Look, I’ve been riding and reviewing bikes in India for over a decade now, and if I had a rupee for every time someone asked me “Splendor ya Shine?” I’d probably own both companies by now. These two workhorses have been duking it out on our streets longer than most Bollywood franchises, and honestly, the rivalry just keeps getting spicier.
So here’s the thing—both bikes just got their 2025 updates, and suddenly this age-old debate has some fresh twists. The Splendor’s doing what it does best (being ridiculously efficient), while the Shine’s finally stepped up its game with some proper tech. But which one should you actually put your hard-earned money on? Let me break it down for you, no BS included.
Hero Splendor: The People’s Champion
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or should I say, the Splendor on every street corner. This bike is basically the Amitabh Bachchan of Indian motorcycles. It’s been around forever, everyone knows it, and it just refuses to quit.
The 2025 lineup’s got three flavors: the basic Splendor Plus at ₹78,926 (which is still a steal, by the way), the Splendor Plus XTEC at ₹82,751, and the Super Splendor XTEC at ₹86,128. Now, I know what you’re thinking—”XTEC sounds fancy!” Well, it’s Hero’s way of saying “we’ve added some bells and whistles without breaking your bank.”
The regular Splendor Plus runs on a 97.2cc engine that puts out 8.02 PS. Is it going to give you an adrenaline rush? Probably not. Will it get you to work every single day for the next five years without complaining? Absolutely. It’s like that reliable friend who’s always there when you need them—not the most exciting, but dependable as sunrise.
Now, if you want a bit more oomph, the Super Splendor’s 124.7cc engine kicks out 10.87 PS and 10.6 Nm. It’s still not going to win any drag races, but hey, at least you won’t feel like you’re pedaling uphill when there’s a pillion rider.
What makes the Splendor special:
- Mileage that’ll make your CA happy: I’ve seen these things deliver 70+ kmpl consistently. One guy I know claims 80 kmpl, but he probably coasts downhill to work every day
- Maintenance costs: Your mechanic’s kids won’t be going to private school because of your Splendor
- Price point: At ₹78,926, it’s cheaper than most people’s monthly rent in Mumbai
- Street cred: When 200,000+ people buy something every month, they’re probably onto something
Honda Shine: The Refined Contender
Honda’s always been that friend who shows up to the party well-dressed and smelling nice. The 2025 Shine 125 continues this tradition, starting at ₹84,493 for the drum brake version. And finally—FINALLY—they’ve ditched that ancient analog cluster for a proper digital setup. About time, Honda!
Read Also: Hero HF Deluxe Now Available for Just Rs 25,000 Down Payment
The 123.94cc engine makes 10.63 bhp and 11 Nm of torque. On paper, it’s slightly less powerful than the Super Splendor, but here’s the thing about Honda engines—they’re smoother than a fresh jar of Nutella. You know that typical motorcycle vibration that makes your hands go numb after an hour? Yeah, the Shine doesn’t really do that.
What Honda got right this time:
- Digital cluster: Finally! Real-time mileage, distance to empty, gear position indicator—it’s like stepping into 2025
- USB Type-C charging: Because your phone dying mid-commute is a special kind of hell
- Wider rear tire: 90mm instead of the usual skinny ones. Makes the bike feel more planted
- Color options: Six shades including some genuinely good-looking ones like Pearl Igneous Black
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Aspect | Hero Splendor Plus | Honda Shine 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹78,926 | ₹84,493 |
| Engine | 97.2cc, 8.02 PS | 123.94cc, 10.63 bhp |
| Mileage | 70-75 kmpl | 55-65 kmpl |
| Features | Basic analog cluster | Digital cluster, USB-C |
| Weight | 112 kg | Not specified |
| Fuel Tank | 9.8L | 10.5L |
The Verdict: Choose Your Fighter
Alright, decision time. After riding both extensively (and I mean EXTENSIVELY—my back still remembers those long test rides), here’s my take:
Go for the Hero Splendor if:
- Your monthly fuel budget is tighter than a pickle jar
- You want something that’ll run on fumes and good intentions
- The most high-tech thing you need is a working horn
- You’re buying this as a daily workhorse, not a weekend warrior
Pick the Honda Shine if:
- You can spare an extra ₹5,000 for some modern conveniences
- Engine refinement matters (trust me, it does on longer rides)
- You want to feel slightly less like you’re riding a appliance
- That digital cluster actually appeals to you (and it should)
Here’s the brutal truth: both bikes will outlast your current job, your current relationship, and probably your current hairstyle. The Splendor will save you money at every fuel pump visit, while the Shine will make your daily commute feel a tiny bit more civilized.
If I had to pick one with my own money? Honestly, it depends on my mood and bank balance that month. The Splendor’s the sensible choice that’ll make your accountant happy. The Shine’s the one that’ll make you feel slightly better about yourself every morning.
Either way, you’re getting a bike that’ll serve you faithfully for years. Just don’t expect either one to make you the coolest person in the office parking lot—that’s what weekend bikes are for.