Quick Analysis
Hero Splendor Plus
12.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 890 DUKE R
23.0 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air Cooled | Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger |
| Displacement | 97.2 cc | 889 cc |
| Engine Type | Air cooled, 4-stroke, Single cylinder, OHC | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Power | 5.9 kW @ 8000 rpm | 89 kW @ 9250 rpm |
| Torque | 8.05 N-m @ 6000 rpm | 99 Nm @ 7750 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 9.8 Litre | 14 L |
| Mileage | 70 Kmpl | 21 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 112 | 180 |
| Seat Height | 785 | 834 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | No | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Drum (130 mm) | 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper - 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | WP APEX 43 |
| Rear Brake | Drum (130 mm) | Brembo single-piston floating calliper, brake disc - 240mm |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm with 5-Step Adjustable Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | WP APEX - Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 47P | 120/70 - ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 80/100-18 M/C 54P | 180/55 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | 12V 35 / 35W Halogen Bulb MFR | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | MF Battery, 12V - 3Ah | 12V / 10AH |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Black-Red-Purple.png | — |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Blue-Black.png | — |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Force-Silver.png | — |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Sports-red-black.png | — |
| Cluster | Analogue Instrument Cluster | — |
| Color Options | Black & Sports Red | #1A1A1A, #C62828 Black & Blue | #1A1A1A, #005BBB Black & Heavy Grey | #1A1A1A, #6B6F76 Black Red Purple | #1A1A1A, #A1195B Force Silver | #BFC3C7 | Atlantic Blue | #2F5D7C, #FF6600 |
| Cons | Limited Performance at Higher Speeds – The engine is designed primarily for efficiency and commuting, so acceleration and highway performance are modest. Basic Feature List – Compared to modern commuter motorcycles, the Splendor Plus offers fewer technology and convenience features. Drum Brakes on Most Variants – The braking setup is adequate for daily commuting, but some riders may prefer the stronger feel of a front disc brake. Conservative Styling – The design has evolved gradually over the years and may appear too familiar for buyers seeking a more contemporary look. Vibrations Become Noticeable at Higher Speeds – As engine speeds rise, some vibration can be felt through the handlebars and footpegs. Not Intended for Frequent Highway Touring – The motorcycle performs best in city and rural commuting environments rather than sustained highway riding. Instrument Console Is Basic – The display focuses on essential information and lacks the advanced features found on many newer motorcycles. Pillion Space Is Average – While suitable for everyday use, the rear seat is not especially spacious compared to some larger commuter motorcycles. | High seat height: 834 mm seat height may not be ideal for shorter riders. Limited wind protection: As a naked bike, there’s minimal fairing, so windblast can be fatiguing on fast highway rides. Premium running costs: High-performance parts (tires, brakes) and maintenance could be expensive. Potential reliability concerns: Some users report cam wear or top-end issues over time. Ergonomics trade-off: Sporty, aggressive ergonomics may be tiring over very long rides. Price: Being a high-spec naked bike, its cost is on the higher side, which might limit its appeal to more performance-focused buyers. |
| Detailed Overview | The Hero Splendor Plus is one of those motorcycles that has become a familiar sight on Indian roads over the years. It is designed with a clear purpose: to provide simple, economical, and dependable transportation for everyday use. Rather than focusing on sporty styling, high performance, or a long list of features, the motorcycle concentrates on the basics that matter to daily commuters, such as fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance, and rider comfort. At the heart of the Splendor Plus is a 97.2cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. The engine produces modest power and torque figures, but its tuning is aimed at smooth operation and efficient fuel consumption rather than outright performance. In real-world riding, this means the motorcycle feels most comfortable in city traffic, local commuting, and routine travel. The engine is paired with a four-speed gearbox, which keeps the riding experience straightforward and easy to manage, especially for newer riders. One of the reasons the Splendor Plus remains popular is its lightweight construction. With a kerb weight of around 112 kg, it is easy to move around, whether riding through crowded streets, taking tight turns, or parking in narrow spaces. The motorcycle does not feel intimidating, which makes it accessible to riders of different ages and experience levels. The riding position reflects the motorcycle’s commuter-focused nature. The handlebar is positioned high enough to allow an upright posture, while the footpegs are placed naturally below the rider. This creates a comfortable seating arrangement that does not put excessive pressure on the wrists, shoulders, or back. The seat itself is long and wide enough for daily commuting duties and can comfortably accommodate a passenger during regular use. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. Rather than being tuned for sporty handling, the suspension is designed to absorb common road imperfections such as potholes, uneven surfaces, and speed breakers. This focus on ride comfort suits the type of roads and riding conditions for which the motorcycle is primarily intended. Braking duties are handled by drum brakes at both ends. While this setup is simple compared to motorcycles equipped with disc brakes, it is adequate for the motorcycle’s performance level and intended usage. Hero also equips the motorcycle with an integrated braking system, which helps distribute braking force more effectively during routine riding situations. The Splendor Plus features a traditional design that has evolved gradually over time. The fuel tank, side panels, headlamp cowl, and graphics have received updates over the years, but the overall silhouette remains instantly recognizable. Recent color options and graphics packages add some visual variety while maintaining the motorcycle’s familiar identity. The motorcycle comes with a fuel tank capacity of 9.8 litres, which, combined with its fuel-efficient engine, allows for long distances between fuel stops. This characteristic is particularly useful for riders who use the motorcycle extensively for work, commuting, or daily travel. In terms of equipment, the Splendor Plus keeps things straightforward. The instrument cluster provides essential information such as speed, fuel level, and odometer readings. The controls are simple and easy to understand, reflecting the motorcycle’s focus on practicality rather than technology. Overall, the Hero Splendor Plus is built around everyday usability. Its 97.2cc engine, lightweight construction, comfortable riding posture, fuel-efficient nature, and uncomplicated mechanical design work together to create a motorcycle intended for routine transportation. Instead of chasing trends or performance figures, it remains focused on fulfilling the basic requirements of daily commuting in a simple and accessible manner. | The KTM 890 Duke R is built with a focus on keeping the motorcycle compact and responsive, and this is reflected in how its components are arranged. It uses an 889cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that produces around 121 bhp and 99 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and includes a quickshifter and slipper clutch, which help reduce effort during gear changes. The throttle is controlled through a ride-by-wire system, which adjusts the engine response based on input. The bike is supported by a steel trellis frame that keeps the structure rigid while helping manage weight. With a kerb weight of around 180 kg, it remains relatively light for its category. The seat height is approximately 834 mm, and the 14-litre fuel tank is shaped to fit into the riding position without adding too much bulk. The riding stance is slightly forward-leaning, with wide handlebars that provide control during turns. Suspension duties are handled by WP Apex components. The front uses upside-down forks, while the rear gets a monoshock setup. Both ends are fully adjustable for preload, compression and rebound, allowing changes based on road conditions. The bike runs on alloy wheels fitted with wide tyres, which influence grip and stability during riding. Braking is managed by twin discs at the front and a single disc at the rear. The system includes dual-channel ABS, along with features like cornering ABS and traction control, which help maintain balance under braking and while riding on different surfaces. These systems work automatically in the background. The electronics package includes a TFT display that shows ride modes, system settings and other basic information. It also supports features like cruise control and smartphone connectivity. The design follows a naked layout with minimal bodywork and exposed mechanical parts, keeping the overall structure simple and focused on its intended use. |
| Expert Review | The Hero Splendor Plus has built its reputation around doing everyday tasks without drawing attention to itself. From the moment you start riding, the motorcycle feels uncomplicated and familiar, which is exactly what many commuters look for. The engine is tuned to deliver smooth, predictable performance in city traffic, and the light clutch, manageable weight, and comfortable riding posture make it easy to live with on a daily basis. It does not encourage fast riding or aggressive acceleration, but that is clearly not its purpose. Instead, the focus remains on fuel efficiency, ease of ownership, and consistent day-to-day usability. The suspension is set up to deal with typical Indian road conditions, while the straightforward mechanical package keeps maintenance simple. Over the years, the motorcycle has evolved with small updates, but its core character has remained largely unchanged, a practical commuter designed around routine transportation rather than performance or feature-driven appeal., 4.2, MotoAutiv Team | In a market where most premium motorcycles are either fully faired superbikes or relaxed cruisers, the KTM 890 Duke R takes a different route by focusing on a lighter, more aggressive naked format. Its parallel-twin engine and compact design make it feel more suited to riders who prefer sharp handling and quick responses rather than straight-line speed alone. In India, where road conditions and traffic can vary a lot, this kind of setup makes sense for those who want performance but still need some level of control in tighter spaces. At the same time, its positioning places it in a niche where buyers are already familiar with high-performance machines and are looking for something that offers a different riding feel. It also reflects how the premium segment in India is slowly expanding beyond traditional choices, with more riders exploring motorcycles that focus on handling and rider engagement rather than just engine size., 4.3, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the real mileage of the Hero Splendor Plus? A: In everyday riding conditions, most owners report mileage figures between 60 km/l and 75 km/l, depending on traffic, road conditions, and maintenance. Q: Is the Hero Splendor Plus good for daily commuting? A: Yes, the motorcycle is primarily designed for daily commuting and is widely used for office travel, local errands, and regular transportation. Q: What is the top speed of the Hero Splendor Plus? A: The Hero Splendor Plus can reach a top speed of around 85–90 km/h under suitable conditions. Q: What is the engine capacity of the Hero Splendor Plus? A: It is powered by a 97.2cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. Q: Does the Hero Splendor Plus come with a self-start? A: Yes, current variants of the Hero Splendor Plus are equipped with electric start. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Hero Splendor Plus? A: The motorcycle comes with a 9.8-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the seat height of the Hero Splendor Plus? A: The seat height is approximately 785 mm, making it accessible to a wide range of riders. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Hero Splendor Plus? A: The motorcycle weighs around 112 kg in running condition. Q: Is the Hero Splendor Plus suitable for long rides? A: It can handle occasional long-distance rides, but it is primarily designed for city and short-to-medium-distance commuting. Q: Does the Hero Splendor Plus have a disc brake? A: No, the standard Splendor Plus lineup uses drum brakes. Q: Is the Hero Splendor Plus comfortable for a pillion? A: Yes, the long seat and upright riding position make it reasonably comfortable for rider and passenger during daily use. Q: Which is better, Hero Splendor Plus or Honda Shine 100? A: The Splendor Plus is known for its widespread service network and long-established reputation, while the Honda Shine 100 offers Honda's entry into the same commuter segment with a modern engine package. Q: Which is better, Hero Splendor Plus or Bajaj Platina 100? A: The Splendor Plus focuses on simplicity and broad ownership support, while the Platina 100 is often chosen for its comfort-oriented suspension setup. Q: Does the Hero Splendor Plus have Bluetooth connectivity? A: No, the standard Splendor Plus does not offer Bluetooth connectivity. | Q: What engine does the KTM 890 Duke R have? A: It is powered by an 889 cc parallel twin (LC8c) engine with a bore/stroke of 90.7 mm × 68.8 mm. Q: What are the power and torque figures of KTM 890 Duke R? A: The engine produces about 121 PS (89 kW) at 9,250 rpm and 99 Nm of torque at 7,750 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and weight of KTM 890 Duke R? A: The seat height is 834 mm, and its dry weight is approximately 166 kg (some sources list around 180 kg as “ready to ride”). Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and mileage of KTM 890 Duke R? A: The fuel tank capacity is around 14 litres. The claimed fuel consumption is about 4.74 L/100 km for some variants. Q: What kind of brakes and suspension does the 890 Duke R use? A: It comes with WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX mono-shock at the rear. For brakes, it uses Brembo Stylema calipers with dual 320 mm discs in the front, and a 240 mm disc at the rear. Q: What electronics and rider aids are available in KTM 890 Duke R? A: The 890 Duke R has a modern electronics suite including ride-by-wire, multiple ride modes (Street, Sport, Track, Rain, and Rider), cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP), lean-angle traction control (MTC), Supermoto ABS, and a PASC anti-hopping clutch. Q: What is the frame type and chassis design of KTM 890 Duke R? A: The frame is a chromium-molybdenum steel trellis that uses the engine as a stressed member, which helps reduce weight while providing stiffness and agility. Q: What is the expected first service interval or maintenance requirement? A: While KTM’s official manual should be consulted, many users suggest being careful with break-in; some reports mention limiting revs and usage before first major service / oil change. |
| Fuel System | Programmed Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | STD | 77557 | Standard |1450000 |
| Pros | Excellent Fuel Efficiency – Fuel economy remains one of the biggest reasons people choose the Splendor Plus. It is designed to keep running costs low, especially for riders who cover long distances every day. Simple and Easy to Ride – The motorcycle has predictable handling, light controls, and a comfortable riding position, making it approachable for both new and experienced riders. Reliable Engine Character – The 97.2cc engine is tuned for smooth and stress-free commuting rather than outright performance. It feels comfortable in everyday traffic conditions. Comfortable for Daily Use – The upright seating position, well-cushioned seat, and relaxed ergonomics make it suitable for routine commuting. Low Maintenance Costs – Spare parts are widely available, and servicing is generally straightforward and affordable. Lightweight Construction – With a kerb weight of around 112 kg, the motorcycle is easy to maneuver in traffic and parking areas. Wide Service Network – Hero's extensive dealership and service presence across India makes ownership convenient in both cities and smaller towns. Good Ride Quality for a Commuter – The suspension is tuned to absorb common road imperfections encountered during daily travel. | Strong, high-revving engine: The 889 cc parallel-twin makes 121 PS at 9,250 rpm and 99 Nm of torque. Great electronics package: Includes lean-angle traction control, cornering ABS (Bosch 9.1 MP), Supermoto ABS mode, multiple ride modes (Street, Sport, Rain, Track), and optional Track mode. Premium suspension & brakes: Fully adjustable WP APEX 43 mm fork and monoshock, plus Brembo Stylema calipers on 320 mm twin front discs. Agile chassis: The steel trellis frame (engine as a stressed member) gives it a stiff yet flickable character, very suited for spirited riding. Good fuel efficiency for its performance: The spec sheet shows about 4.74 L/100 km fuel consumption. Light weight relative to its power: With a dry weight around 166 kg, it's quite light for a high-performance “R” naked bike, which helps handling and responsiveness. Distinctive and aggressive styling: Sharp design, LED lighting, orange frame, and muscular tank extensions make it visually striking. |
| Starter | Electric Start | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 4 - Speed Constant Mesh | 6 Speed Manual |
