Splendor Plus vs HF Deluxe (2026): Price, Mileage & EMI Compared — Which Should You Buy?

The Hero Splendor Plus and Hero HF Deluxe are compared because they solve the same everyday problem with nearly identical mechanical ingredients: affordable transport, simple operation and low fuel consumption. In 2026, both remain 97.2cc, four-speed commuters, but they occupy different price bands. The HF Deluxe is Hero’s cost-led option, while the Splendor Plus asks more for its nameplate, lower saddle, larger fuel tank, five-step rear adjustment and broader visual appeal.

The price gap is significant. Current average ex-showroom listings put the entry Splendor Plus at about ₹77,123 and the entry HF Deluxe family variant at about ₹59,477–₹59,839, depending on the listing and city basis. That is approximately ₹17,300–₹17,650 before registration and insurance. Delhi on-road reference prices widen the cash difference to roughly ₹21,000.

Buyers who want the lowest acquisition cost, an 805mm seat and straightforward daily duty should begin with the HF Deluxe. Buyers willing to pay more for a 785mm saddle, 9.8-litre tank, classic Splendor styling and a broader range of editions should consider the Splendor Plus. Performance alone does not justify the premium: power and torque are effectively the same.

Price Comparison

The Splendor Plus costs more in every broadly comparable 2026 trim. Current average ex-showroom listings show:

 

These are ex-showroom figures, not the amount payable to ride the bike home. For Delhi, a current marketplace reference places the entry HF Deluxe on-road at approximately ₹71,658 and the entry Splendor Plus at approximately ₹92,954. Registration, road tax, insurance, accessories and dealer charges cause city-level variation.

The extra Splendor money buys a lower seat, 0.2–0.7 litres of additional tank capacity depending on the HF trim, five-step rather than two-step rear adjustment, tubeless tyres and the Splendor design and badge. It does not buy extra engine output. If electric start and i3S are priorities, compare the Splendor against the relevant HF Deluxe Self or i3S variant rather than the kick-start entry version.

EMI Comparison

A like-for-like financing illustration makes the monthly gap easier to see. Assume the Delhi on-road reference price, a 20% down payment, 9.5% annual reducing-balance interest and a 36-month tenure.

 

The estimated EMI difference is about ₹546 per month, and the all-in financing outflow differs by approximately ₹23,900 under these assumptions. This is an illustration, not an official lender quote. Approval, rate, processing fee and insurance funding depend on profile and financier. Buyers can check city-specific vehicle financing and EMI options on Drivio before visiting a dealership.

Mileage & Running Cost

Hero quotes 70kmpl for the Splendor Plus with E20 fuel. The current HF Deluxe Pro page quotes up to 72kmpl, while 70kmpl is commonly listed for the HF range. Those are claimed or certified figures, not guaranteed daily results. BikeWale owner data reports approximately 63kmpl for the Splendor Plus and 65kmpl for the HF Deluxe.

At 1,000km per month and an illustrative petrol price of ₹100 per litre, 63kmpl works out to about ₹1,587 monthly; 65kmpl works out to about ₹1,538. The HF Deluxe advantage is only around ₹49 per month in this example. Riding speed, tyre pressure, traffic, load, service condition and fuel blend can change both results substantially.

Therefore, purchase price matters much more than the small observed mileage difference. The HF Deluxe remains the economical choice overall because it costs less upfront and does not surrender engine output.

Engine & Performance

Both bikes use a 97.2cc air-cooled, single-cylinder OHC engine with programmed fuel injection. Output is 5.9kW, or about 8.02PS, at 8,000rpm and 8.05Nm at 6,000rpm. Both use a four-speed constant-mesh gearbox and a wet multi-plate clutch.

In practical riding, acceleration and cruising ability are closely matched. Both are happiest in city traffic and on local roads, where low weight and predictable power matter more than outright speed. They can manage occasional highway sections, but neither is intended for sustained high-speed touring or aggressive overtakes. Performance differences felt during a test ride are more likely to come from load, tyre condition, gearing feel and maintenance than headline output.

The Splendor’s five-step rear preload adjustment gives more flexibility for a pillion or luggage. The HF Deluxe uses a two-step unit. Refinement is broadly comparable because the engine architecture is shared; expect vibration to become more noticeable when pushed towards the upper end of the rev range.

Features

The standard Splendor Plus keeps technology simple: an analogue cluster, halogen headlamp, LED position lamp, i3S on selected variants, side-stand engine cut-off, tubeless tyres and Integrated Braking System. It does not offer Bluetooth or navigation in standard form; those features belong to the XTEC range.

The regular HF Deluxe also uses an analogue console and drum brakes. Depending on variant, it offers electric start and i3S. Hero lists side-stand engine cut-off, engine cut-off after a fall, xSENS fuel injection and tubeless tyres on HF Deluxe trims. A USB charger is an accessory rather than standard equipment on the mainstream model. The newer HF Deluxe Pro adds an LED headlamp and digital console, so buyers must check the exact badge and invoice rather than assuming every HF Deluxe has them.

Neither comparison bike has ABS. Both use 130mm front and rear drums with a linked or integrated braking system. At this engine class, the legal braking arrangement is combined braking rather than mandatory single-channel ABS.

Design, Comfort & Practicality

The Splendor Plus has the familiar rectangular commuter silhouette and a slightly more polished finish. Its 785mm seat is 20mm lower than the HF Deluxe’s 805mm saddle, useful for shorter riders and frequent stop-start traffic. Kerb weight is about 112kg for both, although the lightest HF 100-based trim can be around 109–110kg.

Both offer an upright handlebar-footpeg relationship and long single-piece seats. The HF’s 735mm seat length is designed for everyday two-up use, while the Splendor’s larger 9.8-litre tank extends the interval between fuel stops compared with the HF’s 9.1- or 9.6-litre tank. Ground clearance is 165mm on both, suitable for ordinary speed breakers when approached sensibly.

Traffic handling is easy on either bike. The lower Splendor saddle inspires more confidence for riders with a shorter inseam; the HF’s lower entry price and slightly lighter base trim favour delivery work and budget-sensitive commuting.

Maintenance & Ownership

The shared 97.2cc platform means routine needs are conventional: periodic engine oil changes, chain cleaning and adjustment, brake inspection, tyre-pressure checks and scheduled fuel-injection diagnostics. Hero states a five-year or 70,000km warranty, whichever comes first, subject to terms.

Hero’s broad dealer presence is relevant for both motorcycles, but service quality and parts availability can vary by outlet. Obtain the service schedule and written estimate from the local dealer. Resale depends on age, condition, kilometres, documents and local demand; the Splendor badge may attract a larger used-bike audience, but a clean HF Deluxe bought at a lower price can still deliver lower total ownership cost. No fixed resale premium should be assumed.

Key Differences

 

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the Splendor Plus if:

A 785mm seat makes a meaningful ergonomic difference.

You prefer the Splendor design, badge and wider edition choice.

A 9.8-litre tank and five-step rear adjustment suit your use.

Your budget can absorb roughly ₹500–₹550 more EMI each month.

Choose the HF Deluxe if:

The lowest purchase price and EMI are the priority.

You want the same core engine output for less money.

You are comfortable with the 805mm seat and simpler finish.

You can select a Self or i3S variant only if those features matter.

Overall, the HF Deluxe is the rational value choice for daily commuting and ownership cost. The Splendor Plus is worth considering for its lower seat, larger tank, rear-suspension adjustability and brand preference—not for extra performance. Test the exact variants because a top HF Deluxe and base Splendor can be closer in price than the headline starting figures suggest.

Final Verdict

For maximum value, the HF Deluxe wins this 2026 comparison. The Splendor Plus remains the more appealing choice for buyers who value its lower saddle, larger tank and familiar identity enough to accept the higher price and EMI. Compare city-specific on-road costs and financing options on Drivio before choosing a variant.