Every gearhead, every rider, has that one machine that started it all. For me, perched here at eAuto, sharing my passion for bikes and cars with all of you, that machine wasn't just metal and rubber; it was virtually my first heartbeat on two wheels. It was the Hero Splendor Plus, and looking back from November 2025, its legend is as strong as ever.
From Wrenching to Writing: My Journey to eAuto
Before I started penning down these articles for eAuto, I was in the trenches, quite literally. My hands were often greasy, my clothes smelling of petrol and engine oil. I spent years as a mechanic, diagnosing everything from sputtering carburettors to seized engines. There's a unique satisfaction in bringing a lifeless machine back to roaring life, in feeling the pulse of an engine hum perfectly. This deep-seated love for two-wheelers, nurtured through countless hours of wrenching, eventually led me to eAuto. Here, I could continue to connect with the machines I adored, not just by fixing them, but by sharing their stories, their quirks, and their legends with an even wider audience.
The Unforgettable Day: My First Splendor Plus
I remember it like it was yesterday. The year was 2006. The fresh smell of the showroom, the glistening chrome, and that distinct thrum of a brand-new engine. Saving up every single rupee, enduring countless lectures about responsibilities – it all culminated in that moment. Riding my very own Hero Splendor Plus out of the dealership was more than just buying a vehicle; it was an initiation. It was the taste of freedom, the promise of adventures, and the beginning of my true independence.
More Than Just a Commuter: A True Workhorse and Legend
The Splendor Plus wasn't about raw power or flashy speed; it was about something far more vital for the average Indian rider: unmatched reliability, phenomenal fuel efficiency, and sheer, unflinching practicality. Its heart, a robust 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, was a masterpiece of simplicity and efficiency. It wasn't built for racing, but for enduring. Picture this: tackling congested city streets of Mumbai, navigating the broken rural roads of Uttar Pradesh, or cruising down a highway in Karnataka – the Splendor Plus took it all in its stride.
For a mechanic like me, its beauty lay in its engineering. Minimal electronics, a straightforward carburetor, accessible parts – it was a dream to maintain, even for a beginner. This meant less downtime, lower running costs, and more kilometres for your hard-earned rupee. It consistently delivered mileage figures that could make any other bike blush, often touching 60-70 kmpl in real-world conditions. This frugality, combined with its robust build quality, cemented its place in countless Indian households. It wasn't just transport; it was a reliable member of the family.
The Emotional Connect: A Journey Through Life's Milestones
That Splendor Plus became an extension of me. From dashing to college for early morning lectures to late-night chai runs with friends through deserted streets, from carrying my heavy textbooks to helping my father with chores, it saw it all. It taught me the basics of clutch control, gear shifting, and even the simple joy of a perfectly executed U-turn. Every scratch, every minor ding, became a part of its story, and by extension, mine. It was a silent confidante during my younger days, a witness to my aspirations, and a tireless companion.
The Splendor Plus Legacy: Still Roaring in 2025
Even now, in November 2025, decades after its first iteration, the Splendor Plus continues to be a top seller for Hero Motocorp. Why? Because its core values haven't changed. It adapts, it evolves—with features like i3S technology for better fuel efficiency—but its soul remains the same: a no-nonsense, highly dependable, and economically sensible motorcycle. It's truly a legend, not just for its sales numbers, but for the countless lives it has touched, the dreams it has carried, and the sheer number of kilometres it has silently conquered across the diverse terrains of India. For me, it will always be more than a bike; it's a cherished memory, a foundational piece of my journey, and the reason I get to write these stories for you today at eAuto.
