Hero Motocorp attracted the attention of every bike lover from around the world in April 2015 when Indian Government’s agency iCAT certified that Splendor iSmart can manage to offer maximum mileage of 102.5 KMPL. Thus, the bike is currently the most fuel efficient bike on this plant and is considered an important feather in Hero Motocorp’s hat.
Style and Features
Front cowl looks sporty, and the bike’s black alloy wheels, graphics, and instrument console is impressive considering the price tag for this 100cc bike. Splendor iSmart’s power start and i3 mode switch easily manage to attract eyeballs. Critics often compare iSmart’s design with that of Super Splendor.
Bike’s seat is comfortable, and grab rail makes sure that even pillion passenger enjoys the ride. The bike is available in attractive colors like heavy grey, excellent blue, leaf green, and sports red. ISmart’s seat height is 785 MM, so, it can offer comfortable ride to people with short height. The other bike in the category is taller, Dream Neo(820mm) which might be a great fit if the person is close to 6 feets. Taller people would have a problem riding this bike for long distances however for short rides one could manage it. iSmart might also not be the best bike to take on bad roads.
The side stand indicator is very handy and is a great safety feature. Maintenance free battery is another important addition to the new iSmart.
Engine
Bike’s four-stroke 97.2 cc air-cooled engine is its most important aspect. Thanks to i3S technology, the engine is shut down when the vehicle is in idle, and automatically switches on when the rider presses the clutch. Engine shuts down when the bike is idle for more than 5 seconds on neutral. The bike crunches out a maximum power of 7.8PS at 7500rpm with peak torque of 8.0Nm at 4000rpm. It could reach from 0-60kmph in 8.77 seconds with a top speed of 88kmph.
The bike maker claims that the idle start stop system helps the bike to save petrol, and so its engine can manage to offer unbelievable 102.5 KMPL.
Splendor iSmart’s fuel tank capacity is 8.7 liters which may not impress those who prefer to stay away from petrol pump for several days. Bike can reach maximum speed of 93 KMPH. Most of the user reviews claim that the bike offers mileage of around 60 to 90 KMPL. This does not support the company’s claim of 102.5 KMPL. Let’s not forget that mileage depends on several factors.
Suspension and braking system
Hydraulic swingarm type shock absorbers manage the bike’s rear suspension while the front suspension is managed by telescopic hydraulic shock absorber.
130mm drum brake in the front as well as rear is good enough to control the bike, but again, these brakes may not satisfy everyone.
Controversy surrounding the bike’s mileage
Bike’s base engine has been developed by auto maker Honda. Company’s Indian R&D unit’s President Keiji Kasa claimed that Hero Motocorp is misleading people and its mileage numbers cannot be true. He pointed out that i3S technology was introduced by Honda before 15 years and stressed on the point that the bike cannot achieve 102.5 KMPL by simply turning the engine on and off.
While sharing their opinion about Honda’s criticism, Hero Motocorp’s spokesperson clarified that besides i3S, the company has also reduced the vehicle’s weight, it has also optimized the bike’s engine and used lean burn technology to improve overall mileage.
The spokesperson very cleverly highlighted the point that mileage also depends on bike’s maintenance, fuel quality, traffic and road conditions, and other driving habits. Anyway, the bike still manages to offer better mileage than other bikes in its segment. Now, Hero Motocorp is all set to launch two impressive scooters this year, including its Dash 110cc scooter that was showcased during last year’s Auto Expo.
Comparison with other bikes
ISmart is often compared with Mahindra Centuro and TVS Star City Plus. As far as design is concerned, Splendor iSmart is tagged as the most eye-catching among three bikes by critics. But comfort-wise and engine’s performance-wise, TVS Star City Plus seems better than iSmart.
User reviews gave better marks to iSmart when it comes to mileage. The bike manages to offer better mileage than other two vehicles.
Splendor iSmart is available in two variants, the spoke wheel variant is priced around Rs 50,000 (plus taxes), while the alloy wheel variant comes with price tag of Rs 51,000 plus takes.
2016 Features, Specifications Prices
Ex-Showroom Price (Rs.)
| City | Delhi | Mumbai | Kolkata | Chennai | Ahmedabad | Hyderabad | Bengaluru |
| iSmart Alloy Wheel | 51,100 | 49,014 | 52,403 | 52,008 | 52,133 | 52,008 | 51,805 |
| iSmart Spoke Wheel | 50,000 | 48,004 | 51,376 | 50,991 | 51,111 | 50,991 | 50,787 |
Engine
Type: Air cooled, 4-stroke, 2 valve
Engine Capacity: 97.2cc
Power: 7.8PS at 7500 rpm
Torque: 8.0Nm at 4500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.9:1
Start: Self Start or Kick Start
Ignition: DC – Digital CDI
Clutch: Wet Multiplate
Gear: Four Speed Constant Mesh
Chassis: Tubular Double Cradle Frame
Under the hood
Suspension(F):Telescopic front forks
Suspension(R): Hydraulic shock absorber
Brakes(F): 130 drum
Brakes(R): 110mm drum
Mileage
City: 57kmpl
Claimed: 102.5kmpl
Performance
0-60kmph: 8.77s
Top speed: 87.5kmph
Braking(60kmph-0): 2.9s(26.6m)
Other Specifications
L x B x H: 1965 x 770 x 1095mm
Wheelbase: 1235mm
Ground Clearance: 160mm
Kerb Weight: 110 Kg
Fuel Tank: 8.7 Litre