Splendor Pro Classic creates a very awkward rider’s triangle. So while you are crouched in a sporty stance, your feet are still positioned rather forward, in a commuter-oriented position. This doesn’t make riding the Splendor Pro a very comfortable affair. The footpegs on the motorcycle could have been pushed a bit behind for a more balanced riding position. The handling, however, has improved. The forward biased riding stance intrigues the rider to go fast, even around the corners. The turning radius is quite impressive which make maneuvering motorcycle in traffic fairly easy. We wish that the tyres were a little better because although the riding stance asks you to push the motorcycle harder, the skinny tyres make you think twice before you do so.
The U-shaped handlebar tries to imply a clip-on like setup
Tail lights and turn indicators receive a round shape completing the overall design in a well-executed manner
Round shaped headlight and turn indicators give the Splendor Pro Classic a classy old school look
Twin-pod instrument cluster also gets the chrome treatment in the form of surrounding rings
Front and rear drum brakes feel soft and spongy and require extra squeeze to stop the motorcycle
Verdict
Even with some of its idiosyncrasies, the new Hero Splendor Pro Classic impressed us with its overall design and character. The cafe racer theme has really been adopted rather tastefully on the bike by the blokes at Hero. Fresh looks in the commuter segment, light body weight and aggressive pricing work in the motorcycle’s favour. For someone who rides solo, wants a reliable, frugal motorcycle on a budget with a character, the Splendor Pro Classic really scores.
So would we recommend this motorcycle to anyone? Yes! For a price tag of Rs 50,800 (ex-showroom Mumbai), the Hero Splendor Pro Classic is not only one of the most affordable commuters and but also the best looking motorcycle in its segment.
Engine | |
Type | Air Cooled, 4 – Stroke Single Cylinder OHC |
Displacement | 97.2 cc |
Max. Power | 8.36 Ps @ 8000 rpm |
Max. Torque | 8.05 Nm @ 5000 rpm |
Bore x Stroke | 50.0 x 49.5 mm |
Carburettor | Side Draft, Variable Venturi Type with TCIS |
Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 |
Starting | Kick start / Self start |
Ignition | DC – Digital CDI |
Transmission & Frame | |
Clutch | Multiplate Wet |
Gear box | 4 – Speed Constant Mesh |
Frame Type | Tubular Double Cradle |
Suspension | |
Front | Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers |
Rear | Swing Arm with 5 Step Adjustable Type Hydraulic Shock Absorbers |
Dimensions | |
Length | 1935 mm |
Width | 720 mm |
Height | 1020 mm |
Saddle Height | 785 mm |
Wheelbase | 1230 mm |
Ground Clearance | 180 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 litres |
Reserve | 1.4 Ltrs (Usable Reserve) |
Kerb Weight | 109 Kg (Self) |
Price (Ex-Showroom Mumbai) | Rs 50,800 |
Here is the complete picture gallery of the Hero Splendor Pro Classic. Do let us know your thoughts about the motorcycle and the review through comments below. Stay tuned to Motoroids for more exhaustive reviews and updates from the motoring industry.
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.
We have mentioned about the riding position in the Ergonomics segment of the review.
Riding position?
Thank you for your kind words Yash. It’s always motivating to hear positive feedback from our readers.
Cheers 🙂
Great review Suvil!