March 23, 2025 – Hero MotoCorp has just pulled the wraps off the New Hero Splendor 125, and it’s more than a facelift—it’s a bold step forward for India’s most beloved commuter bike. For decades, the Splendor name has been a fixture on roads from bustling cities to dusty villages, a symbol of affordable, no-drama mobility. Now, with the 2025 edition, Hero’s blending that trusty DNA with sharper looks, smarter tech, and a punchier engine, aiming to keep its crown in the fiercely competitive 125cc segment. Here’s the full rundown on what’s new, why it matters, and how it’s set to shake up the two-wheeler game.
A Design That Turns Heads Without Forgetting Its Roots
The Splendor’s silhouette has always been about function over flash, but the New Splendor 125 tweaks that formula just enough to catch the eye. Picture this: a sculpted fuel tank with dynamic 3D graphics, a sleek LED headlamp framed by angular daytime running lights (DRLs), and a refreshed tail section that ties it all together. New color options—think Sparkling Blue, Panther Black with red accents, or even a matte Storm Grey—are rumored to be in the mix, giving it a sportier edge that nods to younger riders while keeping the practical vibe intact. The classic round mirrors and sturdy build haven’t gone anywhere, though—this is still a Splendor, ready to shrug off the chaos of Indian roads. It’s not chasing the flashy looks of a TVS Raider, but it’s got enough polish to stand out in a sea of commuters.
Engine Revamp: More Oomph, Same Mileage Magic
Underneath that updated shell beats a heart tuned for 2025. The New Splendor 125 sticks with a 124.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine—still BS6-compliant, naturally—but Hero’s engineers have been busy. Expect output to hover around 10.7 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed gearbox. That’s a noticeable bump over the Splendor Plus’s 97.2cc mill (7.9 bhp, 8.05 Nm), giving it the legs to tackle longer hauls or heavier loads without gasping. The real star, though? Fuel efficiency. With the i3S (Idle Start-Stop) system now standard and XSens tech optimizing fuel delivery, Hero’s touting a mileage of 78-80 kmpl—potentially best-in-class for the 125cc crowd. That’s the kind of number that keeps wallets happy when petrol prices flirt with ₹100 a liter. Add in a quieter exhaust and reduced vibrations, and it’s a commuter that feels a touch more refined without losing its rugged soul.
Features That Bridge Old-School and New-School
This isn’t just about horsepower—Hero’s loading the Splendor 125 with tech that fits the times. The instrument cluster goes semi-digital, swapping out the old analog dials for a crisp display that shows speed, trip data, gear position, and real-time fuel economy. It’s not a full-on touchscreen, but it’s a leap forward for riders who want more than a needle and a guess. A USB charging port near the handlebar is another practical win—perfect for keeping phones alive on delivery runs or long rides. Safety gets a boost too: a side-stand engine cut-off stops the bike from rolling if the stand’s down, and the Combi-Braking System (CBS) balances front and rear brakes for better control on sketchy surfaces. The suspension—telescopic forks up front, twin adjustable shocks at the back—has reportedly been fine-tuned for a smoother ride over potholes and speed bumps, a must for India’s patchwork roads. Higher trims might even tease Bluetooth connectivity, syncing with Hero’s app for call alerts or turn-by-turn navigation. It’s not overloaded with gizmos, but these additions make the Splendor feel like it’s keeping pace with a savvier crowd.
Pricing: Affordable Meets Aspirational
Hero knows the Splendor’s bread and butter is its price tag, and the New Splendor 125 isn’t straying far from that sweet spot. Early estimates peg it between ₹78,000 and ₹85,000 (ex-showroom), depending on variants—say, a base kick-start model and a loaded electric-start version with alloy wheels. That’s a hair above the Splendor Plus’s ₹75,000-ish range but still undercuts flashier 125cc rivals like the Honda SP 125 (₹87,000) or TVS Raider (₹95,000). For that money, buyers get a bike that balances modern upgrades with the low running costs and bulletproof reliability Hero’s famous for. With a 13-liter tank and that killer mileage, a full fill-up could stretch over 1,000 km—try finding a better deal than that in this segment.
Stacking Up Against the Rivals
The 125cc market is a dogfight, and the New Splendor 125 is stepping into the ring with confidence. It’s got the Honda Shine 125 in its crosshairs, matching its power but trumping it on mileage and price. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 might flex more muscle (11.64 bhp), but the Splendor’s lighter frame (around 112 kg) and cheaper upkeep could sway practical buyers. Then there’s the TVS Raider, all sporty and youthful—Hero’s counter is the Splendor’s unbeatable trust factor, backed by a service network that reaches every corner of India. Parts are dirt-cheap, repairs are quick, and resale value holds steady—things that matter when a bike’s your lifeline, not just a weekend toy. This isn’t about stealing the spotlight; it’s about staying the course as the people’s champ.
The Bigger Picture: Why It’s a Game-Changer
The Splendor isn’t just a bike—it’s a phenomenon. Hero sells over 2.5 million two-wheelers yearly, and the Splendor family accounts for a huge chunk of that, topping charts month after month. The New Splendor 125 doubles down on what works: affordability, efficiency, and a build that laughs off wear and tear. But it’s also a nod to a shifting market—riders who want a bit more style, a bit more tech, without breaking the bank. In rural areas, it’s still the farmer’s friend; in cities, it’s the gig worker’s steed, humming through traffic for Zomato or Ola runs. Launching this in 2025 feels timed to catch a wave of economic recovery and rising fuel costs, cementing Hero’s grip on the commuter throne.
Availability and What’s Next
Details are still filtering out, but the New Hero Splendor 125 is expected to hit dealerships in the coming weeks, with bookings likely opening soon after this unveiling. Hero’s keeping quiet on exact production numbers, but given the Splendor’s track record, expect showrooms to be stocked and ready for the rush. Test rides could shed light on how those upgrades feel in the saddle—will that extra power make it a mini highway king, or is it still happiest dodging rickshaws? Either way, the buzz is building, and social media’s already lighting up with reactions from die-hard fans and curious newcomers alike.
The Verdict: Evolution, Not Revolution
The New Hero Splendor 125 isn’t here to reinvent the wheel—or the bike, for that matter. It’s an evolution, taking a proven formula and giving it just enough juice to stay relevant in 2025. It’s not chasing the adrenaline junkies or the premium crowd; it’s for the millions who need a ride that starts every morning, sips fuel like a miser, and doesn’t flinch at a monsoon downpour. With this launch, Hero MotoCorp’s sending a clear message: the Splendor’s legacy isn’t fading—it’s adapting, thriving, and ready to carry India’s commuters into another decade. Keep an eye out—this one’s about to make some serious tracks.
