[TusharK]

Hero MotoCorp has announced the launch of the Splendor+ XTEC. The new commuter bike is priced from Rs 72,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi).



The Splendor+ XTEC comes with a digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity. It offers features such as call and SMS alerts, real-time mileage indicators, low fuel indicators and a USB charger. The bike also gets an LED headlight, side-stand engine cut-off and an idle start/stop system.



Splendor+ XTEC is powered by a 97.2cc, single-cylinder engine that makes 7.9 BHP @ 7,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 rpm.

The Splendor+ XTEC is available in four new colour options - Sparkling Beta Blue, Canvas Black, Tornado Grey and Pearl White. The bike comes with a 5-year warranty.

Link to Team-BHP News

[PraNeel]

It gets a LED DRL. Headlight is still halogen.

[anjan_c2007]

Uses the same old 97.2 cc four stroke "proven engine" and four speed gearbox from 37 years ago. Model names are changing and prices have multiplied starting from around Rs 15,000 on road in 1985 to Rs 73,000, ex-factory now. Apart from those new gizmos almost nothing has changed since the launch of the Splendour in 1994.

Perhaps since it sells so well, HeroMotoCorp to keep the company afloat won't even attempt any major changes, lest the buyers ditch the model.

When HM couldn't change Ambassador's engine since 1959 (the first OHV's) till 1992, its advertisements would use the phrase "proven engine" sometimes in the 1970's and also in 1984, when the older Contessas were launched with the same "proven engine."

[SwiftJad]

I actually love that they don't change the splendor just for the sake of it. I understand things change with time but if the change does not bring improvement, it's not important. The splendor is as efficient as any other new bike on the market, probably more reliable (which also brings down its carbon footprint) and it does not lack any useful feature the other products have. Motorcycles are inherently more timeless than cars because they are simple machines. If you sit in a 10 year old car, you can immediately make out the difference. A 10 year motorcycle will not be much different that the one on the market. So yes, I am glad they have kept it as it is.

[Senotrius]

Maybe they should add one or even two more gears- should increase the mileage considerably staying true to the fill it-shut it ethos.

[Gansan]

Originally Posted by anjan_c2007

Uses the same old 97.2 cc four stroke "proven engine" and four speed gearbox from 37 years ago.

Why change something that works, and works well? Tell me which other current commuter bike engine is way superior to that of the Splendor, and in what way?! The Ambassador could not withstand the onslaught of Maruti and others. The Splendor not merely holds it's ground, it rules the roost! Probably even if we add the monthly sales figures of all the other commuter bikes, they may not equal the Splendor monthly sales! It averages roughly 250k units a month. Even assuming Hero Motors make only Rs 5k per unit, imagine the revenues! It will be larger than that of some car companies I could name! So they wisely leave it alone!

My Splendor is currently in it's 24th year, with 180k km on the odo. I am able to constantly rejuvenate the bike because the model remains current and I am able to get all the spares easily. Except that current model is FI with alloy wheels and mine is carb with spoke wheels, there is not much difference. It still runs smooth and returns 62 kmpl. It may just be 100cc, but has very nice torque to pull two people effortlessly at city speeds. When I drive my car to other towns, I even see people doing the same run by Splendors, and have timed them doing 70 kph with a pillion.

I paid 49k for mine in Feb 2000. Till a few years ago it was still selling only for about 70-75k on the road, till FI became compulsory.