Hero Splendor Pro Classic Review
Bike Tested: 2014 Hero Splendor Pro Classic
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 55,460/-
The new Hero Splendor Pro Classic is by far the most stunning looking commuter motorcycle in the history of two-wheelers
Every single time, here at MotorBeam, we feel honoured to review the iconic Splendor in its brand new avatars. Hero is on a roll and comes with new ideas and the ideas which literally excite people or make some people’s face gloomy. Not the case here. Every single person who saw the Splendor Pro Classic since the Auto Expo has had a huge grin on his face. Despite it having the famous “97.2” cc engine and is yet another Splendor in disguise, nobody seems to be complaining about it one bit. After the massive success of the Royal Enfield Continental GT, Hero may have thought that we have iconic brands like the Bullet then why not use it as well. Result is a motorcycle which is worth a million dollars just for its styling. We are the first to see how it looks in flesh on our roads and hop onto it for a ride to find out what it actually is.
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Aesthetics come straight from the books of motorcycle history as it looks retro
Styling – Put this bike in front of girls who like bikes in the right color (red) and they are bound to say “awww”. The Pro Classic is the most cute motorcycle every witnessed. The first words which came from our side when we saw the motorcycle was that the bike looks like a total sweetie. The Splendor is always considered a small purposeful motorcycle and in this avatar it looks the very best. But if we talk technically, we can see the reminiscence of the Yamaha RX100 in the fuel tank. The fuel tank is not boxy like the RX100 and is a curvy unit and that is the only thing which differentiates it. Tail piece needless to say is like a cowl directly lifted of a cafe racer and slapped on to this motorcycle. The seats also look great and are well molded and put together. The retro indicators, tail light and headlight are just done so right that we can’t take our eyes of the motorcycle. It would have been great if the exhaust design would have been different too. The only sore thing we could find is the skinny rear tyre which isn’t cafe racer-ish but can’t help it as this is a 100cc commuter motorcycle.
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A classy job when it comes to the cluster as well as chosen fonts and clocks
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The meters have been well done with beautiful choices of font used and perfectly chosen chrome ringed clocks for the job. The Splendor Pro logo in between is attention to detail that pleases you instantly. Rev counter instead of fuel economy on this particular Splendor would have been a great idea and would have been totally different like how the motorcycle is in terms of design. The Splendor Pro now comes with a side stand warning indicator and the usual tell tale lights which include the solitary turn indicator which is another job well done by Hero designers. Switchgear remains the same Honda unit and has every button on the left side while the start button is the only thing on the right side.
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Not completely dedicated with front-set pegs aiding in a comfortable riding position
Ergonomics – The seating position of the Splendor Pro Classic is not the same anymore. The position is not upright as the handlebars are placed lower but fall to hand easily. Meanwhile, the foot pegs remain front set and is the only spoilsport in the package as rearsets would have suited this bike endlessly. The foot peg positing is the reason why the Splendor Pro Classic remains a comfortable motorcycle but not as much as its upright handlebar equipped brothers. The U-shaped handlebar looks cool and gives the cafe racer feel which easily replaces clip-ons without anything to complain about. The rear view mirrors give an excellent view of what is behind. The seat cushioning is excellent but this time it is strictly a single seater or may be two slim adults can tuck in. We will leave this part for some time later or after going to a country side.
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With more grunt from the engine and similar economy, the Splendor lives up to its name
The Splendor has that little extra grunt it always needed which it gets in the right avatar too
Performance – Powering the Splendor Pro Classic is the same 97.2cc under-square mill which belts out 8.36 BHP of power at 8000 RPM and 8.4 Nm of torque at 5000 RPM. These numbers are higher than the normal Splendor by a minute margin but making that power in the higher end of the rev band has made the Splendor even more peppier to ride when compared to the iSmart. The engine is smooth and refined but being a Honda motor, the minuscule vibrations start around the torque band after which there are no vibrations. The mill has very good low and mid-end punch and pulls strongly with power trailing off after maxing out at 90 km/hr. The gearing is taller and gives you a good mid and top-end punch while also giving stress free ride-ability in the city. The gearbox has 4-speeds which is a smooth and precise unit as always.
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As always the Splendor remains a fun to ride tiny motorcycle but with more grunt now
Riding Dynamics – The Splendor Pro Classic also comes with the same double-cradle frame and stiff suspension on both ends, the bike’s ride quality as always is splendid without compromising on dynamics. Manoeuvrability is good thanks to tiny dimensions and peppy motor helping it cut traffic briskly. The dimensions help in dynamics too and the well damped suspension makes it fun to ride or let’s say easy to ride it to the limit. The Splendor Pro Classic has very good high speed stability and takes sweepers with confidence too. Braking is not so good at the front with the lack of a disc brake. Rear brakes as always do most of the job and are very well calibrated for this motorcycle. Tyres are good too and they give good confidence while riding enthusiastically and providing sufficient grip on broken roads.
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Without a doubt the Splendor will attack the heart and the mind of prospective buyers
Verdict – Most probably you can imagine by know that we are seriously impressed with the Splendor Pro Classic. The major aspect of the motorcycle is the totally awesome styling and let’s not forget that is a proven product over time and has a cult following which keeps Hero’s cash registers ringing all the time. Another model in the portfolio could have been the same old thing what Hero has been doing with the Splendor line-up but the Pro Classic takes things to a whole new level. The Splendor is already a classic motorcycle in disguise but in this new set of clothes, the Pro Classic has become more of a fashion statement which has the right balance of retro and modern and we for that, absolutely adore it.
The Hero Splendor Pro Classic is a win-win situation on many ends. The pure retro styling coupled with India’s favorite commuter motorcycle and with Hero MotoCorp backing it, the Splendor Pro Classic is a classic case of one arrow hitting many targets.
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The Pro Classic’s engine is more powerful than the regular Splendor but only just
What’s Cool
* Superb retro styling
* More punchy engine
* Value for money
What’s Not So Cool
* Lack of main stand
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Hero has used its iconic bike very well which will make it last many more decades
Hero Splendor Pro Classic Specifications
* Engine: 97.2cc, OHC, air-cooled
* Power: 8.36 HP @ 8000 RPM
* Torque: 8.05 Nm @ 5000 RPM
* Transmission: 4-speed
* 0 – 60 km/hr: 10 seconds
* Top Speed: 90 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 60-65 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Tubular double cradle
* Suspension: Telescopic forks (Front), Twin shock (Rear)
* Tyres: 2.75/18 (Front), 2.75/18 (Rear)
* Brakes: 130 mm Drum (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear)
Hero Splendor Pro Classic Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 1935 mm x 720 mm x 1020 mm
* Wheelbase: 1230 mm
* Ground Clearance: 180 mm
* Seat Height: 785 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 11-litres
* Kerb weight: 109 kgs
Picture Editing – Sri Manikanta Achanta
