The Hero Splendor iSmart is a commuter motorcycle from Hero MotoCorp. It has been discontinued. Mechiee still services it at your doorstep. Commuter bikes are built for everyday riding: economical, easy to handle and inexpensive to run and maintain. With a 97.2 cc engine it sits in the entry-level 100–110 cc commuter class.
Power comes from a 97.2 cc single-cylinder air-cooled carburetted engine that makes 8.24 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Peak torque arrives low in the rev range, at 5,000 rpm, which makes it relaxed to ride in traffic. Divide power by kerb weight and it has about 76 PS per tonne; by that measure, there is enough go for confident city riding and relaxed highway cruising. The claimed top speed is 87 km/h. It has both electric and kick start.
It has a 4-speed manual gearbox, and a chain carries drive to the rear wheel. It uses a wet multi-plate clutch.
It is built around a tubular double cradle frame. Suspension is by telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and swing arm with adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is by a 130 mm drum at the front and a 110 mm drum at the rear. It rides on 18-inch spoke wheels with tubeless tyres — 80/100 - 18 47P at the front and 80/100 - 18 54P at the rear.
The seat is 785 mm off the ground, which is about average and suits most riders. It weighs 110 kg ready to ride, light enough to push around and park easily. Ground clearance is 160 mm — enough for most speed breakers. It is 1,965 mm long, with 1,235 mm between the axles. Its 8.7 L fuel tank and claimed mileage of 92 Kmpl work out to roughly 800 km per tankful on paper; real-world range is usually lower.
Equipment includes an analogue instrument console and a halogen headlamp. Safety equipment includes side-stand warning.
The manufacturer's warranty is 5 years or 40,000 km. For the Hero Splendor iSmart, Mechiee offers a fixed ₹899 doorstep service.
It is best suited to daily commuting and riders who put running costs first. Its low seat also makes it approachable for shorter and newer riders. Its gentle performance makes it a forgiving choice for a first bike.
Its chain drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and slack adjustment. Being carburetted, it benefits from an occasional carburettor clean, especially if it has stood unused.