The 100cc commuter motorcycle segment is the backbone of India’s two-wheeler market, with immense sales volume and fierce competition. Among them, the Hero Splendor has remained the undisputed leader for decades, helping Hero MotoCorp maintain its dominance. While competitors like Honda and Bajaj have tried to challenge its supremacy, none have managed to dethrone the Splendor.
So, how does the Splendor compare to its closest rivals—the Honda Shine 100 and the Bajaj Platina 100—on paper? Let’s break it down.
Engine and Performance
| Specification | Hero Splendor+ | Honda Shine 100 | Bajaj Platina 100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 97.2cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled | 98.98cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled | 102cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled |
| Power | 8.02hp @ 8,000rpm | 7.38hp @ 7,500rpm | 7.9hp @ 7,500rpm |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 71.60hp/tonne | 74.54hp/tonne | 67.52hp/tonne |
| Torque | 8.05Nm @ 6,000rpm | 8.05Nm @ 5,000rpm | 8.3Nm @ 5,500rpm |
| Gearbox | 4-speed, all-up shift | 4-speed, all-up shift | 4-speed, all-up shift |
Despite having the smallest displacement, the Hero Splendor+ leads in power output. The Honda Shine 100, despite sitting between the two in engine size, is the least powerful. Meanwhile, the Bajaj Platina 100 has a slight torque advantage but doesn’t necessarily translate to better real-world performance.
Weight and Dimensions
| Specification | Hero Splendor+ | Honda Shine 100 | Bajaj Platina 100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Height | 785mm | 786mm | 807mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,236mm | 1,245mm | 1,255mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165mm | 168mm | 200mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 9.8L | 9L | 11L |
| Kerb Weight | 112kg | 99kg | 117kg |
The Honda Shine 100 is significantly lighter than its competitors, making it easier to handle, especially for new riders. On the other hand, the Bajaj Platina 100 is the heaviest but compensates with the largest fuel tank and highest ground clearance, which could be an advantage on rough roads.
Brakes, Suspension, and Tyres
| Specification | Hero Splendor+ | Honda Shine 100 | Bajaj Platina 100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | 130mm drum / 130mm drum | 130mm drum / 110mm drum | 130mm drum / 110mm drum |
| Suspension (Front/Rear) | Telescopic fork / Twin shocks | Telescopic fork / Twin shocks | Telescopic fork / Twin shocks |
| Tyres (Front/Rear) | 80/100-18 (Tubeless) | 2.75-17 / 3.00-17 (Tubed) | 2.75-17 / 3.00-17 (Tubed) |
All three bikes feature drum brakes and telescopic front forks with twin rear shock absorbers. However, the Hero Splendor+ stands out by offering tubeless tyres, reducing the risk of sudden deflation—an advantage over the tube-type tyres found on the Honda Shine 100 and Bajaj Platina 100.
Price Comparison
| Model | Ex-showroom Price (Delhi) |
|---|---|
| Hero Splendor+ | ₹77,176 |
| Honda Shine 100 | ₹68,767 |
| Bajaj Platina 100 | ₹68,890 |
While the Hero Splendor+ is the priciest of the three, it justifies the premium with multiple variants and additional features. The recently launched Splendor+ Xtec 2.0 (₹84,000) further enhances the offering with a segment-first LED headlamp, digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, and a matte paint finish.
Meanwhile, the Honda Shine 100 and Bajaj Platina 100 are positioned more affordably, undercutting the Splendor+ by around ₹8,000, making them appealing options for budget-conscious buyers.
Verdict
- If you want a proven, feature-packed, and reliable commuter, the Hero Splendor+ remains the top choice, even at a slight premium.
- If affordability and lightweight handling are your priorities, the Honda Shine 100 is a strong contender.
- If you need higher ground clearance and a bigger fuel tank for long rides, the Bajaj Platina 100 is worth considering.
Ultimately, the Splendor+ continues to be the segment benchmark, but its rivals offer compelling alternatives at a lower price point.
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