Hero has quietly done what Hero does best refined the formula that already works. The 2026 Hero Splendor Plus doesn’t scream for attention, but it doesn’t need to. The country’s best-selling commuter just got a mild, meaningful refresh, and for millions of daily riders, that’s big news.
A Familiar Face With Fresh Paint
Walk up to the 2026 Splendor Plus and you’ll notice something subtle—Hero hasn’t reinvented anything here. Instead, it feels like they’ve polished a well-loved gem. The silhouette remains classic: simple lines, upright ergonomics, no-nonsense proportions. That’s Splendor, as dependable as your neighborhood chai guy. But Hero’s added a new color scheme and cleaner, sharper graphics.
That’s always been the Splendor aesthetic—don’t fix what’s not broken, just make it a little nicer every year. This time, the updates lend the bike a slightly more urban vibe, something commuters in Tier 1 cities will appreciate without alienating riders in smaller towns.
The Trusted 97.2cc Engine Gets Smoother
Underneath the refreshed styling sits the same 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine—the same heart that’s powered the Splendor legacy for over 25 years. But here’s the kicker: Hero’s engineers have fine-tuned it once again. The changes are subtle but purposeful—smoother throttle response and reduced vibrations, especially in stop-go traffic.
Anyone who’s spent hours weaving through congested roads knows how much smoother engine behavior can improve the riding experience. This engine isn’t trying to win drag races; it’s here to survive daily grinds with grace.
Quick Look at the Key Specs
| Specification | 2026 Hero Splendor Plus |
|---|---|
| Engine | 97.2cc air-cooled, Fuel-Injected |
| Power | ~7.9 PS (expected) |
| Torque | ~8.05 Nm (expected) |
| Mileage | 70–80 kmpl (estimated) |
| Braking | Drum brakes with CBS |
| Weight | Lightweight commuter frame |
| Expected Price | ₹75,000–₹80,000 (ex-showroom) |
| Launch Timeline | 2026 |
Mileage: Still the Kingmaker
Let’s be honest—Splendor’s kingdom wasn’t built on top speed or riding thrills. It was built on mileage. And in 2026, it still wears that crown. Hero insiders say the new model should deliver between 70 to 80 kmpl, depending on city traffic, rider behavior, and fuel quality.
With rising fuel costs, this kind of efficiency is gold. While some 110cc and 125cc commuters have started sacrificing mileage for tech or power, the Splendor sticks to its roots—and that’s exactly why it’s still the country’s go-to budget commuter.
Small Comfort Upgrades That Matter on Real Roads
Hero hasn’t tried to impress influencers here. They’ve listened to real feedback from real riders. The seat’s been re-padded—something that long-distance commuters and older riders will immediately notice. The suspension, already forgiving, now feels even more compliant on broken roads.
The analog instrument cluster stays, but now has better markings and a cleaner layout. Think less ‘vintage’ and more ‘functional’. No flashy TFTs or Bluetooth gimmicks—just clarity, day or night.
If you’ve ridden over a flyover with expansion joints or hit a surprise pothole at 30 km/h, you’ll appreciate what these comfort tweaks actually mean.
Handling That Welcomes Every Rider
The Splendor Plus has always had this welcoming quality. It doesn’t intimidate. It doesn’t feel heavy. New riders trust it; experienced ones respect it. The 2026 version continues that tradition with its lightweight chassis, predictable clutch, and smooth gearbox.
Whether it’s a college kid buying their first bike or a middle-aged teacher upgrading from a 10-year-old model, the Splendor Plus is easy to get comfortable with. And let’s not forget—it’s got one of the lowest seat heights in the category, making it super accessible across age groups and body types.
Braking That Suits City Chaos
Hero has retained the drum brakes with CBS (Combi Braking System). Now, while that might not sound exciting in a world where disc brakes dominate spec sheets, it actually makes sense here.
Drum brakes are low-maintenance and cost-effective—perfect for India’s unpredictable road conditions. CBS helps balance the braking between the front and rear, giving more confident stops during sudden swerves, lane merges, or surprise auto-rickshaw U-turns.
Is it enough for a bike with 8 PS of power? Yes. Would a front disc be nice on top variants? Maybe. But this setup works, and that’s what Hero’s betting on.
Pricing and Launch Timeline
Hero MotoCorp hasn’t officially revealed the launch date yet, but early dealer circles are hinting at a mid-2026 rollout. Pricing is expected to land between ₹75,000 and ₹80,000 (ex-showroom), keeping it firmly in the sweet spot for the working-class buyer.
In fact, given inflation and rising cost of ownership across two-wheeler segments, Hero keeping the Splendor within this range is itself a win. Financing remains easy, resale is strong, and spares are literally available in every small town and big city.
The Bigger Picture
In the era of flashy launches, all-digital clusters, and streetfighter names, it’s easy to underestimate a bike like the Splendor Plus. But that’s a mistake.
This isn’t just a two-wheeler—it’s a lifeline for many. A milkman’s delivery partner, a student’s college ride, a shop owner’s daily runner, or a government employee’s long-standing steed. The 2026 update keeps that legacy going, with tweaks that make it more livable without pushing up costs or overcomplicating a proven formula.
And perhaps that’s Hero’s real strength—they know their audience, and they respect the trust that millions of Indians have placed in this machine.
Conclusion
The 2026 Hero Splendor Plus stays true to its roots—reliable, fuel-efficient, easy to ride—while adding just enough polish to feel modern. The smoother engine tuning, better seat, updated graphics, and refined suspension aren’t headline grabbers, but they’re exactly what real riders want.
If you’re looking for a commuter motorcycle that stretches every litre, handles city punishment, and carries the quiet confidence of a bike that has served India for decades, this refreshed Splendor Plus is a smart, sensible pick.
FAQs
The new model is expected to deliver 70–80 kmpl, depending on riding conditions.
It uses the same 97.2cc engine but with improved refinement, reduced vibrations, and smoother throttle response.
Hero is likely to price it between ₹75,000 and ₹80,000 (ex-showroom).
Updated graphics, improved instrument cluster, better seat cushioning, and refined suspension are the key upgrades.
No, the 2026 Splendor Plus continues with drum brakes and CBS for smoother city braking.
