The 2025 Splendor 125 maintains the recognizable silhouette that has become iconic on roads across India and beyond. However, Hero’s design team has introduced subtle refinements that give the new model a more contemporary appearance without alienating its loyal customer base. The bodywork features cleaner lines and more cohesive panel integration, while the iconic fuel tank shape has been preserved with minor tweaks to improve ergonomics.
The lighting system has received a comprehensive upgrade, with full LED headlights, taillights, and indicators becoming standard across all variants. This not only enhances visibility and safety but also contributes to the bike’s modern aesthetic. The instrument cluster has evolved from the traditional analog setup to a semi-digital arrangement that provides essential information at a glance while maintaining intuitive usability.
Available in eight colorways—including the classic Hero red, vibrant blue, understated black, and a new eco-themed green option—the 2025 Splendor 125 offers personalization options while maintaining its recognizable presence. The paint quality has notably improved, with a deeper gloss finish that enhances the bike’s visual appeal and promises better longevity in harsh weather conditions.
Hero Splendor 125 Engine and Performance
At the heart of the 2025 Splendor 125 lies an all-new single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that displaces 124.7cc. This power plant has been developed with a focus on thermal efficiency, emissions reduction, and smooth power delivery rather than outright performance. The result is an engine that produces 11.5 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 10.5 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm—modest figures by sports bike standards but a meaningful increase over previous Splendor models.
The engine incorporates Hero’s latest i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology, which has been refined for 2025 to operate more seamlessly. This system automatically shuts off the engine when idling for more than ten seconds and restarts it instantly when the clutch is engaged, reducing fuel consumption and emissions during urban commutes with frequent stops.
Perhaps the most significant technical innovation is the implementation of a new combustion chamber design that Hero calls “Advanced Tumble Flow.” This technology creates an optimized air-fuel mixture through carefully engineered intake ports and combustion chamber geometry, resulting in more complete combustion. The practical benefits include a claimed 15% improvement in fuel efficiency over the previous generation Splendor, with economy figures now reaching an impressive 75-80 kilometers per liter under ideal conditions.
Transmission duties are handled by a refined five-speed gearbox—adding an extra gear over the traditional four-speed unit found in earlier models. This additional ratio allows for better highway cruising capabilities without sacrificing low-speed tractability in urban environments. The clutch action has been lightened considerably, addressing a common pain point for riders who navigate congested city traffic daily.
Hero Splendor 125 Chassis and Riding Experience
The 2025 Splendor 125 is built around an updated tubular steel frame that strikes an excellent balance between rigidity and weight. At 115 kg (wet weight), the bike remains light and manageable for riders of all experience levels while providing sufficient stability at higher speeds—an important consideration given the increased power output.
Suspension components have seen significant upgrades, with the front telescopic forks now featuring 30mm tubes with increased travel and improved damping characteristics. The rear continues to use twin shock absorbers, but these have been recalibrated with progressive springs that provide a more controlled ride over varied surfaces. The suspension setup prioritizes comfort over sportiness, as befits the Splendor’s commuter-focused mission, but the increased sophistication is immediately noticeable when encountering potholes or rough patches.
Braking performance has been enhanced with the standard inclusion of a 240mm front disc brake across all variants, complemented by a 130mm rear drum. This setup provides confident stopping power while keeping costs and maintenance requirements reasonable. The Combi-Braking System (CBS) has been refined to provide more intuitive and balanced braking when only the rear brake is applied—a common scenario for many riders in everyday situations.
The riding position remains upright and neutral, with minor adjustments to the handlebar position and seat contour to accommodate a wider range of rider physiques comfortably. The seat height of 785mm strikes a good balance between accessibility for shorter riders and adequate leg room for taller individuals. The seat itself has been redesigned with higher quality foam that resists compression over time, addressing a common complaint about the previous generation.
Hero Splendor 125 Technology Integration
While the Splendor 125 doesn’t aim to compete with premium models in terms of technological features, Hero has thoughtfully integrated several modern conveniences that enhance the ownership experience without adding unnecessary complexity or cost.
The semi-digital instrument cluster provides essential information including speed, fuel level, gear position indicator, and service reminders. A small LCD panel also displays real-time fuel efficiency, average fuel consumption, and range estimation—practical data that helps riders optimize their fuel economy.
All variants come equipped with USB-C charging ports, allowing riders to keep their mobile devices charged during commutes. The top-tier variant adds Bluetooth connectivity that enables turn-by-turn navigation prompts on the instrument display when paired with Hero’s companion smartphone app.
The ignition system now incorporates a proximity-based smart key function that enables keyless operation within a specific range. This system also includes an immobilizer function that enhances security—an important consideration for many commuters who park in public spaces.
Hero Splendor 125 Environmental Considerations
Perhaps the most forward-thinking aspect of the 2025 Splendor 125 is its compliance with future emission standards. The motorcycle comfortably exceeds the requirements of BS7 (Bharat Stage 7) emission norms expected to be implemented in India by 2026, positioning it as a future-proof choice for consumers concerned about potential regulatory changes.
This environmental focus extends beyond emissions to the manufacturing process itself. Hero MotoCorp has committed to using recycled and sustainable materials throughout the bike where feasible. The plastics used in the bodywork contain up to 30% recycled content, while the packaging materials are entirely biodegradable—small but meaningful steps toward reducing the environmental impact of mass-produced vehicles.
Hero Splendor 125 Market Positioning and Value Proposition
With a starting price of approximately ₹85,000 (ex-showroom) for the base variant, the 2025 Splendor 125 maintains its position as an accessible option for its target demographic while offering tangible improvements over both its predecessors and similarly priced competitors. The premium variant with additional features commands approximately ₹95,000—still comfortably within reach of its core market.
The value proposition extends beyond the initial purchase price to the total cost of ownership, where the Splendor has traditionally excelled. The improved fuel efficiency directly translates to cost savings over time, while the legendary reliability promises minimal maintenance expenses. Hero’s extensive service network—the largest in India—ensures that parts and qualified technicians are readily available even in remote areas, further enhancing the ownership experience.
Hero Splendor 125
The 2025 Hero Splendor 125 represents a thoughtful evolution of one of the most successful motorcycle models in history. By addressing key areas for improvement while maintaining the core attributes that made the Splendor a household name, Hero MotoCorp has created a motorcycle that respects its heritage while embracing the future.
In a market increasingly focused on flashy features and status symbolism, the Splendor 125 stands as a reminder that fundamental virtues—reliability, efficiency, and practicality—remain paramount for millions of riders whose motorcycles are essential tools rather than lifestyle accessories. The modest displacement increase and carefully selected technological enhancements add genuine value to the everyday riding experience without sacrificing the model’s accessibility or simplicity of ownership.