Hero Splendor 125 – The Upcoming Sports-Style Splendor
When we talk about motorcycles in India, the first name that comes to mind is Hero Splendor. For more than two decades, Splendor has been the most trusted bike for Indian families, youngsters, and office-going people. The reason is simple: it is reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable. Splendor is not just a bike; it is a part of Indian culture. Even today, lakhs of people buy it every year, and its craze has not reduced at all.
Now, Hero MotoCorp is planning to give the Splendor a completely new look and identity. The company is preparing to launch a new variant called Splendor 125. This bike will be different from the normal Splendor because it will carry a sports-inspired design. Many experts are saying that the design looks similar to premium bikes like the Honda CB350, which is a big compliment.
The most exciting thing is that this new Splendor will not be just about looks. It will also be more powerful. While the old Splendor bikes were available in 97cc or 110cc options, the new Splendor 125 will come with a 125cc engine producing almost 13 bhp power. This makes it much stronger and faster than the regular Splendor.
According to early reports, the bike will most likely be launched in November 2026. The price has not been revealed yet, but looking at Hero’s market strategy, it is expected to be affordable compared to other sporty commuter bikes in India.
Hero has not confirmed all details officially, but the Splendor 125 will most likely share its specifications with the Hero Xtreme 125R, which was already launched earlier. So, let us look at the expected specifications and features of this upcoming bike and understand why it could be another success story for Hero MotoCorp.
1. Engine and Performance
The upcoming Hero Splendor 125 is expected to come with a 124.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This engine produces around 11.4 bhp of power at 8,250 rpm and 10.5 Nm torque at 6,000 rpm.
In simple words, this engine will make the bike much more powerful compared to the regular Splendor. Riders will be able to enjoy quicker acceleration, better speed, and more confidence while overtaking vehicles. At the same time, Hero is known for making engines that are refined and fuel-efficient, so you can expect smooth rides with low vibrations.
This balance of performance and comfort is one of the biggest reasons why the Splendor 125 will attract both young riders and office-going adults.
2. Gearbox and Transmission
The bike is expected to come with a 5-speed gearbox. This is an upgrade compared to the normal Splendor, which usually has a 4-speed gearbox.
Why is this important? A 5-speed gearbox means you can ride at higher speeds with less engine stress. On highways, the engine will run smoothly at 70–80 kmph without feeling overloaded. At the same time, the gears are spaced well for city use, so you can easily ride in traffic without needing too many shifts.
3. Design and Styling
One of the biggest highlights of the new Splendor 125 will be its sports-inspired design. Hero has decided to give it a fresh and modern look that appeals to today’s young generation. The design may include a muscular fuel tank, sharp side panels, LED headlamp, split-style graphics, and a premium finish.
In simple words, this will not look like the traditional Splendor that we are used to. It will have a more aggressive and stylish personality. For youngsters who want their bike to look sporty but still be affordable and fuel-efficient, the Splendor 125 will be a perfect choice.
This design approach shows that Hero is serious about competing not only in the commuter segment but also in the sporty commuter category.
4. Suspension and Comfort
The Splendor 125 will likely come with telescopic front forks and a mono-shock at the rear, just like the Hero Xtreme 125R.
What this means in simple English: the suspension will be soft enough to handle potholes and speed breakers in the city, but also strong enough to give you stability at higher speeds. The mono-shock rear suspension is a modern upgrade compared to twin shock absorbers, and it gives better handling and comfort for both rider and pillion.
This makes the bike more enjoyable for longer rides as well as everyday commuting.
5. Braking System
Safety is very important in modern bikes, and Hero knows this. The Splendor 125 is expected to come with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, with single-channel ABS as standard.
In simple words, ABS makes sure that the wheels do not lock when you brake hard. This gives the rider more control, especially on wet or slippery roads. A front disc brake will provide stronger stopping power, while the rear drum keeps the cost affordable.
For Indian conditions, this braking setup is practical and safe, making it suitable for riders of all ages.
6. Tyres and Wheels
The bike will most likely come with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. Alloy wheels not only look stylish but also reduce the overall weight of the bike. Tubeless tyres are much safer than tube tyres because even if they get punctured, the air leaks slowly, giving you time to reach a repair shop.
The tyres will also be wider compared to the regular Splendor. This means better grip and stability, especially when cornering or riding on highways. It adds to the sporty feel of the motorcycle.
7. Features and Technology
The Splendor 125 will not just be about design and power. It will also have modern features. The bike is expected to come with a fully digital instrument cluster, which may include features like speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, trip meter, and real-time mileage indicator. Some reports also suggest that it could have Bluetooth connectivity for call and message alerts.
LED lighting, modern switchgear, and premium fit-and-finish are also expected. These features make the bike more attractive for young riders who want technology along with style.
MY OPINION
The Hero Splendor 125 is one of the most exciting upcoming bikes in India. Hero has taken the legendary Splendor name and added more power, more style, and modern features to it. The bike is expected to launch in November 2026, and while the price has not been confirmed, it will most likely be competitive and affordable.
With a 125cc powerful engine, 5-speed gearbox, sporty design, advanced suspension, ABS safety, alloy wheels, and digital features, the Splendor 125 is shaping up to be a complete package. It will give riders the comfort and trust of the Splendor, but also the thrill and style of a sporty bike.
This move by Hero MotoCorp shows that they want to keep the Splendor legacy alive while also adapting to the changing needs of Indian riders. If launched at the right price, the Splendor 125 could easily become the next big success in the 125cc segment and continue the dominance of Hero in the Indian motorcycle market.
About the Author
