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2014 – Hero Splendor iSmart – First impression

Hero Splendor iSmart IndiaWhen we talk about a bike, named as “splendor”, the first thing that hits our mind is the trust of this simple but magical motorcycle, which has ruled the Indian market for more than a decade.
Over the years there were many updates of the splendor; recently HeroMotoCorp has announced a new avatar of the Splendor, the  Hero Splendor iSmart. Though I didn’t get enough time to analyze the engine, I bring you the first impression of the new splendor iSmart.

Features:
This bike is heavily loaded with features which can give any other bike in 100cc segment a run for its money. The best feature of this bike is the smart ignition control, a market first by offered by Hero in 100cc segment. In smart ignition control, the engine turns off if the gear is kept idle in neutral for 30sec, and starts immediately after pressing clutch. This feature will help save lot of fuel for everyday commuters.


Hero Splendor iSmart India


Apart from smart control of engine, there are many other features installed in this bike,
·         Electric self start
·         Side stand indicator
·         Split pillion grab handle
·         Passing Switch (which was not present in old splendor)
·         New spring suspensions


Hero Splendor iSmart India

Hero Splendor iSmart India

Hero Splendor iSmart India

Hero Splendor iSmart India

Hero Splendor iSmart India


Styling :
The iSmart looks completely different from the old splendor; it has nice curves black coated engine, black coated exhaust and black alloy wheels. It has nice graphics which blends nicely with the design of this bike. The alloy wheels has thin ring of radium reflectors looks very nice, there are reflectors positioned on mud guard of the front wheel useful safety feature during night riding. The tool box has a new look with some graphics. Fuel knob is also quiet big very comfortable to access. OverAll styling is pretty nice, it is not over styled nor it is under styled, looks decent 100cc bike.


Hero Splendor iSmart India

Hero Splendor iSmart India

Hero Splendor iSmart India

Hero Splendor iSmart India

Hero Splendor iSmart India

Hero Splendor iSmart India

Lights :
Lighting specs are same as of Hero Passion Pro but looks quite different from Passion. It goes with the design of the iSmart and looks quite nice. The turn signal lamps are fitted with amber bulb with clear lens.

Hero Splendor iSmart India

Hero Splendor iSmart India


Riding Comfort:
As compared to old splendor the new seat is better; I didn’t get a chance to ride this bike for long distance so I won’t be able to comment anything about it now.


Hero Splendor iSmart India


Engine :
The engine is borrowed from the old one, there is no change at all in the engine, I guess Hero want to keep customers trust alive on this bike.


Hero Splendor iSmart India


Conclusion:
The new iSmart looks attractive, nicely priced at around INR 60,000/- but it has some serious competition from the Bajaj Discovers and Honda Shines.

On my verdict this bike earns an 8.5 on 10 rating.


9 comments:

  1. Go for HONDA Dream Neo 2013 Technology Bike with HET engine(74 KM/L) by original Honda,Hero is using same engine which they introduced in 1983,why to buy 1983 technology engine in 2014.Go for Honda the original one,These bikes are now going BPL TV way(as BPL was no 1 in 1990 today it is not there and Samsung/LG killed it) in due course.HERO/Bajaj bikes are having same fate.They are in panic.They are changing model every 2nd month to improve sale.Their engines are reqiuring repair with in 2-3 years as quality of engine has gone down due to sub standard parts being used by them,today if some body has 2005 bike, repairing same is better than buying a new one,any comments

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What foolishness. hero changed only name.still Honda giving parts.maybe 2018 Honda will stop their sharing.

      Delete
  2. Hi, S Tiwari, I agree with your point that bajaj has poor maintenance and reliability and that Honda has a better technology at present as compared to Hero/Bajaj.

    But I also disagree that Hero is using old technology. Let tell you that the association of Hero and Honda was not going to last forever. Hero knew this thing and started their preparation well before. If you see the latest Auto Expo, Hero has showcased quite a lot of new exciting model with the own engines. Hero also has technical co-operation from many small international engine firms and most noteably their association with Eric Buell Racing.

    Although the quality and reliability is still under the scanner for new Hero Engines, they are rest assured and not based on primitive technology

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rightly Mr.Soban Babu XBHP member has mentioned in mouthshut.com review of Dream Neo
    Comparison of splendor and Neo
    Why I am comparing these 2? Both are Honda’s designs with 2 decade difference.
    but easily match each other
    1. Have same style twin pod instrument.
    2. Rear and front drum brakes, even same dia
    3. Stickers, fairing easily resemble 1994 splendor
    4. A honda engine sound – Hoooon Daaaaa
    5. Mileage – both will touch 60kmpl
    6. Both use Keihin carburetor which is virtually everlasting
    7. Gear shift lever with toe shift and all up pattern which we used to
    8. Front and rear suspension copy paste except Neo ones are Gabriel
    9. Tail and tail light – almost same, honda bit brighter
    10. Riding position – best ergonomics in both

    Coming to differences in favor of neo

    Differences

    1. Little more power in Neo 110cc vs 97cc without sacrificing mileage
    2. Exhaust is bit milder, splendors thud in a low volume.
    3. Headlight fairing is little modern but retains the shape of splendor when looked at behind
    4. Has catalytic converter, secondary air pump in engine
    5. Plastic chain guard damn easier to disassemble than the sliding metal in splendor.
    6. Taller and better looking seats.
    7. Minor disadvantage here grab rail missing, never mind
    8. Battery far better and big in size.
    9. Has a passing light switch
    10. Lighter weight and power to weight ratio is much better hence faster speeds for youth
    11. HET engine for fuel efficiency, modern tech, like nickel spark
    12. Air filter is viscous new type than the old sponge filter
    13. Footrest feels more reliable
    14. Swingarm is rectangular and tightening chain feels more easier
    15. Single downtube rather than double cradle frame of splendor, so vibrations minimal

    Overall I am saying you get more new stuff at cheaper price from honda.

    And we should not forget none of the designs are ageless. even the splendor!

    The wise option is to go for dream neo:)

    Read more at http://www.motorbeam.com/bikes/hero-splendor/hero-splendor-ismart-first-ride-review/#3wtsGrD4zBg8cWdW.99

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi S Tiwari,

    I appreciate the your valuable comparison between the iSmart and the Neo. But this review was based on the first impression we got as we had a look around not a straight one to one shoot out. Coming to difference you stated, I agree with all technical specs, but you have missed the i3s technology from Hero. Which is a stand out from Neo/Shine/Discovers.
    Old splendor promised a mileage of 60kmpl with i3s it can deliver an additional 5-7kms.
    But in terms of Engine and Value for money.

    Wise option would be the Dream Neo.

    Regards,
    Nikhil

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Nikhil,
    Dear Sir, Today Hero is using Honda Technology, 31 Dec.,2014 onward they have to change engine to new technology.Why buy a bike where technology itself is a question mark??We must wait till Jan.,2015 and see the performance of new engine for some time and then only buy Hero bike.Do you know standard mileage of Honda Dream Neo is 74KM/L but I am getting 74 KM/L in Bangalore traffic and 85 KM/L on highways.So nothing to beat original Honda original Engine at least in India,any comments??S.Tiwari

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi,

    Well, this is a very good point you have mentioned here. That's the reason I have mentioned in conclusion "iSmart has got some serious competition from Bajaj and Honda".

    Regards,
    Nikhil

    ReplyDelete
  7. Consider this analogy - a best CRT monitor of the 80s is still a CRT monitor, no matter any extra features u add and try to sell today, the heart will remain same ie CRT. This is the case with hero and they happily sell the same with new makeovers. Old is gold will work for some time, old is boring after repeating the splendor name again n again. Hero is clearly afraid of changing the engine, even in their new models. Honda's 110cc engine now has better acceleration combined with diamond frame makes it easier to handle and control.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. New Bollywood movie teasers

    ReplyDelete

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