Hero Moto Corp Splendor Pro Classic : Detailed Review

Design: rating_3.5_rating

To begin with, the curvaceous 11-litre fuel tank looks the part. The old-school pin-stripe sans the clutter of body graphics add to the retro cause, but it comes with a hinged tank lid as seen on other Hero Splendor bikes. Instead, basic fuel filler cap, maybe slightly off-set, would have looked more genuine. Offered in all black or solid maroon body colours, Hero keeps it simple. After a long time metallic mudguards (front and rear) in combination with spoke-wheels make a comeback on a trendy new motorcycle. I just wished the front fender was more stylish.

The large single seat looks nice and is pretty comfortable too. This, along with a single U-shaped handle bar, makes for a sportier riding stance. Being a single seater, the Hero Splendor PRO Classic comes with just one pair of footpegs, which haven’t been altered from its commuter bike position. Slightly rear set foot pegs would have definitely been better for the sporty riding position. Most cafe-racers didn’t feature a main stand because it used to scrape during fast pace cornering. Similarly, the Hero Splendor PRO Classic comes with just a side stand, but having the footpegs so far ahead dilutes the whole point.

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Classic style round headlight, turn indicators and rear view mirrors are well executed, for the price, and perform their part well to create the cafe racer illusion. Also well executed is the rear design which looks like a cowl as sported by cafe racers, while the circular tail lights resemble the ones found on some Royal Enfields. Visually other things that may leaves buyers wanting are thicker tyres and a better looking exhaust.

Features and Build Quality: rating_3.0_rating

The two-pod instrument cluster comes laced with chrome rings and houses a ‘Splendor Pro’ branding in between. It's a simple arrangement with an analogue speedo on the left, and instead of a tachometer the other pod features a fuel gauge along with basic tell-tale lights which include a turn indicator, neutral, highbeam and even a side stand indicators. The layout is simple and easy to read. I particularly like the choice of classic, slightly italic fonts used in the clocks. The fit and finish is nothing to write home about, but like most Hero bikes there’s not much to complain about considering the Rs 48,650 (ex-showroom Delhi) price.

Mechanically the Classic is identical to the basic Hero Splendor PRO, based on the same tubular double cradle frame but due to the ‘Classic’ design is 35mm shorter and 20mm lower than the basic Splendor PRO. However, the new bike has 21mm higher ground clearance.

Engine, Performance and Ergonomics: rating_3.5_rating

The Hero Splendor PRO Classic comes strapped with the world’s top selling 100cc motorcycle engine, which powers most of Hero commuter bikes. This frugal 97.2cc single cylinder, air-cooled motor has been tuned to produce maximum power of 8.36PS at 8,000rpm and peak torque of 8.05Nm at 5,000rpm, just like the Hero Splendor PRO, which is marginally more than other basic Hero Splendor models.

As expected from a Hero commuter, the Hero Splendor PRO Classic is light, nimble and fairly quick to ride. The motor uses a 4-speed transmission to deliver power briskly without hesitation in every gear, ensuring decent low-end power and mid-range. It feels most comfortable in regular city speeds between 40-60kmph. It can go beyond 80kmph in a clean and linear fashion, but the vibes start to creep in making one desire for another clog in the gearbox.

Ride, Handling & Braking: rating_3.5_rating

The Classic carries forward similar telescopic front forks and five step adjustable rear shocks that is used on the Hero Splendor PRO. The set-up is pretty neutral, without being too firm or soft, as the bike irons out most of the bad roads without losing poise. The low handlebar does make the bike slightly more front heavy, but that doesn’t alter the Hero Splendor PRO Classic from being agile and easy to manoeuvre. Only if the footpegs were better positioned the rider would get more room, making it easier to steer through traffic or on curvy roads. Basic drum brakes front and back are not very impressive and we would have loved a disc brake option on the Classic.

Conclusion: rating_3.5_rating

Like bigger cafe racers, don’t expect the Hero Splendor PRO Classic to behave like a tarmac fraying brat and disappear into the horizon within a fraction of a second. Moreover, I’m not sure how popular a single-seater motorcycle will be in India. Of course, the Hero is not perfect (and I might be a bit over dressed for the occasion). But the Classic remains a unique proposition for people looking for retro styled motorcycle at a budget. And we cannot ignore the fact that the ‘Classic’ is more affordable than many smartphones and easily the most fuel efficient cafe racer in production.