Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel

Price: Hero MotoCorp has launched the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel at Rs 82,710 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Design: The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel retains the familiar design of the standard Splendor Plus, so there are no major styling changes. The motorcycle gets a new Black with Lime Yellow graphics scheme to set it apart from the regular model.

Features: The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel gets an analogue instrument console with a small digital inset for the fuel gauge, along with Hero’s i3S idle stop-start technology. It also comes equipped with a side-stand engine cut-off and a USB charger. While the feature list remains fairly basic, the bike benefits from a revised ECU and upgraded fuel system components that allow it to run on ethanol blends from E5 all the way up to E85.

Engine: Powering the motorcycle is a 97.2cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine paired with a 4-speed gearbox. When running on E85 fuel, it produces 8.57 at 8,000rpm and 8.3Nm at 6,000rpm. The engine has been specifically tuned to handle higher ethanol content while maintaining the reliability that the Splendor name is known for.

Suspension, Brakes & Other Details: The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel uses a tubular double-cradle frame suspended by a telescopic fork and 5-step adjustable twin rear shock absorbers. It rides on 18-inch wheels. The bike has a kerb weight of 113kg, a wheelbase of 1,236mm and a seat height of 785mm, making it easy to manage for riders of all sizes. It also offers 165mm of ground clearance, which should be adequate for Indian road conditions.

Rivals: The Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel competes with other 100cc commuter motorcycles such as the Honda Shine 100, Bajaj Platina 100 and TVS Sport. However, none of its rivals currently offer E85 Flex Fuel compatibility, giving the Splendor Plus a unique advantage for buyers looking for a more future-ready commuter.