This is my third review of the Splendor Plus (April 2011 make) which is coming after I have covered 3000 Km. It is a realistic review and is not biased or favored any maker.
Ride Quality: Smoothness is one of the best in its category. Engine is less noisy and ride is enjoyable.
Power: A big let down, not at all satisfactory at low RPM, but gains momentum after 40 Km/h. Top speed is not being tested but engine begins to cry after 70 km/h and vibration creeps in. The bike becomes literally uncontrollable at higher speeds due to its light weight body.
Mileage: It is consistently stable at 65 to 70 km/litre unless used roughly.
Electrical: Again below par. The headlight is unable to spot objects at low beam. The high beam also lacks good focusing.
Suspension & Tyres: The suspension system is well tuned for most of Indian roads. The tyres however need to wider for better traction during rains.
Compared to others 100 cc bikes like Bajaj Platina and Discover 100 (which I have tried).
Initial power and pickup of Platina is far superior to Splendor, however you will not get that smoothness in ride quality.
Electrical of Discover 100 is the class bench mark.
Then why splendor?
Because of its reliability. I have never seen anyone complaining about it. The spare parts are of excellent quality and the service personnel are readily available everywhere. A very simple engine mechanism and a stable performance with almost no maintenance.
Priced at around 48 K at my place it is cheaper than Bajaj and got a great resale value.
Earlier Review
This is my second review on Splendor Plus and it is coming out after I have covered 2000 Km on Odometer.
The Experience so far:-
1) Mileage
a) During first 1000 Km: Max 74 Kmpl, Min 63 Kmpl, Average 69 Kmpl
b) During next 1000 Km: Max 78 Kmpl, Min 68 Kmpl, Average 71 Kmpl
- One Interesting Observation
Mileage is highest when you maintain 40 KM/h , the more you speed up the more the average drops.
Example: Say u are getting 75 Km/l @ 40 Km/l , at 45 Km/h it will be 70 Km/l, similarly at 50 Km/h it will be 65 Km/l .
Verdict: Very Good
2) Power
For a fat person like me and carrying a pillion just as obese as me, the power falls short.
Top Speed: Not Tested, Achieved 60 Km/h in the process.
Verdict: Not Good
3) Ride Quality
I can rate it at the highest level. Very Very Smooth. Sometimes you cannot feel that the engine is running. Gear Shifting is damn good. Suspension system is good.
Verdict: Excellent
4) Electricals
Electricals are average. Headlight focussing is poor specially during rains I have faced problems locating objects. Switch positions are handy.
Verdict: Average
5) Tyres and Stability
Tyres are good but thin. I applied brakes on a wet road @50 KM/h and the result is good. No skidding so far.
But stability is a big issue on this bike. I get lots of wind drag due to other heavy vehicles. Very Unsafe for highway driving
Verdict: Not Good
6) Others
a) Starts with a single kick
b) Very light and easy to handle
c) Service Station is close
d) Technology is tried and tested
e) Two years warranty
f) High Resale Value
g) Build Quality is Impressive
Verdict: Very Good
Finally IF you are
a) Not a racer
b) Not an off-roader
AND
c) Point to Point traveller
then this is the bike for You.
Trust me this is the smoothest 100 cc bike in India.
Yamaha Crux & YBR are 106 cc bikes, Honda Twister is 108 cc
I recommend this bike to all commuters.
EARLIER REVIEW
Thanx PinakiP for his view
Title: Ver1:Good Bike for those who believe in Simplicity
I have covered 680 Km in Odometer and has not gone for the first servicing.
As of now I am getting 70 - 74 Km/l @ speeds of 40 to 45 Km/hr in city conditions. Power is good at first gear (7.5 ps @ 8000 rpm) but it hardly raises your adrenalin because you need to open your throttle to 8000 rpm to get that power.
Middle Level torque (7.85 Nm @ 5000) is satisfactory but the powerhouse fails to deliver with two people at 4th gear on 10 degree uphill. I am a bit obese though. Since in the service period I have not tried for higher speeds.
Electricals are good, Rajeev_Vermacially the Headlight is awesome. The battery is only 2.5 Ah and is not also Maintenance Free. That means you need to check it regularly and maintain.
Tyres are good and have got good rubber in them but are very thin. These are risky and can skid if they wear off.
Brakes are Good if applied both simultaneously.
Suspension system is okay. Front telescopic suspension does its job while the rear hydraulic suspension is tuned hard.
The instrument cluster is average and is configured with only two dial odometer / speedometer and fuel gauge. The dials are illuminated by a yellow backlit. The fuel gauge is not so accurate and does not match the calibration.
The build quality is good. The exhaust is covered by a stainless steel muffler which adds to the beauty of the bike. The bike is pretty light and dry weight is only 97 Kgs which make maneuverability easier.
What the bike lacks :
A tripmeter
A Pass light switch
Auto Choke
Overally a value for money bike.
Thanx.