The splendour is in many ways the All Indian dream. I first came accross this machine many yrs back and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was indeed a very rideable motorcycle. Its been 6 years since and I still maintain that in the present crop of motorcycles, the splendour is still the best ’value for money’ motorcycle there is.
Its rides well, smooth and handles the indian roads quite comfortably. Its the kind which doesnt give you a broken back when you come back from a hard days work. The riding position is good for an average indian (i am average)male which means also that you dont end up having sore elbows or a aching shoulder by the end of a hard week.
The engine is a solid reliable work horse. I once took one of these bikes for a long ride with a friend, got lost in a new city, rode miles trying to find my way back and when I did I realised that I had been riding 2 hrs continiously through traffic and at night and I hadnt heard so much as a whimper from the splendour. Its a good city bike, about highway riding I cannot comment as I have never had the opportunity to test it on one.
It handles very well, and the brakes are adequate, though I admit I never pressed it to the limit. Since I never owned one but always rode on a friends, I will definitely not know the nitty-gritties.. but I have never heard my friend complain about the bike. It runs and runs and runs... .. and runs. I dont think he has ever seen a mechanic. enuf said.
Its economical, averages about 47-50 kmpl in the city which is awesome really. The parts are easily available and any joker on the street can fix this machine.
All in all, its a great bike for people who just want to make it from point A to point B without hassles.
In a weird sort of way I see this as an unemotional machine which just goes about doing its job the way it should be done. There is not passion about it, there are no surprises, and its not thrilling. Its just reliable. Its almost like arnie in terminator2.
I like the bike and if I were a rational, daily commuting, 9-5 type of a person I would have gone ahead and got one cause I think it is a good motorcycle. Just wish it was more interactive and not so boring.