Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 vs TVS Radeon Top Variant Compared In Pics

Hero recently launched the Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0, an even more feature-packed version of the ever-reliable commuter motorcycle. Here’s how it fares against its slightly more powerful rival, the TVS Radeon.

Design

With respect to the design, the Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 has one of the most recognisable design languages. The boxy styling with clean body panels is something that you cannot go wrong with, especially with its simplicity. One aspect that helps with the overall appeal of the Splendor Plus is the number of colour options that the bike is available in. Adding to that are the graphics that give the classic design a slightly youthful appeal. The 3 new colour options Matte Grey, Gloss Black and Gloss Red, look even more attractive.

While the Splendor is boxier, the TVS Radeon flaunts a slightly flowy design language. This too gets a utilitarian look and features some unique elements like the chiselled fuel tank along with tank grips on either side.

With Xtec 2.0, the Splendor Plus stands out with a full-LED headlight, whereas its rival, the Radeon only gets an LED DRL and makes do with a halogen headlamp. All in all, while the silhouette of both bikes look somewhat similar, the Splendor’s full-LED headlight makes it look a little more modern than the Radeon. That said, the Radeon makes up with slightly more chrome elements, particularly on the exhaust, rear suspension and the headlight nacelle.

Engine

With a 97.2cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, the Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 produces 8.02PS at 8000rpm and 8.05Nm at 6000rpm, paired with a 4-speed transmission. The impressive bit is that it delivers a claimed mileage of 73kmpl and has a fuel tank capacity of 9.8 litres.

With a bigger 109.7cc engine, as compared to the Hero, the TVS Radeon churns out 8.08PS @7350rpm and 8.7Nm @4500rpm. It too is paired with a 4-speed gearbox. In our real-world mileage tests, the TVS Radeon returned an equally commendable mileage of 73.68kmpl in the city and 68.6kmpl on the highway.

So on paper, the Radeon has a slight edge in the engine department, and even though the mileage is more or less the same, the performance is different.

Underpinnings

Both are suspended on a telescopic fork and a 5-step preload-adjustable dual shock absorber setup. However, for braking, the Splendor gets a 130mm drum on both ends, whereas the top-end Radeon variant gets a 240mm petal disc up front and a 110mm drum at the rear. This should give the Radeon better stopping performance than the Splendor. They both run on 18-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres as well.

Features

The Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is loaded with features including a full-LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity that shows calls and SMS alerts. It also shows speed, fuel level, odometer, and even real-time mileage, and gets a USB charging port (on the left side of the console) as well. The Xtec 2.0 also gets full LED headlight, hazard lights with dedicated switch and H-shaped LED DRLs. 

Other features include an electric starter, a side-stand engine cut-off feature, and an Idle Stop-Start System (i3S), which helps conserve fuel by automatically switching off the engine when it idles for a while in traffic. It comes back to life by pulling the clutch lever.

On the other hand, the Radeon misses out on smartphone connectivity. That said, the Radeon is also fairly feature-packed as it gets a full-LCD instrument console with additional data like real-time mileage indicator, clock and trip meters. The other features offered in TVS Radeon are a USB charger and an LED daytime running light just below the headlight.

Which commuter bike should you buy?

With a price tag of Rs 82,911 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Hero Splendor Plus Xtec 2.0 is in no way ‘an affordable 100cc bike.’ However, it definitely is the most feature-packed one. On the other hand, the TVS Radeon top-variant is priced at Rs 80,944, which is around Rs 1,967 more affordable than the Splendor and also gets a bigger engine.

While both bikes tick the right boxes in terms of practicality, it all boils down to ride experience or performance. If you want a very cool riding experience with fancy features, the Splendor stands out. However, if you want a no-nonsense commuter with peppy performance and better braking, the Radeon will make sense for you.