Feb 27, 2006 02:14 AM
7966 Views
(Updated Feb 27, 2006 02:14 AM)
My cousin purchased a super splendor around 6 months back. I have rode a few hundred kilometers on it and here is what I have to write.
Appearance:
I would have said the bike looks ''Stunning'' If it was launched say around 6 years back. Looks better than the aging splendor, but not as good as the Bajaj discover or the Victor . I dislike the rakish design of the Fazer . So in case you guys like them, Super Splendor may score down. The large, rectangular, crystal-lens-type headlamp that houses a 12V/35W halogen bulb headlamp assembly is good to look. The tinted, translucent visor adds to the appeal. The fuel tank has Super Splendor written which is pretty much similar to its older sibling. Body panels running on both the sides and going all the way to the rear are similar too, and the Super Splendor's are a little better to look. The semi-hexagonal tail lamp is multi-reflector, clear-lens type and offers good stoplight visibility and is much better than a lot of bikes I have seen. The chrome plated steel grab rail with a rubber grip is practical, but appears cheap when even the Bajaj CT100 comes with a Die cast metal.
Black, matt-finished silencer with chrome-plated heat shield adds some style to the bike. The instrument cluster features a large speedo dial with a trip-meter positioned at the centre and the fuel gauge and neutral/high beam indicators set on either side. The electrical switches are pretty identical to the Splendor, which is quite easy to operate. I love trip meters!
The electrical switches are quite user-friendly. Fit and finish of the switchgear are good. The push-type high/low beam switch is easy to access for the rider's left thumb. Push cancel indicator switch is similar to the one on the CBZ.The pass light flasher and the horn switch are also well positioned.
Power and performance.
When I first rode the bike, I was surprised. The pickup and power delivery can be distinguished. It is better. The extra 25cc pumps 1.5 bhp more that the splendor. So the output now is 9bhp. TVS Victor manages about 10 bhp and the more power focused Yamaha Fazer and the Bajaj Discover both put out about 10.8 bhp of peak power. The ride is vibration and fatigue free. Riding around Bangalore traffic was easy. With a pillion aboard, the bike did not feel underpowered for normal commuting. However if you are the rally-rider type and love seeing your competition disappear in your rear view mirror, this is not the bike for you.
The suspension set-up in the Super Splendor includes a telescopic, hydraulic fork at the front and a rectangular section swing arm with hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. The four-speed gearbox with all down shifting configuration and clutch are both excellent, in keeping with our expectations about every Hero Honda bike. Fuel efficiency offered by the Super Splendor will be 50-55 kmpl in city and 60 kmpl on the highway.
Build quality..
The Super Splendor's tubular double cradle chassis is rigid similar to the tried and tested bikes from the Hero Honda stable. The riding position and the saddle height seem to be same as in the Splendor. The paint job is good, but the one I rode for some reason was too prone to scratches!. Not sure if I must blame the bag I carried on the tank.
Both the front and rear tyres are the same lean 2.75-inch and it assists improve fuel efficiency. Ride quality is as good as the splendor .The victor 125 and Fazer slightly score better here.
Finally..
The Super Splendor is aimed at people who want to Replace their 100CC bikes or the college goer who wants a combination of efficiency and economy with a not-so-high sticker price.
Hero Honda has given the Super Splendor a three-year, 40,000 km warranty which is tempting. The Super Splendor is priced at about Rs 47000 on road for the drum brake and kick start version. The self-start and disc brake version is priced at around 50000.
If you are Looking for reliability, fuel economy and the Hero Honda heritage, the Super Splendor is a good buy. But if you are looking for looks and don’t mind spending a few grands more for a little bit of extra comfort and horses, you have the Victor, Discover and the Fazer.
