I owned a HH splendor from 99 and parted with it in 2007 (since I had to move out of bangalore and didnt want to go through the hassle of re registration and all)
When I decided to buy a bike in 99, I had very few options in front of me. Bajaj Calliber (Nice bike, cost was 48K, although 2K discount was there... rpm meter and 110 cc... but my earlier experience of 7 yrs with a Bajaj 4S made me say No to it), HH CBZ (a waiting period of 3 months ruled this out).
Paid 46 K and got the bike. Used this bike for a period of 9 Yrs (34500 Kms) and never did it gave trouble (except once.. which again was my problem that I didnt change the spark plug on time.. replacement of spark plug and this guy is ready to take me places)
There was an instance where I had left it unattended for 6 months and the bike came to life on the first kick.. was impressed with the bike at that time.
The only times it visited a mechanic was for the regular oil changes and servicing (that too shifted to a roadside mechanic after warranty). When I sold it for 15.5 k (the guy who bought it just took a tst ride and the deal was finalised then and there), there was enough thread left on the front tyre (but the rear tyre was out of breath) and the machine was still in good condition.
I have a practice of noting down the fuel fillings and kms run and when calculated over a period of 7 yrs and 22000Kms, it returned me 62+ kmpl.. (normal petrol (Bangalore fuel is famous for adulteration).. and that too not discounting the petrol that the service guys use up for cleaning the bike while servicing ) and that too in Bangalore traffic.
For around 7 yrs, the bike used to be exposed to the forces of nature and although it doesnt look like new (used to give him a wax polish every 3 months), there wasnt rust at any part of the bike (way different from the case of my 4S which started showing rust after 2 Yrs of ownership)
Things I like about this bike
very reliable (never it made me stranded in these 9 Yrs)
Mileage - 62+ (even on the 7th year, it returned me near to 70 most of the time)
pretty sturdy and build quality
very easy to handle in traffic
things I would have preferred better
more of a city bike (good till 50 km/hr) and vibrates high on speeds more than 60 (although in these 9 Yrs, I might have taken it to this speed may be 4-5 times)
Poor headlight (Bajaj 4S was way ahead in this league)
battery went almost dead in the first year itself (cannot blame HH/Exide.. I kept the bike idle for near 6 months).. and for horn and indicator to work, had to start the engine
needed choke in bangalore winter .. first time start in morning (But used to start in the first kick with Choke and after a min, can switch back)
Poor grip on back tire (with 2.75 tire width, anyway couldnt expect more)
Brakes (sometimes tend to lock the tires.. on hard braking.. and with super thin tires at back .. chances of back sliding out)
basic instrument cluster (No pass switch, no engine kill (used to luv this in Bajaj 4S), no tacho)
Wouldnt have sold it off, if not for me moving out of bangalore..
Overall, I would say this is a good city bike that give pretty descent mileage and great build quality. Doesnt know how this fair with the new comers in this segmant. (Planning to get a 100/125 cc soon and will put in the comparison soon .. too much inclined to buy an HH due to past experience .. but HH costly when compared to competetion). Lookwise sure it dont stand a chance with ohers in this segmant now
George
Note: My first review and so please bear with me if things are not in place