Hero Super Splendor vs Honda SP125: Which Is The Better 125cc Commuter?

The SP125 is made for those looking for a more premium experience in the 125cc segment.

• The SP125’s 123.94cc engine makes 10.9PS and 10.9Nm. 
• You get a telescopic fork at the front and dual shocks at the rear for SP125.
• A kerb weight of 114kg makes it very light too. 

Although most of us would like to own a motorbike with lots of features, they are also rather expensive. Not to mention that it might or might not be your main bike. However, there are still plenty of options out there that won't break the bank, even over time, and they’re 125cc bikes. 

So we thought of putting two of the best bikes in the segment: the Hero Super Splendor and the Honda SP125 against each other. Here’s how that went: 

Hero Super Splendor vs Honda SP125: Design & Features

The Xtec trim of the Super Splendor includes several practical features, such as a fully digital instrument panel, Bluetooth connectivity with call and SMS warnings, and real-time mileage, low fuel, service reminder, and malfunction alerts displays. Additionally included are a USB charging outlet, Hero's i3S Start-Stop Technology, a side stand engine stop feature, and a bank angle sensor that switches off the motorcycle if it tips over.

The Honda SP 125 features a classic yet fashionable look. For a premium appearance, it incorporates chrome highlights on the side panels and the headlamp cowl. The chic graphics also enhance the bike's appeal. It is perfect for frequent trips because of its large single-piece seat and features that encourage a pleasant riding posture. Updates have also been made to the instrument panel.

It also has practical features including an engine shutdown button and a silent engine starter. Speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, and a side-stand indication with engine cut-off function are all included in the twin-pod analogue instrument cluster.

Hero Super Splendor vs Honda SP125: Engine & Gearbox

A similar situation exists with the Super Splendour, whose engine lacks impressive performance. However, this section is more about mileage than performance. 

A 123.94cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine paired with a 5-speed transmission powers the Honda SP 125. With 10.9PS and 10.9Nm of torque, the engine is fairly potent. 

Even if those numbers don't sound particularly outstanding, the bike's smoothness sticks out. The engine is generally smooth, with the exception of minor vibrations and a gravelly engine tone at extremely high revs, which you won't encounter very often.

Hero Super Splendor vs Honda SP125: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The telescopic front fork and dual shock absorbers at the back of the SP's diamond-shaped frame provide stability. A 240mm disc/130mm drum combination is used for the front brakes, and a 130mm drum unit is used for the rear brakes. The bike has tubeless 80-section tyres on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Customers in this market sector place equal value on ride quality and performance, and it uses the same hardware as the SP 125. The result is that the ride remains incredibly flexible. The bike slid through the cracked tarmac when we rode over it. Although the seat is a touch hard, even three hours later there was no pain to be noticed.

Hero Super Splendor vs Honda SP125: Dimensions

The bikes don't feel unusually lengthy, and neither do they. They are both reasonably flickable and simple to lag in urban areas. Despite having a substantially longer wheelbase, the SP125 seems slightly more nimble in this regard.

Hero Super Splendor vs Honda SP125: Price

There are two versions of the Honda SP125: one has a front drum brake and the other a front disc brake. They differ only in their braking hardware. The starting price for the Hero Super Splendour is Rs 79,118. 

Verdict

All in all, the SP 125 is a good product from Honda. The fact that the SP 125 is more than just a BS6 upgrade can be seen in the revised engine, new functionality, and small but major cosmetic improvements. Given that all other devices migrating to BS6 and even the new OBD 2 standards would see major price rises, its Rs 85,131 price tag isn't exorbitant. 

But what really works for the Hero Super Splendor is its price tag. Being more than Rs 6,000 more affordable than the Honda has its perks and it hence comes off as the slightly better and more value-for-money option.