High on the highway: The Hero Honda NXG has contemporary styling with a firm and plush ride quality

The world’s largest-selling motorcycle has just received yet another cosmetic upgrade. The more than a decade old 100cc Splendor, whose NXG model arrived in June 2007, has been given a facelift. Where all of its rivals have shown a dip in sales figures of their bikes, Hero Honda has consistently registered skyrocketing sales. Clearly, the company’s time-tested strategy of sticking to reliable and fuel-efficient 100cc models, even as rival manufacturers scurry to roll out more exciting and larger-capacity bikes on India roads, is paying off. Hero Honda is also in that territory with its sporty Hunk and Karizma, but its bread-and-butter brand remains the hot-selling Splendor. But in today’s world of changing buyer preferences and a string of new models, will it deliver what it has in the past? We find out.

Style file

The new Hero Honda sports a contemporary styling, with an angular body line and loud graphics. It’s at par with its competitors in terms of visual appeal, with five-spoke alloy rims and a black matte paint finish for many body parts, including the engine and alloy grab-handle.

A wide, friendly visage that houses a bright halogen headlight in a smart-looking recess is unique. Spiffy analogue instruments, dominated by a white-on-black speedometer, are flanked on the right by a fuel gauge. There is a trip meter and cleverly-placed indicator icons at either corner of the console. The latest NXG has top-class grips, levers and switchgear that include a pass-light switch (switch to flash the highbeam for overtaking) as standard fitment. All controls and switches feel good and operate smoothly.

The 10.3-litre fuel-tank on this bike is ergonomically designed to improve rider feel and is flanked by a simple chrome fuel-tank lid.

The bike sports a large tail-light, which adds to the safety factor for night riders. The bike is all about excellent fit and finish.

Under the hood

The latest NXG uses an improvised version of Honda’s age-old, close-to-horizontal, four-stroke engine that also powered the original Splendor. It’s an air-cooled, twin-valve power plant displacing 97.2cc. The bike uses near-square dimensions measuring 50mm (bore) x 49.5mm (stroke). Friction within the motor is minimised by roller bearings present on the rocker arms (device to control the opening and closing of valves). Peak power is 7.7bhp at 7500rpm, and maximum torque is 0.77kgm at 6000rpm.

Those familiar with the distinctive, punchy beat of the Splendor will recognise the new NXG’s exhaust note. The engine feels refined, gossamer-smooth and is built like a rock. The well thought out gear ratios and near vibration-free power band make for comfortable riding. The engine shifts its 4-speed gears in all up pattern, while the clutch feels light, yet positive. Gearshift quality is also decent.

This is a commuter bike clearly not built for performance, and you should opt for a 125cc bike if speed is what you desire. We managed to take this fuel-efficient Hero Honda past the 60kph mark in 8.25 seconds and nudged a top speed of 88kph during our acceleration tests, both figures being pretty acceptable for the 100cc segment.

Rider’s deal

Splendor riders will feel at home on the latest NXG as the riding stance is upright, almost identical to the earlier models. The seats are well padded and comfortable.

The NXG sports conventional telescopic front suspension and a pair of hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. However, the absence of a box-section swing-arm at the rear of its tubular double-cradle frame was disappointing.

The bike rides on 18-inch rims and is shod with 2.75 x 18-inch TVS rubber. The NXG is a very light and nimble handler, a great boon in city riding. The ride quality strikes a fine balance between firm and plush. However, do not expect great high-speed handling capability because of its lack of weight and the box section rear swing-arm. The drum brakes on the NXG brought it to a standstill from 60 kph in an adequately short distance of 20.15m.

On the fuel efficiency front, the NXG didn’t disappoint either. Riding it in the city through chaotic traffic, we got a fair 55.5km per litre. This mileage improved to 61kpl when cruising down the highway.

Final verdict

A thoroughly reliable 100cc commuter motorcycle, Hero Honda has kept its bread-and-butter model abreast of its rivals, while still retaining the core Splendor attributes of a smooth engine, a comfortable riding stance and proven reliability. Its light-handling manners and good fuel economy are other reasons why the Splendor NXG is among the best 100cc options available. This Hero Honda is about the most wallet-friendly and hassle-free motorcycle you can buy in India.

spec check

Splendor NXG

• Price (Ex-showroom, Pune): Rs 38,916-39,926
• Layout: Single cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke
• Displacement: 97.2cccc
• Max Power: 7.7bhp at 7500rpm
• Max Torque: 0.77kgm at 6000rpm
• Gearbox: 4-speed, 4-up shift pattern
• Wheel size (F/R): 5-spoke alloys, 1.6 * 18 inches/ 1.6* 18 inches
• Tyre size (F/R): 2.75 * 18 inches/ 2.75 * 18 inches
• Brakes (F/R): 130mm drum/ 110mm drum
• Length/Width/Height: 1965mm/720mm/1095mm
• Fuel tank size: 10.3 litres
• Ground clearance: 160mm
• Wheelbase: 1230mm
• Kerb weight: 107kg
• Top Speed: 88kph
• Fuel consumption (City/Highway/Overall): 55.5kpl/61kpl/58.2kpl