Few motorcycles have shaped India’s mobility landscape quite like the Hero Splendor. For decades, this modest commuter has served as the default two-wheeled transportation for millions, becoming so ubiquitous that it practically fades into the background of daily life. The introduction of the Splendor 135 variant represented a significant evolution for this established nameplate, offering enhanced performance without abandoning the fundamental reliability and efficiency that built its reputation. Having spent considerable time with this particular model across various riding conditions, I’ve developed an appreciation for both its practical virtues and its limitations.

Beyond the Familiar Blueprint

The Splendor 135 built upon the proven foundation of its smaller siblings while introducing meaningful enhancements appropriate for evolving market expectations. The increased displacement—moving from the standard 100-110cc range to 135cc—represented more than mere numbers on a specification sheet. The additional capacity translated to approximately 10.6 horsepower and 11 Nm of torque, figures that might seem modest by performance-oriented standards but delivered a noticeable improvement in real-world usability compared to the standard variants.

This power increase manifested most noticeably during two specific scenarios: hill climbing and passenger carrying. Where the standard Splendor might require downshifting and higher engine speeds to maintain momentum on inclines, the 135 variant maintains composure with less dramatic gear selection. Similarly, with a pillion passenger aboard, the additional torque reserves provide adequate acceleration without the labored feeling that sometimes characterizes smaller-displacement options under similar loads.

The four-speed gearbox carried over from other Splendor models, though with revised ratios to accommodate the different power delivery characteristics. The shift action remained classic Splendor—not particularly precise by modern standards, but reliable and predictable once familiar with its character. The relatively wide spacing between ratios suits the engine’s flexible nature, allowing riders to remain in a single gear across varying traffic conditions rather than constantly shifting.

Ride Quality: Pragmatic Comfort

Suspension components followed evolutionary rather than revolutionary principles. The telescopic front fork offered adequate wheel control over typical road imperfections, though larger impacts could overwhelm its relatively basic damping capabilities. The twin rear shock absorbers provided similar competence within their design limitations, offering reasonable comfort during normal riding while occasionally reaching their travel limits over particularly severe bumps when carrying a passenger.

The riding position epitomized the upright commuter archetype, with a neutral relationship between seat, footpegs, and handlebars that accommodated riders of varied physical dimensions without forcing unnatural postures. The moderate seat height—approximately 785mm—allowed most adults to place both feet firmly on the ground at stops, instilling confidence particularly for newer riders transitioning from smaller vehicles.

This approachable ergonomic package encouraged a relaxed riding style well-suited to the motorcycle’s intended usage pattern. While not designed for long-distance touring, the arrangement proved surprisingly accommodating during extended rides, with fatigue developing much later than one might expect from a motorcycle in this category. The seat offered adequate support for journeys of 1-2 hours before discomfort became noticeable.

Efficiency: The Enduring Virtue

Despite the increased displacement, fuel efficiency remained a defining characteristic, though naturally trailing the smaller variants by a modest margin. Real-world consumption typically ranged from 55-60 kilometers per liter depending on riding conditions and style—representing approximately 10-15% lower efficiency than the standard Splendor but still remarkably economical by broader motorcycle standards.

This efficiency derived from several factors beyond mere displacement. The long-stroke engine architecture prioritized torque production over high-RPM horsepower, keeping the engine spinning at relatively relaxed speeds during typical usage. The conservative tuning emphasized durability and consistency rather than extracting every possible performance fraction at the expense of consumption. The relatively tall gearing allowed highway cruising at lower engine speeds than some competitors requiring higher revs to maintain similar velocities.

The 12-liter fuel tank provided a theoretical range exceeding 650 kilometers between refills—though practical usage typically necessitated refueling around the 500-550 kilometer mark as riders understandably preferred avoiding running completely empty. This extended range proved particularly valuable in regions with limited fueling infrastructure, where the ability to bypass marginal stations provided meaningful convenience.

Durability: The Unsung Hero

Perhaps the least quantifiable yet most significant aspect of the Splendor experience centered around its renowned durability. The 135 variant maintained this family characteristic despite the performance increases, utilizing proven metallurgy and conservative engineering tolerances throughout the powertrain. The air-cooled engine’s simplicity eliminated potential failure points associated with liquid cooling systems, while the straightforward valve train arrangement minimized adjustment requirements compared to more complex designs.

This fundamental robustness translated to remarkable longevity under conditions that would accelerate wear in more highly-strung alternatives. The engine architecture handled occasional maintenance neglect with stoic resilience, continuing to perform adequately even when service intervals stretched beyond recommendations. The electrical system demonstrated similar tolerance for real-world conditions, with components sized appropriately for the demands placed upon them rather than operating at their maximum theoretical capacity.

Maintenance requirements reflected this durability-focused engineering. Oil changes at 3,000-kilometer intervals represented the primary regular service point, with valve adjustments typically required only around 12,000 kilometers unless operational symptoms suggested earlier attention. The carburetor occasionally required cleaning in regions with questionable fuel quality, though the design provided reasonable accessibility for this procedure.

Braking: Adequate If Unexceptional

Braking capabilities represented perhaps the area most clearly reflecting the motorcycle’s commuter-focused design brief. The drum brakes front and rear delivered adequate stopping power for typical usage scenarios but required significant lever pressure for maximum deceleration. Wet weather performance demonstrated expected limitations, with noticeably extended stopping distances requiring adjusted riding styles during monsoon conditions.

Later production examples incorporated the option of a front disc brake, which delivered welcome improvements in both outright stopping power and modulation capability. This upgrade represented one of the more meaningful evolutionary changes to the platform, addressing a limitation increasingly apparent as average traffic speeds rose in developing urban environments.

Market Position: Calculated Progression

The Splendor 135 occupied an interesting position within Hero’s lineup and the broader motorcycle market. It provided a logical upgrade path for existing Splendor owners seeking additional performance without venturing into unfamiliar territory with different maintenance requirements or handling characteristics. This progression strategy allowed Hero to retain customer loyalty through multiple purchase cycles—a significant consideration in markets where brand familiarity heavily influences buying decisions.

Competition came primarily from other domestic manufacturers like Bajaj and TVS, whose similarly-positioned offerings emphasized different aspects of the commuter experience. Where the Splendor prioritized proven reliability and efficiency, some alternatives offered more contemporary styling or feature content. The market ultimately supported multiple approaches, with different consumer priorities driving varied preferences rather than any objectively “best” option.

Conclusion: Measured Evolution of a Proven Formula

The Splendor 135 ultimately succeeded by respecting the core values that established the nameplate’s reputation while incorporating thoughtful enhancements that addressed evolving expectations. It never pretended to be anything other than a pragmatic transportation tool focused on reliability, efficiency, and accessibility. Within these parameters, it delivered a thoroughly competent package that served its intended purpose with minimal drama—perhaps the highest praise possible for a vehicle designed primarily as practical transportation rather than aspirational acquisition.