If you’re in the market for a practical, budget-friendly, and fuel-efficient motorcycle in India, Hero MotoCorp has two of the most trusted names in the commuter segment — the Hero HF Deluxe and the Hero Splendor Plus. Both bikes are immensely popular among Indian riders for their low ownership cost, reliability, and solid performance on daily rides.
But when you’re trying to pick just one, the question arises: which one offers better value, performance, comfort, and efficiency?
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the specifications, features, real-world performance, and usability of both bikes to help you make an informed decision.
Contents
- 1 Overview: What Makes Them Popular?
- 2 Specifications at a Glance
- 3 Engine & Performance
- 4 Fuel Efficiency: How Far Can You Go?
- 5 Comfort & Ride Quality
- 6 Design & Styling
- 7 Features
- 8 Maintenance & After-Sales Support
- 9 Final Comparison Table
- 10 Who Should Buy Which?
- 11 Final Thoughts
- 12 FAQs: Hero HF Deluxe vs Splendor Plus
Overview: What Makes Them Popular?
Hero HF Deluxe and Splendor Plus are often the top picks for office-goers, students, and delivery professionals. They’re designed for Indian road conditions — be it urban traffic, rural roads, or semi-highway stretches. Here’s why they continue to win hearts:
- Affordable price tag
- Excellent mileage
- Low-cost maintenance
- Hero’s trusted service network
Despite their similarities, there are subtle differences that can help you choose based on your needs.
Specifications at a Glance
Let’s first look at the specs of both motorcycles side-by-side:
| Feature | Hero HF Deluxe | Hero Splendor Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 97.2cc (Air-cooled, 4-stroke) | 97.2cc (Air-cooled, 4-stroke) |
| Power | 8.02 PS @ 8000 RPM | 7.91 PS @ 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 8.05 Nm @ 6000 RPM | 8.05 Nm @ 6000 RPM |
| Gearbox | 4-speed | 4-speed |
| Claimed Mileage | 80-85 kmpl | 80-85 kmpl |
| Weight | 109-112 kg | 110-113 kg |
| Starting Price | ₹52,000 (Ex-showroom) | ₹54,000 (Ex-showroom) |
Engine & Performance
Both motorcycles share the same engine platform with marginal tuning differences. The HF Deluxe has a slight power advantage with 8.02 PS compared to the Splendor Plus’s 7.91 PS. This minor difference doesn’t significantly impact city riding but can be felt slightly on highways where HF Deluxe feels a bit livelier.
Both bikes use a 4-speed gearbox and are ideal for city traffic with linear power delivery and smooth throttle response.
Verdict:
If you’re planning occasional highway rides, HF Deluxe’s marginally better pickup might be an advantage.
Fuel Efficiency: How Far Can You Go?
When it comes to mileage, both bikes are top performers in their segment. With a claimed mileage of 80–85 km/l, they are designed to give you the most out of every litre of fuel.
Real-world mileage may vary based on riding habits and road conditions. Still, many riders report consistent figures above 70 km/l on both bikes.
Verdict:
Splendor Plus might edge out HF Deluxe slightly due to its more conservative tuning, but the difference is marginal.
Comfort & Ride Quality
Comfort is essential for daily commutes, and both bikes provide a comfortable, upright seating posture suitable for long rides.
- HF Deluxe feels slightly more agile due to its lighter build.
- Splendor Plus may feel more stable on uneven roads due to its weight distribution.
Suspension setup is the same on both: telescopic forks in the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear, soaking up bumps well on typical Indian roads.
Verdict:
Splendor Plus may offer slightly better comfort on longer commutes, while HF Deluxe feels more nimble for city rides.
Design & Styling
Both bikes are available in several color options and have a simplistic yet purposeful design.
- Hero HF Deluxe leans more toward modern sporty aesthetics with bold graphics and vibrant colors like red, blue, and black.
- Hero Splendor Plus sticks to a more classic, timeless look, ideal for riders who prefer a more traditional motorcycle appeal.
Verdict:
Choose HF Deluxe for youthful styling and Splendor Plus for understated elegance.
Features
Feature-wise, both bikes keep it simple, staying true to their commuter DNA.
Standard features include:
- Analogue instrument cluster
- Halogen headlamp
- Side-stand engine cut-off (on select variants)
- Kick and self-start options
Additional Variants:
- HF Deluxe offers a variant with i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) to improve fuel savings.
- Splendor Plus has a more premium variant called the “XTEC” with digital meter, Bluetooth connectivity, and LED DRLs.
Verdict:
If modern tech is a priority, Splendor Plus XTEC variant gives you a more feature-rich experience.
Maintenance & After-Sales Support
Hero’s extensive service network is a big advantage. Both motorcycles are easy and affordable to maintain, with spare parts readily available even in small towns.
Scheduled servicing is economical, and many local garages are also familiar with these models.
Final Comparison Table
| Criteria | Winner |
|---|---|
| Power & Pickup | HF Deluxe |
| Highway Riding | HF Deluxe |
| Mileage | Splendor Plus (slight edge) |
| Comfort | Splendor Plus |
| Styling | Subjective (HF = Sporty, Splendor = Classic) |
| Features | Splendor Plus XTEC |
| Price | HF Deluxe |
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose Hero HF Deluxe if:
- You need better pickup for mixed city-highway usage.
- You want a slightly sportier-looking bike.
- You prefer a lightweight motorcycle for quick maneuvering.
Choose Hero Splendor Plus if:
- You want maximum fuel efficiency.
- You prefer classic looks and relaxed riding posture.
- You want more tech features with the XTEC variant.
Final Thoughts
Hero HF Deluxe and Splendor Plus are both exceptional commuter bikes designed for Indian road conditions. Your final decision should come down to personal preference and usage pattern. For performance and sporty looks, go for the HF Deluxe. For fuel efficiency and premium features, the Splendor Plus is a wise choice.
Whichever you choose, a test ride is always the best way to feel the difference.
FAQs: Hero HF Deluxe vs Splendor Plus
Q1. Which bike offers better mileage — HF Deluxe or Splendor Plus?
A: Both bikes offer excellent mileage (around 80–85 kmpl), but the Splendor Plus might offer a slight edge in real-world conditions due to its conservative tuning.
Q2. Is the HF Deluxe more powerful than the Splendor Plus?
A: Yes, HF Deluxe delivers slightly more power at 8.02 PS compared to Splendor Plus’s 7.91 PS, which helps during overtaking and highway riding.
Q3. Which one is better for city riding?
A: Both are excellent for city use. However, HF Deluxe’s lighter build may offer a more agile experience in congested traffic.
Q4. What are the key features of Splendor Plus XTEC?
A: Splendor Plus XTEC includes a digital meter, Bluetooth connectivity, LED DRLs, and side-stand engine cut-off, offering a modern touch to a classic bike.
Q5. Which bike is more affordable?
A: The Hero HF Deluxe starts at a slightly lower price point (around ₹52,000 ex-showroom) compared to Splendor Plus (around ₹54,000).
Q6. Which bike is more suitable for highway rides?
A: While both are primarily city commuters, HF Deluxe handles highway rides better due to its marginally better pickup and lightweight build.
