Hero MotoCorp Splendor Plus mileage and running cost

Expect 60–70 kmpl from the Splendor Plus in everyday use against a claimed mileage of 70 kmpl. The 7% gap is smaller than most rivals manage.

Among the 21 commuter bikes we have reviewed it ranks 5th for mileage, 5 kmpl above the group average of 65 kmpl.

At Delhi's petrol price of ₹94.80 a litre and a real-world 65 kmpl, the Splendor Plus costs about ₹1.46 per km in fuel. Ride 30 km a day and that is roughly ₹1,138 a month, or ₹13,651 a year, before servicing.

The 9.8-litre tank gives a realistic range of about 637 km, so a 30 km commute means a fill-up every 3 weeks.

Spread over five years and 46,800 km, the Splendor Plus works out to about ₹3.8 per km all-in, of which 38% is fuel and 49% is the purchase price itself. Resale value is not counted; a nameplate this established holds value well.

The quickest wins for the Splendor Plus: keep tyres at the recommended pressure (under-inflation by 5 psi can cost 2–3 kmpl), shift up early and avoid idling at long signals.

Short trips hurt most. A cold engine on a 2 km run can return half its normal mileage; if that is your use, expect the low end of the real-world band.

Service on time. A clogged air filter or old spark plug shows up in mileage before it shows up anywhere else.