KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Super Splendor was first launched in 2005
- The facelifted model made its debut in 2020
- It serves as a no-nonsense alternative to the Glamour, Xtreme 125R, and other performance-commuters
To those who were looking for the Splendor's qualities in a bigger package, Hero MotoCorp decided to grant their wishes back in 2005. Thus, the Hero Super Splendor was born, which has gone on to be quite successful for the Indian bikemaker since then, without really cannibalizing its smaller sibling.
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Hero Super Splendor Old Vs New: Design
The Super Splendor first appeared in 2005, and retained its core design for a long time. However, Hero kept giving it new paint schemes consistently and eventually got rid of spoke rims in favour of alloys.
The rectangular headlamp adorned by the bikini fairing, along with the shape of the fuel tank and the body panels made it look like a grown-up version of the Splendor. The Super Splendor also received a similar 4-speed gearbox with an all-down pattern for a long time. This design carried on for years until 2020, when it got its first serious redesign.
The current-gen Super Splendor gets a redesigned front fairing and a new all-LED headlamp with an H-pattern for the DRL, along with a redesigned fuel tank and body panels that are now smoother and receive a cleaner design. The tail light is also a new LED unit as well.
Also read: Hero Destini 125 Old Vs New: What's New On Offer?
Hero Super Splendor Old Vs New: Engine and Hardware
The Super Splendor has always been powered by a 124.7cc mill that has been tweaked continuously. Owing to Hero and Honda's split, this engine was replaced by Hero's in-house developed unit in 2018. This unit also displaces 124.7cc and it continues to power the current Super Splendor.
In its current guise, this mill puts out 10.7bhp and 10.6Nm of torque, while paired to a 5-speed gearbox with a conventional heel-and-toe shifter with a one-down-four-up pattern. This is a huge departure from the older Super Splendors which had the all-down gearshift pattern. Also, the older bike had a four-speed gearbox that was also shared with the Glamour (ring any bells? It still exists!)
In terms of hardware, not much has changed, as it continues with telescopic forks and five-step adjustable hydraulic twin-shocks at the rear. However, the Super Splendor has grown in size; at 2042mm, the current model is longer than its predecessor by 47mm, and it also gets a 1273mm wheelbase, which is 8mm longer. The seat height has also gone up from 785mm to 799mm, which should still make it fairly accessible for riders of most body types.
The Super Splendor also makes use of a 240mm disc brake at the front, along with a 130mm at the rear.
Also read: Bajaj Pulsar N160: A Detailed Comparison Old Vs New, Whats Changed?
Hero Super Splendor Old Vs New: Features
The Super Splendor belongs to a segment that focuses more on lower riding costs and fuel efficiency, and as such, one shall not expect a horde of features to be offered. The old Super Splendor made do with just analogue dials with a speedo, a fuel gauge, and tell-tale light. Over the years, it did receive a side-stand indicator and an automatic headlight but that was about it.
The current Super Splendor gets a semi-digital cluster showcasing the relevant information, along a USB charging socket and side-stand engine cut-off.
The XTEC variant further adds on a bluetooth-enabled digital cluster with call and SMS alerts, along with a start/stop system, and glide-through technology as well.
Verdict
The Hero Super Splendor may retains the original Splendor's qualities, but in a bigger package for those who want a little extra power. If you are looking for a no-nonsense commuter and can live without a few extra frills offered by the likes of the Raider and the Xtreme 125R, the Super Splendor should be on your list.
