Key Takeaways
- The real turning point came in 1994, when Hero Honda discontinued the CD100 and introduced the first Hero Honda Splendor.
- Hero Honda launched the Hero Super Splendor in 2005.
- From its launch in 1994 to the modern BS6 models, the Splendor has consistently delivered what riders truly want—reliability, efficiency, and affordability.
%20%7C%20First%20Model%20Price%20to%20Latest%20Splendor%20Plus%20Price%20in%20Nepal.png "Evolution of Splendor")
The Hero Splendor is more than just a motorcycle—it represents a deep emotional connection for millions of riders across South Asia.There is a popular saying that one Splendor is sold every 30 seconds in India, and this clearly reflects its unmatched success and popularity. In Nepal, this bike has become a symbol of reliability and practicality. Many people even call it the “petrol sipping bike” because of its outstanding mileage. From daily commuters to small business owners, the Splendor has earned a special place in the hearts of Nepali riders due to its low maintenance cost, strong resale value, durable build quality, and exceptional fuel efficiency.
Early Motorcycle Market in Nepal
In the early 1990s, motorcycles in Nepal were considered a luxury rather than a necessity. The market was dominated by bikes like Royal Enfield Bullet and Yamaha RX 100, which were powerful but expensive and not fuel-efficient. At that time, Nepal’s economy was still developing, and most middle-class families could not afford such bikes. Scooters were more common among the general public because they were relatively cheaper.
There was a clear gap in the market for an affordable, fuel-efficient motorcycle that could be used by everyday people. This gap eventually led to the rise of a new segment—commuter bikes.
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Formation of Hero Honda and CD100 Era
The journey of Splendor actually begins with the formation of Hero Honda in 1984, a joint venture between India’s Hero Cycles and Japan’s Honda. In 1985, they launched the Hero Honda CD100, which became known for its excellent mileage and affordable pricing.
In Nepal, the CD100 slowly started gaining attention among young riders. It was considered a modern and economical option compared to heavier bikes. Its approximate price in Nepal during the late 1980s to early 1990s was around NPR 35,000 to 45,000, making it relatively accessible. However, despite its strengths, it struggled to dominate the market because riders still preferred more powerful motorcycles at that time.
1994 – Birth of Splendor (First Model Year)
The real turning point came in 1994, when Hero Honda discontinued the CD100 and introduced the first Hero Honda Splendor. This was a strategic move that changed the commuter bike segment forever.
The first-generation Splendor came with a 97.2cc air-cooled, four-stroke engine, producing around 7.4 bhp power and 7.9 Nm torque. What made it truly special was its impressive mileage of over 80 km per liter, which was unmatched at that time. The bike also featured a unique rectangular headlamp design with a simple yet practical body structure that appealed to a wide audience.
The Splendor 1994 model price in Nepal was approximately NPR 55,000 to 65,000, which made it affordable for middle-class families. This combination of price, performance, and efficiency made the Splendor an instant success. Within a few years, it became one of the most popular motorcycles in both Nepal and India.
Rise of Splendor in Nepal
The success of the Hero Honda Splendor old model was driven by the needs of everyday people. For Nepali riders, this bike was not just a mode of transportation—it was a reliable partner in daily life. Whether it was commuting to work, traveling between villages, or running small businesses, the Splendor proved to be extremely dependable.
Its low operating cost was a major advantage. Riders could fill petrol once and ride for days without worrying about fuel expenses. Additionally, its simple engine design meant fewer breakdowns and easy maintenance. Spare parts were widely available and affordable, which further increased its popularity. Over time, Splendor became known as the “king of commuter bikes” in Nepal.
2004 – Introduction of Splendor Plus
After nearly a decade of dominance, Hero Honda introduced the upgraded Hero Splendor Plus in 2004. While the core engine remained similar, the company focused on improving the bike’s styling and refinement.
The new model featured updated graphics, alloy wheels, and a more refined engine, making it more modern and appealing to younger riders. The Splendor Plus price in Nepal at that time was around NPR 75,000 to 85,000.
This version strengthened the emotional connection between the bike and its users. Hero Honda even promoted it with the tagline “It feels like family,” which perfectly described its role in people’s daily lives.
2005 – Super Splendor (Power Upgrade)
As customer preferences began to change and demand for more powerful bikes increased, Hero Honda launched the Hero Super Splendor in 2005. This model came with a 125cc engine producing around 9.12 bhp, offering better performance while still maintaining decent fuel efficiency.
The price in Nepal was approximately NPR 95,000 to 1,10,000. Although it was a strong contender in the 125cc segment, it could not achieve the same level of success as the original Splendor, mainly because the core audience still preferred mileage over power.
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2007 – Splendor NXG and Design Evolution
In 2007, Hero Honda expanded the lineup with the Hero Splendor NXG, which focused on design improvements and better aerodynamics. The bike featured a more stylish look and improved fuel efficiency.
It retained the reliable 97.2 cc engine, but with better refinement and performance tuning. The price in Nepal during that time ranged from NPR 90,000 to 1,00,000. This model showed how Splendor was evolving with time while maintaining its core identity.
Expansion of Features and Variants
As competition increased, Hero Honda started offering more features in the Splendor series. New variants came with self-start options, alloy wheels, and improved comfort features. These updates made the bike more user-friendly and suitable for modern riders.
Between 2010 and 2012, the price of these updated models in Nepal ranged from NPR 1,00,000 to 1,20,000, depending on the variant. These improvements helped Splendor maintain its strong position in the market despite growing competition.
2014 – i3S Technology and Modern Innovation
After separating from Honda, Hero MotoCorp introduced a major innovation in 2014—the i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) in the Splendor lineup.
This technology automatically shuts off the engine when the bike is idle and restarts it when the clutch is pressed. This significantly improves fuel efficiency, especially in city traffic conditions. The price in Nepal for i3S-equipped models was around NPR 1,50,000 to 1,70,000.
This marked a new era for Splendor, where modern technology was combined with its traditional strengths.
Special Editions and BS6 Upgrade
To celebrate its legacy, Hero launched special models like the Hero Splendor Pro Classic, which featured a retro café racer design. Although stylish, it remained a niche product.
In recent years, Splendor has also received the BS6 upgrade, making it more environmentally friendly. The latest models come with fuel injection technology, improved power output, and better efficiency.
Currently, the Hero Splendor price in Nepal ranges from approximately NPR 2,10,000 to 2,60,000, depending on the variant.
Conclusion – Why Splendor Still Dominates
The evolution of Splendor is a perfect example of how a product can remain successful for decades by understanding customer needs. From its launch in 1994 to the modern BS6 models, the Splendor has consistently delivered what riders truly want—reliability, efficiency, and affordability.
Even today, it continues to dominate the commuter segment in Nepal. While many new bikes offer advanced features and aggressive designs, the Splendor remains unbeatable in its category because of its simplicity and trust factor.
In the end, the Hero Splendor is not just a motorcycle—it is a legacy that continues to move millions of people every single day.
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