Hero Splendor Plus vs TVS Radeon: Which Commuter Bike Is Right for You

by Sagar Ranjan

Hero Splendor Plus vs TVS Radeon Price & Variants

• Hero Splendor Plus: The ex-showroom price for the base model (Drum Brake OBD2B) is around ₹ 73,902 according to 91Wheels.
• TVS Radeon: More budget-friendly in some variants, Radeon’s ex-showroom price starts much lower — ₹ 55,100 for the All Black Edition.

Takeaway: If initial cost is a major concern, Radeon has the upper hand in its base model range.

Engine & Performance

• Splendor Plus: Powered by a 97.2 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that delivers about 7.91 bhp @ 8000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of torque.
• Radeon: Has a larger 109.7 cc engine that produces 8.08 bhp @ 7350 rpm and 8.7 Nm of torque, giving it a bit more grunt in city riding.

In real-world acceleration tests (for the Splendor Plus XTEC vs. Radeon), TVS Radeon outperforms Splendor in 0–40 km/h, 0–60 km/h, and roll-on acceleration, thanks to Radeon’s higher displacement and torque.

Takeaway: Radeon offers better low and mid-range performance, which is useful for quick city rides; Splendor is tuned more for efficiency.

Mileage & Fuel Efficiency

• According to some sources, the Splendor Plus can give around 80.6 kmpl (in the base variant).
• Radeon, on the other hand, delivers about 73.68 kmpl in its base model.
• However, in real-world city vs highway tests, Splendor Plus XTEC was more fuel-efficient than Radeon: ZigWheels measured ~83.2 kmpl in city and ~95.8 kmpl on highway for Splendor, while Radeon gave ~73.68 kmpl in city and ~68.6 kmpl on highway.

Takeaway: Splendor Plus wins on fuel efficiency, especially on highways. If mileage is your top priority, it’s a strong pick.

Build, Dimensions & Comfort

1. Splendor Plus is lighter — kerb weight is about 112 kg, says Smartprix.
2. Radeon is slightly heavier (~113 kg) but offers better ground clearance (180 mm vs Splendor’s 165 mm) and a longer wheelbase (1265 mm vs 1236 mm), which may contribute to better stability on less-than-perfect roads.
3. Fuel tank: Splendor has 9.8 L, Radeon offers 10 L.

Takeaway: For city traffic and maneuverability, the Splendor’s lighter build helps; for a more stable ride on rough roads, Radeon’s higher ground clearance is beneficial.

Features & Safety

• Splendor Plus (especially in its XTEC variant) includes modern features:
  • Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start) to save fuel
  • Side-stand engine cut-off
  • Bluetooth enabled digital console (in XTEC) that shows trip meters, real-time mileage, missed call/message alerts.
  • Integrated Braking System (IBS) in some variants.
• TVS Radeon:
  • Has Synchronized Braking Technology (SBT).
  • Comes with USB charging port, a side-stand indicator with beeper, and a simple LCD + analog instrument cluster.
  • The front brake option includes both disc and drum in different variants, giving flexibility.

Takeaway: If you want modern tech (stop-start, Bluetooth, digital console), the Splendor Plus XTEC is very appealing. For practical day-to-day use with a simpler but effective feature set, Radeon does well.

Ride Quality & Braking

• Acceleration: As noted, Radeon accelerates faster than Splendor in tests.
• Brakes: Splendor typically comes with drum brakes (especially in base variants), while Radeon offers a front disc brake option which gives better stopping power.
• Suspension: Both bikes use a telescopic front fork + 5-step rear shock absorbers; ride comfort is quite balanced, but Radeon’s heavier build and longer wheelbase send it ahead on stability.

Takeaway: Radeon is better if you value stronger braking and more robust ride feel; Splendor is light and easy to handle in city.

Suitability & Use Case

Here’s a quick guide on when to prefer each bike:

• Choose Hero Splendor Plus if you:
  • Prioritize fuel efficiency and low running cost
  • Do a lot of highway or long-distance commuting
  • Prefer a tried-and-tested, reliable bike with Hero’s strong service network
  • Want modern convenience (XTEC) like Bluetooth and a smart console
• Choose TVS Radeon if you:
  • Need a more powerful engine for city rides / hilly terrain
  • Prefer better braking (disc) for occasional longer or faster rides
  • Want a higher ground clearance and a stable ride on rough or uneven roads
  • Value practical features like USB charging and side-stand alert

Pros & Cons Summary

Hero Splendor Plus

• Pros:
  • Excellent fuel efficiency
  • Lightweight and agile
  • Reliable Hero service network
  • Modern XTEC features in some variants
• Cons:
  • No disc brake in many variants
  • Smaller engine, less torque than Radeon

TVS Radeon

• Pros:
  • More torque and better pick-up
  • Disc brake option
  • Higher ground clearance and stable ride
  • Useful tech features like USB charging
• Cons:
  • Slightly lower mileage (in real-world)
  • Heavier compared to Splendor
  • Simpler instrument cluster (in base variants)

Hero Splendor Plus vs TVS Radeon Conclusion

Both the Hero Splendor Plus and TVS Radeon are excellent commuter motorcycles, but their strengths lie in different areas. If your priority is maximum mileage, low maintenance, and commuting efficiency, Splendor Plus is a standout choice. On the other hand, if you want more power, better stability, stronger brakes, and a more robust feel, the Radeon could be the better pick.

Ultimately, your decision should depend on your daily riding patterns (city vs highway), budget, and whether you value modern features or proven simplicity. It’s also a good idea to take both bikes for a test ride, if possible, to see which one feels more comfortable and responsive for you.

Also Read: Honda Shine 100 vs Splendor Plus Which is Better