To begin with, the Hero HF Deluxe is the entry-level offering in the Hero bikes portfolio. On the other hand, the Hero Splendor Plus slots itself above the HF Deluxe. That said, there is a price difference of approximately Rs 10,000, especially in their top models.
If you are a buyer with a strict budget, then the Hero HF Deluxe is the bike for you. And the buyer who is willing to shell out more for better offerings can buy the Splendor Plus or other models in that price range. But let’s digress from that. And let’s start weighing these two bikes and see how the HF Deluxe stacks up against the Splendor Plus. So, let’s read on.
Specifications Comparison
Despite the price difference between the homegrown bikes, both two-wheelers have the same torque but a marginal power difference. Overall, they have the same engine.
Keeping the HF Deluxe price in mind, you’ll get a 97.2cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, which churns out 7.8 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm at 6,000 rpm.
On the other hand, the Hero Splendor Plus has the same engine capacity as its entry-level counterpart. And at the same time, both bikes have tubular double cradle frames, which support a 97.2cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 7.91 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm at 6,000 rpm. As mentioned earlier, both bikes have the same powertrain. There is a marginal difference in power except for the torque.
Further, the indigenous bikemaker has offered a four-speed manual transmission on these two commuter bikes. As for the gearbox, both bikes get a wet multiplate clutch, which makes the gear shifts buttery smooth at low and high revs. At the same time, the lubricated multiplate clutch also adds to the life of the transmission, making it more durable. It also slews the maintenance cost compared to the conventional dry multiplate clutch. Moreover, there is also a marginal difference as far as the fuel tank capacity is concerned. The Splendor Plus has a fuel tank capacity of 9.8 litres, making it marginally bigger than the Hero HF Deluxe’s 9.6 litres.
As mentioned earlier, they are mileage bikes. The Hero Splendor’s mileage nearly touches 61 km/l, while the HF Deluxe’s mileage ranges between 60 km/l and 65 km/l. Now you may have understood why they are called mileage bikes. They undoubtedly return an impressive fuel economy. The owners of these bikes can easily make long journeys without fear of getting their pockets pinched. Thanks to the fuel injection technology that makes the BS6 two-wheelers less polluting and more fuel efficient. For your reference, the central government ordered the two-wheeler manufacturers to adopt fuel injection technology (FiT). It makes the fuel supply system cleaner and less polluting than the conventional fuel supply system. You will find the FiT as a fuel supply system on all BS6 two-wheelers.
However, it is worth noting that these mileage figures are as per the feedback provided by the owners of these bikes across the country. You can also check the detailed specifications list and compare it with other bikes on the autoX website.
Apart from performance, the suspension setup offered on these two bikes is nearly identical. Let’s begin with the Hero HF Deluxe. This homegrown 100cc bike offers telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and a swingarm with five-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. Similarly, the Hero Splendor Plus has the same suspension arrangement as the entry-level bike, the Hero HF Deluxe. However, these suspension setups can easily withstand the potholes found on Indian roads. That said, these two bikes shouldn’t let you lament the rideability as they can offer comfort. And the owners of these commuter bikes are often seen taking these two-wheelers for long trips, as their running costs and rideability don’t let the rider complain. But it is worth mentioning that you should take the test drive/ride as the personal experience may vary from person to person.
Moreover, the suspension setups offered on these two bikes work in tandem with dual-drum brakes across the variants. Yes, you read that right. Their top models also don’t have a disc-drum setup as an option. Considering the prices of their top models, which are under Rs 90,000, they should have had a disc-drum arrangement. You must know that drum brakes don’t usually offer good braking performance compared to disc brakes.
Speaking of brake setups, these two bikes incorporate single-channel ABS, except for the dual-channel ABS. Single-channel ABS controls only one wheel, while dual-channel ABS controls both wheels. For your reference, when dual-channel ABS works in tandem with dual-disc brakes, they decrease the chances of mishaps during emergency braking. Those mishaps include skidding and stoppie. That said, it can prevent the rider from having an accident.
Now, let’s jump to the features.
Features Comparison
As you know, these are budget bikes, so you should expect fewer features from these two homegrown two-wheelers. The offerings found in these two commuting bikes are more or less the same, as they both include an analogue instrument cluster that incorporates a fuel gauge and low fuel indicator. Both bikes also offer a pillion seat with footrests and grabrails. Further, you will also get Hero MotoCorp’s in-house XSENS Advantage Technology. The top models of these bikes also offer an electric start feature, while the lower variants have a kick-start feature.
As for the light setup, both budget bikes offer halogen lights. You will also find bulbs and a few basic features here and there that you can expect from budget bikes. Moreover, their headlights come with Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). On the safety front, both bikes have automatic headlights. This feature automatically turns on the lights when it senses an area with low or no illumination.
However, you can access the feature and specification lists of these two bikes and their rivals, or any other dream vehicle, on the autoX website.
Prices and Variants
Let’s begin with the entry-level offering, the Hero HF Deluxe. It has five variants and a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 56,968 for the base model, the HF 100, and goes up to Rs 67,138 for the top model, the i3S.
On the other hand, the Hero Splendor Plus has four variants. The Splendor Plus price starts at Rs 72,076 for the base model, the Self Alloy, and goes up to Rs 74,396 for the top model, the i3S Matte Shield Gold. All are ex-showroom prices, New Delhi, as of January 2023.
Please note that these prices are subject to change without prior notice to the customer. But don’t worry! You can always access the autoX for the latest location-based price list for your dream vehicle. For more information, visit our website or find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. So, stay tuned!