Sep 28, 2016 10:33 AM
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Hero has introduced start/stop tech in its popular Splendor and has called it the Splendor iSmart. But, has this given the Splendor a new lease on life? We rode it to find out
Meet the new Splendor. It's called the Splendor iSmart. Okay, it isn't exactly new - the iSmart uses the same cycle parts that have been on Splendors for years. It borrows the styling from the Splendor NXG, which again has been in the market for over half a decade. And, the engine, well, it is essentially the same 97.2cc sloper unit which has been powering Hero's range of entry-level motorcycles for like, ever. But, there's one big difference. The Splendor iSmart uses start/stop tech. Yes, the same tech that has now become de rigueur in cars in Europe as they try and achieve lower CO2 emissions and higher fuel economy. The i3S tech on the Splendor iSmart is supposed to do the same. And, it is supposed to function in the same manner as well. i3S, by the way, stands for idle Start Stop System.
Stop at a signal, pull in the clutch, and the bike shuts off. Let go of the clutch lever, and the bike fires up again. On the Splendor iSmart though, things are slightly more tedious. Come to a signal, and only after shifting to neutral and letting the clutch lever go, does the motorcycle switch off. Pull in the clutch lever, and it fires up. So, the idea is right, but the execution, not as spot on as we would have liked. What this prohibits, is turning off of the motorcycle in stop and go traffic. And, all said and done, no one really shifts to neutral in bumper to bumper traffic. And given that, bumper to bumper traffic is what city commuting - at least in larger cities - is all about, the iSmart loses its significance somewhat.
Now we did say that the iSmart borrows its cycle parts from the regular Splendor, and it does, but there are a few differences. For starters, it has a longer swingarm and with it, the wheelbase is slightly longer. It also uses grippier, tubeless tyres from MRF. But, the likeable change is the use of foldable, alloy rider footrests, and bar-end weights. In terms of styling and features, the two-tone paint job is new, as are the split grab rails at the rear. The iSmart also gets colourful switchgear. The instrumentation meanwhile, though not digital, does get a trip meter and side stand indication.
The Hero Splendor iSmart costs Rs 47, 250 ex-showroom in Delhi. It is more expensive than the likes of the Honda Dream series and the Bajaj Discover 100M. Given how price sensitive the entry-level motorcycle class is in the country, the higher price does put the Splendor iSmart at a disadvantage of sorts. But, consider the extra features, the fuel saving tech and the feel-good elements like a nice paint job, alloy footrests, bar-end weights, and split grab rails, and the iSmart looks like a good deal. Its proven mechanicals and Hero's huge after sales network only sweetens the deal.
The bike’s unique feature is i3S(intelligent Start-Stop System), which Hero claims will increase the fuel-efficiency of the already frugal bike even more. Just like any other start-stop system, a technology that till now has been limited to cars in India, switches off the ignition when it senses that the engine has been idling for about 30 seconds. When you switch on the system and come to a halt after putting the bike in neutral, the engine shuts off after 5 seconds. Whenever you are ready to move again, just press the clutch and the engine will come back to life again.
n terms of styling, the Hero Splendor iSmart borrows most of its cues from the Super Splendor with added bits like a three-tone paint option and aluminium finished foot-pegs. The instrument cluster is new, with the addition of a side-stand-down indicator. Addition to the switchgear includes a new on-off switch for the start-stop system, which replaces the engine kill switch. Though it does not features like a front-disc brake even as an option, and rivals like the Bajaj Discover 100M do, it’s superb mileage ought to swing customers in its favour.
