The Splendor has never been about flashy looks, but the 2025 Splendor Plus 125 brings a welcome visual refresh to the familiar silhouette. Hero has wisely maintained the motorcycle’s recognizable profile – you’ll still immediately identify it as a Splendor from a distance – but has added contemporary elements that bring it firmly into 2025.
The front fascia receives sharper lines, with an angular headlamp housing (still using a halogen bulb rather than LED, unfortunately) flanked by redesigned turn indicators. The fuel tank maintains its classic shape but features bolder graphics and color schemes, including vibrant options like Red, Blue, Black with accents, and a particularly striking Matte Grey. Chrome accents on the headlamp and tank badges add a touch of premium feel without going overboard.
Side panels have been redesigned with more contemporary graphics, while the rear section gets a cleaner look with a slightly raised tail section that improves the overall proportions. The 18-inch alloy wheels (now standard across all variants) feature a modern five-spoke design and come shod with tubeless tires – a practical upgrade that every commuter rider will appreciate.
What impresses most about the design is how Hero has walked the fine line between modernization and maintaining the bike’s identity. Nothing feels excessive or out of place – every change serves a purpose without alienating the loyal customer base. The build quality feels solid, with tight panel gaps and a sturdy feel that suggests this bike will handle years of tough use, just like its predecessors.
Hero Splendor Plus 125 Bike 2025 Engine and Performance
The most significant change in the 2025 iteration is right in the name – the step up to a 125cc powerplant. The air-cooled, single-cylinder engine produces approximately 10.7 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 10.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm – modest figures on paper but perfectly suited to the bike’s intended purpose.
Starting up reveals a familiar gentle purr that Splendor owners will recognize, though the 125cc unit has a slightly deeper note. Clutch action is light – a boon for city traffic – and the five-speed gearbox (up from the four-speed in the 100cc version) shifts with a precise, if somewhat notchy, action. First-time riders won’t struggle with finding neutral, which sits positively between first and second gears.
In urban settings, the bike pulls cleanly from low revs, with meaningful torque available from around 3,000 rpm. There’s no need to work the gearbox aggressively in stop-and-go traffic – the engine’s flexible nature allows you to stay in third or fourth gear at city speeds. Roll-on acceleration is adequate; overtaking slower vehicles rarely requires a downshift unless you’re already in fifth gear.
Highway performance shows the benefits of the displacement bump. Unlike the 97.2cc Splendor Plus that feels strained above 70 km/h, the 125cc variant cruises comfortably at 80 km/h with enough reserve power for occasional overtakes. Maximum speed tops out around 90-95 km/h, at which point wind resistance and vibrations make it clear you’re pushing beyond the design brief.
The highlight of this powertrain isn’t performance, however – it’s efficiency. Hero claims a phenomenal 90 km/l under ideal conditions, though real-world testing yielded more realistic but still impressive figures:
- City riding with frequent stops: 75-80 km/l
- Highway cruising at 60-70 km/h: 80-85 km/l
- Mixed conditions: 75-78 km/l
With a 10-liter fuel tank, you’re looking at a theoretical range of 750-850 kilometers between fill-ups – an astonishing figure that translates to significant savings for daily commuters. The OBD-2B compliant engine also meets the latest emission standards, making it more environmentally friendly than its predecessors.
Hero’s i3S (idle stop-start system) further enhances efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when idling for more than 10 seconds in neutral gear. A gentle clutch pull restarts the engine instantly – a feature particularly valuable during long waits at traffic signals.
Hero Splendor Plus 125 Bike 2025 Ride and Handling
The Splendor Plus 125 rides on a simple but effective chassis – a tubular diamond frame that prioritizes stability over sportiness. The suspension setup consists of conventional telescopic forks up front and 5-step adjustable twin shock absorbers at the rear, a combination that strikes a good balance between comfort and control.
Urban ride quality is generally plush, with the suspension soaking up typical Indian road imperfections without transmitting harshness to the rider. The somewhat soft setup means larger potholes and speed breakers should be approached with caution, but the 165mm ground clearance (slightly increased from previous versions) helps clear most obstacles without scraping.
At 123kg (kerb weight), the Splendor Plus 125 feels light and manageable, particularly at parking speeds. The 1,280mm wheelbase (slightly longer than the 97.2cc version) enhances stability without compromising maneuverability in tight spaces – a crucial attribute for a bike that will spend much of its life navigating congested city streets.
Handling is predictable rather than exciting, with neutral steering that inspires confidence in new riders. Push harder into corners, and you’ll find the limits of the narrow tires and basic suspension geometry, but within its intended usage parameters, the chassis performs admirably. The tubeless tires (80/100-18 front and 80/100-18 rear) offer decent grip on most surfaces, though wet traction could be better.
Braking duties are handled by 130mm drum brakes front and rear on the base variant, with a 240mm front disc available on higher trim levels. The combined braking system (CBS) provides balanced deceleration even when using only the rear brake – a thoughtful safety feature for less experienced riders. Stopping power is adequate rather than impressive, requiring some planning for emergency situations.
Hero Splendor Plus 125 Bike 2025 Features and Technology
While the Splendor has traditionally been a bare-bones commuter, the 2025 Plus 125 introduces several modern conveniences that enhance the ownership experience without unnecessary complexity.
The instrument cluster follows the semi-digital approach seen in other recent Hero models, with an analog speedometer paired with an informative LCD display showing fuel level, trip meters, real-time fuel efficiency, and service indicators. Higher variants add Bluetooth connectivity that enables call and SMS alerts when paired with a smartphone.
The lighting package includes a conventional halogen headlamp that provides adequate illumination but falls short of LED brightness. Turn signals and taillights also stick with conventional bulbs rather than LEDs, likely a cost-saving measure that most users won’t mind.
Practical features include a USB charging port mounted near the handlebar – a concession to our smartphone-dependent lives – and a side-stand engine cut-off function that prevents riding with the stand down. The aforementioned i3S system adds both convenience and efficiency to daily commuting.
Storage options are limited to a small utility box under the seat, sufficient for documents and small essentials but not much else. The lack of integrated luggage solutions is a missed opportunity, though the rear grab rail accommodates aftermarket carriers easily enough.
Hero Splendor Plus 125 Bike 2025 Comfort and Ergonomics
Rider comfort has always been a Splendor strong suit, and the Plus 125 continues this tradition. The seating position is upright and natural, with a comfortable reach to the wide handlebars and reasonably placed footpegs. The single-piece seat is well-padded and generously sized, offering enough space for both rider and pillion without feeling cramped.
At 799mm, the seat height is accessible for riders of most statures, while the narrow midsection makes it easy to plant both feet firmly on the ground when stopped. During extended rides, the ergonomic setup remains comfortable, with minimal pressure points developing even after several hours in the saddle.
Wind protection is minimal – as expected for a naked commuter – but the riding position doesn’t place undue strain on the wrists or lower back at highway speeds. Vibrations are well controlled up to about 70-75 km/h, after which they become increasingly noticeable through the footpegs and, to a lesser extent, the handlebars.
Pillion accommodation is quite good for a bike in this segment, with a supportive rear seat section and conveniently positioned grab rails. The stepped seat design prevents the passenger from sliding forward during braking, enhancing overall safety and comfort.
Hero Splendor Plus 125 Bike 2025
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Splendor lineup has always been its legendary reliability and low maintenance costs – areas where the Plus 125 seems poised to continue the tradition. While our three-week test period isn’t sufficient to make definitive long-term reliability claims, the engine’s architecture builds on proven designs that have demonstrated exceptional durability over decades.
Hero’s vast service network – the most extensive in India – means maintenance is convenient regardless of location. Scheduled service intervals occur every 3,000 kilometers, with the first three services typically covered under warranty. Consumable parts like engine oil, filters, and brake shoes are affordably priced, keeping running costs manageable.
The simplified mechanical design means many basic maintenance tasks can be performed by owners with limited technical knowledge, though the fuel-injection system of modern Splendors does add some complexity compared to the carbureted versions of yesteryear. Spare parts availability should never be an issue, with genuine components readily available throughout the country.
Hero Splendor Plus 125 Bike 2025 Competition and Value
Priced between ₹82,000 and ₹89,000 (ex-showroom) depending on variant, the Hero Splendor Plus 125 positions itself competitively in the 125cc commuter segment. Primary rivals include the Honda SP 125 (₹89,468), Bajaj Pulsar 125 (₹81,843), and TVS Raider 125 (₹80,848).
Compared to these competitors, the Splendor Plus 125 offers:
- Superior fuel efficiency (75-85 km/l vs 60-70 km/l for most rivals)
- More conservative, universally appealing styling
- The largest service network
- Lower maintenance costs
- Proven long-term reliability
However, it concedes ground in areas like:
- Outright performance (Honda SP 125 produces more power)
- Feature sophistication (TVS Raider offers more advanced tech)
- Sporty appeal (Pulsar 125 has more aggressive styling)
The value proposition ultimately depends on your priorities. For buyers who value efficiency, reliability, and low running costs above all else, the Splendor Plus 125 presents a compelling case. Those seeking more excitement or cutting-edge features might find the competition more appealing.
Hero Splendor Plus 125 Bike 2025
The 2025 Hero Splendor Plus 125 represents a thoughtful evolution of India’s most iconic motorcycle. By increasing displacement while maintaining the core values of efficiency, reliability, and accessibility, Hero has created a motorcycle that respects its heritage while acknowledging changing consumer expectations.
Is it exciting? Not particularly. Revolutionary? Hardly. But that was never the point of the Splendor. Its enduring success stems from doing the basics exceptionally well, and the Plus 125 continues this philosophy with meaningful improvements rather than flashy gimmicks.