This review should actually be posted under "Splendor+", but since I already have posted a review there it would be easier to post it here than edit it there. I used to work in Chennai now relocated to Bangalore. I had a 2005 model Splendor+ with me. But problems with the registration (Cops used to terrorize everywhere I stop!!) forced me to temporarily give the vehicle to my uncle at Coimbatore. I decided to ride it all the way (320-odd kms). I bought a 2nd hand Yamaha rx135 here. Started at 2:30pm and reached at 11:30pm. Details of the trip: Starting from Bangalore was very smooth. Since I usually travel by cab to office, I decided not to push the bike too hard.
Until I hit the highway I made sure the speed didn’t go past 40. Once on the highway I didn’t increase the speed beyond 60 until it ran in 60 for an hour. After that until Thoppur, Tamilnadu I went on 80+. I must mention one important fact. There are two directions to go to Coimbatore from Thoppur:1) Thoppur -> Mettur -> Erode bypass -> Coimbatore.2) Thoppur -> Salem -> Erode -> Coimbatore. The first option is closer by 40kms and sounded good. BUT I’LL NEVER AGAIN MAKE THAT MISTAKE!! The road between Mettur and Erode is THE WORST ROAD IN THE WORLD!! I think I rode at an average of 20kmph in that entire treacherous stretch. The road as such is very narrow.
No median (nearly got hit in numerous occasions). And very good for slip/skid stuff. Anybody planning to go on a journey like this, please follow option 2. You’ll actually reach ONE HOUR QUICKER. Now about the bike. This is actually the most reliable companion for a long ride. I had tried several other bikes before - and this is the very first time I actually went on an inter-city ride. These were the advantages:1) Fuel consumption: I feel it is OK for a 100cc bike. A new Bajaj may give more and so would CD-Deluxe. But the difference hardly makes a difference. I get around 65 in the city (NOTE: BANGALORE) and 70 in the highway.2) Comfort: Even after the entire ride no pain in back/shoulder/stomach/b*__s (I mean it)/knees. Might be because my height is 5’6".
A taller person needs a bigger bike for such long rides. I’d recommend Honda Shine.3) Reliability: Please see my review on this same vehicle under HH Splendor+. More details there.4) Handling and control: I think this is where Hero Honda loses out. It is good when the road is good and the going is smooth. But it is also a nasty skid-master. You could make it better by adding bigger wheels. If you are a road-rash, then I’ll say: go for Pulsar or Bullet. These are the best bikes when it comes to stopping. Splendor is good for wriggling inbetween vehicles in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
But be careful while at turns. Also be careful if a dead dog is on the way. It is a lightbike, it will fly (Bad experience - dead black dog on the road at night, Maratahalli junction, before the bridge was completely built)!!5) Looks: This would be as per theeyes of the beholder. I think this is correct for an IT professional/executive.6) Power: Loses out in the 100cc department to all contenders. Splendor’s peak power comes only after it crosses 40. It is good for riding in Chennai, but in Bangalore, which is littered with Speed-breakers, it gives a lot of trouble.7) The rain test:This actually helped me decide on the bike.7A) Pros: It is the best starter in the rains. Tried with all bikes. No starting trouble whatsoever. Gentlest kick required. I’ve never had to raise the accelerator when starting. Just the kick.
Choke is not needed at all.7B) Cons: Only a careful rider (unlike me) can use it in the rains. Skids very easily. Keep a distance between autos ahead of you in the rains. These fellows will suddenly stop, and they are very stable. You may not.7C) Overall:The pros outweighed the cons.8) Who should buy the bike:8A: People who like a smooth, reliable, durable engine. Minimum maintenance, ok mileage. People who are very busy and need a vehicle that will not give them any trouble other than a puncture.8B: Those who work in night shifts. No mechanics available at night.8C: Good for standard Tamilnadu traffic: particularly Chennai roads.8D: Good in plain ground.8E: If you want a vehicle which gives you NO starting problem in the rain. 9) Who should NOT buy this bike:9A: Power-crazy fans. In 100-cc go for Crux/Disc110/Platina. These atleast give power in the 2nd-4th gear transition.
Or go for the CBZ-Xtreme. Never go for the 125ccs.9B: Kerala. Because of the inclines. Bangalore. Because of the speed-breakers. Anywhere where there are too many inclines. This bike ain’t made for slopes.9C: Budget-crazy fellas. This is the 2nd-most costly 100cc bike (next to Passion+).9D: Tall people (6 ft and above).9E: People who want more control in high-speeds. I suggest Pulsar/Bullet only.10) Customer Service: HH Customer service is the best in Chennai and the worst in Bangalore (Tried outlets for all brands in Chennai as well as Bangalore). Overall I think it is a very good package, which is why it is the World’s largest selling motorcycle.
It’s advantages give HH the guts to roll out products like Achiever/Pleasure, knowing that the big sales volume here makes up for the loss in other segments. It has also given HH enough money to be a sponsor for World Cup 2007 (Oops!!). I’ve listed all the above points on my experience - on ALL terrain and circumstances. If I’ve missed out anything, please let me know in comments. And for more details, you can M2M me. Happy riding. Regards, Jacob. ----