Let’s see how the commuters fare against each other, on paper
Hero Motocorp surprised us by launching an updated version of India’s best selling bike: the Hero Splendor Plus. It is now loaded to the T with several segment-first features and comes at a delicious price tag. So with so much on offer, how does the bike fare against its commuter rivals, the TVS Radeon and Bajaj Platina 100, on paper? Let’s find out:
Engine:
| Specifications | Hero Splendor Plus Xtec | TVS Radeon | Bajaj Platina 100 |
| Engine | 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve engine | 109cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve engine | 102cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve engine |
| Power | 8PS @ 8000rpm | 8.19PS @ 7350rpm | 7.9PS @ 7500rpm |
| Torque | 8.05Nm @ 6000rpm | 8.7Nm @ 4500rpm | 8.3Nm @ 5500rpm |
| Gearbox | 4-speed | 4-speed | 4-speed |
Despite having the smallest engine, the Splendor Plus is more powerful than the Platina 100, just about. That said, the Platina has 0.25Nm more torque on offer. While it might seem unfair to compare the 100cc bikes to the 110cc Radeon, there are hardly any 100cc bikes left in the first place. TVS’ most popular commuter happens to be the Radeon and hence, choosing it for this battle made sense. So, obviously it was going to trump in this regard. The crucial bit here, though, is that the Radeon’s torque advantage isn’t as much and hence, it might just be quite close to the two when it comes to effortless city riding.
Underpinnings:
Specifications
Hero Splendor Plus Xtec
TVS Radeon
Bajaj Platina 100
Front suspension
Telescopic fork
Telescopic fork
Telescopic fork
Rear suspension
5-step adjustable Dual shock absorbers
5-step adjustable Dual shock absorbers
Dual shock absorbers
Front brake
130mm Drum brake
130mm Drum brake (standard edition)
240mm Disc brake (COTY edition)
130mm Drum brake
Rear brake
130mm Drum brake
110mm Drum brake
110mm Drum brake
Front wheel
2.75-18
2.75-18
2.75-17
Rear wheel
2.75-18
3.00-18,
3.00-17
There’s not much to choose here between the trio, the Radeon just edging the other two as it has the option for a front disc brake. Extra safety never goes amiss.
The 17-inch tyres on the Platina 100 against the other two bikes’ 18-inch ones should make the bike a bit more lighter to steer in the city, especially when you want to avoid those nasty potholes or road hazards that you often spot at the last moment.
What is notable is the fact that both the Splendor and Radeon get tubeless tyres, which should improve the puncture resistance when compared to the Platina 100’s tube tyres.
Dimensions:
| Specifications | Hero Splendor Plus Xtec | TVS Radeon | Bajaj Platina 100 |
| Wheelbase | 1235mm | 1265mm | 1255mm |
| Ground clearance | 165mm | 180mm | 200mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 9.6-litre | 10-litre | 11-litre |
| Seat height | 799mm | N/A | 807mm |
| Kerb weight | 110kg (kick)112kg (self) | 116kg (drum)118kg (disc) | 117kg |
Hands down, the Splendor Plus has the edge here as it is compact, easy to hop on to and is significantly lighter than the other two. Coupled with the 18-inch wheels, Hero has managed to achieve a fine balance to create a light and zippy commuter.
The one number that stands out on the Platina’s spec sheet is its ADV-rivalling 200mm ground clearance. No surprises then that it is quite a hit in semi-urban and rural India.
Features
| Hero Splendor Plus Xtec | TVS Radeon | Bajaj Platina 100 | |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | Yes | No | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | No | No |
| Navigation | No | No | No |
The Splendor Plus in its latest variant comes loaded with features. It has an all-digital display with Bluetooth connectivity that provides incoming and missed call alerts, message alerts, two trip meters, real time mileage indicator and low fuel indicator. It also gets an integrated USB charging port.
Both the other bikes make do with analogue instrument clusters which show the basic data.
Price & Verdict
| Hero Splendor Plus Xtec | TVS Radeon | Bajaj Platina 100 |
| Rs 72,900 | Rs 59,925- Rs 74,966 | Rs 61,152 |
(allprices ex-showroom Delhi)
The Splendor name holds great value in the Indian motorcycle space and adding these modern touches certainly makes it feel more appealing. It does come in at a great premium over the Platina but that’s partly to do with the legacy of the bike and partly to do with the new goodies that you get. However, for the price of the Splendor, you could get the Radeon that has a bit more displacement, just as much fuel efficiency, a few less features and most importantly, a front disc brake to save your bottom in panic braking situations.
