Hero HF Deluxe vs Hero Splendor Plus: Which 100cc Commuter Wins?
Sharing the legendary, bulletproof 97.2cc 'Sloper' engine, these two commuter titans from Hero MotoCorp serve two different budget priorities — the HF Deluxe cuts purchase costs to the absolute bone, while the Splendor Plus delivers unmatched resale value, timeless styling, and 5-step rear suspension.
*Ex-showroom prices (indicative, New Delhi).
Quick Verdict
- Hero HF Deluxe wins on outright affordability — starting nearly ₹18,000 lower, it offers identical fuel economy, reliable mechanics, and a lighter frame at the lowest possible ownership cost.
- Hero Splendor Plus wins on prestige, comfort, and second-hand value — featuring superior 5-step adjustable rear suspension, a lower 785 mm seat height, an integrated rear carrier rack, and unrivaled resale market demand.
- Pick the HF Deluxe if you want the absolute lowest purchase price and minimal maintenance for delivery gigs, rough rural runs, or basic daily utility.
- Pick the Splendor Plus if you prefer the timeless classic commuter design, a slightly more comfortable plush suspension setup, and effortless resale potential when upgrading later.
Price Comparison
| Price Point | Hero HF Deluxe | Hero Splendor Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price range | ₹59,477 – ₹70,442 | ₹77,777 – ₹80,531 |
| Entry-level price | ₹59,477 (Kick Start / Alloy) LOWER | ₹77,777 (Self Start / Alloy) |
| Top-end variant price | ₹70,442 (i3S Self Cast) | ₹80,531 (01 Edition / i3S) |
| Variants Available | 4 variants (Kick, Self, All-Black, i3S) | 4 variants (Standard, Black & Accent, i3S, 01 Edition) |
Price breakdown: The HF Deluxe enjoys a substantial price advantage. Even its top-spec self-start i3S variant is priced lower than the entry-level Splendor Plus. If upfront initial budget is the primary constraint, the HF Deluxe is the clear financial winner.
Check Hero HF Deluxe details & on-road price → | Check Hero Splendor Plus details & on-road price →
Key Differences at a Glance
Full Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Hero HF Deluxe | Hero Splendor Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 97.2 cc, 4-Stroke Single Cylinder OHC, Air-Cooled | 97.2 cc, 4-Stroke Single Cylinder OHC, Air-Cooled |
| Max Power | 8.02 PS (5.9 kW) @ 8,000 rpm | 8.02 PS (5.9 kW) @ 8,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual (all-up shift pattern) | 4-speed manual (all-up shift pattern) |
| Fuel Delivery | Programmed Electronic Fuel Injection (XSens FI) | Programmed Electronic Fuel Injection (XSens FI) |
| Claimed Mileage (ARAI) | 70 kmpl | 70 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 9.6 Litres | 9.8 Litres SLIGHTLY LARGER |
| Kerb Weight | 110 kg (Kick) / 112 kg (Self) LIGHTER | 112 kg |
| Seat Height | 805 mm | 785 mm ACCESSIBLE |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 165 mm |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers |
| Rear Suspension | 2-Step Adjustable Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | 5-Step Adjustable Hydraulic Shock Absorbers MORE ADJUSTABLE |
| Brakes (Front / Rear) | 130 mm Drum / 130 mm Drum (IBS) | 130 mm Drum / 130 mm Drum (IBS) |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 80/100-18 & 80/100-18 (Tubeless) | 80/100-18 & 80/100-18 (Tubeless) |
Mileage & Running Cost Comparison
Because both commuters share the exact same fuel-injected engine block, gearing ratios, and electronic idle-stop i3S tech, their real-world mileage figures are practically tied at 65–70 kmpl under regular everyday commuter riding.
Assuming an average real-world economy of 66 kmpl, both motorcycles consume around 15.15 litres of fuel for every 1,000 km ridden. Routine maintenance and spare parts costs are also virtually identical across all Hero service centers in India.
Features & Utility Comparison
| Feature | HF Deluxe | Splendor Plus |
|---|---|---|
| i3S Idle Stop-Start System | ✓ Available in top variant | ✓ Available in i3S variants |
| Rear Utility Carrier Rack | ✕ Standard grab rail only | ✓ Heavy-duty chrome carrier |
| Integrated Braking System (IBS) | ✓ Standard (Combined Drum) | ✓ Standard (Combined Drum) |
| Side-Stand Engine Cut-Off | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Instrument Console | Twin-pod analogue gauge | Twin-pod analogue gauge |
| Wheels & Tyres | ✓ 18" Alloy Wheels / Tubeless | ✓ 18" Alloy Wheels / Tubeless |
| Kick-Start Only Option | ✓ Available (Sub-₹60k base) | ✕ Electric self-start standard |
Colour & Variant Options
Includes practical 3D graphics and all-black stealth styling.
Iconic retro pinstripe graphics alongside customisable Accent themes.
EMI Comparison
Indicative EMI calculated on typical on-road estimates (ex-showroom + state RTO + 5-year insurance). Exact EMI depends on financier quotation.
Pros & Cons
- Sub-₹60,000 starting price delivers extraordinary purchase value
- Same reliable 97.2cc engine and fuel economy as the Splendor Plus
- Lightweight and effortless to manoeuvre through rural tracks & traffic
- Low maintenance and affordable replacement body panels
- No rear luggage carrier included from the factory
- Basic 2-step rear suspension is firmer under heavy loads
- Slightly lower resale valuation compared to the Splendor badge
- India's highest resale demand with near-instant buyer liquidity
- 5-step adjustable rear suspension offers superior plush ride quality
- Lower 785 mm seat height fits riders of all statures
- Sturdy standard chrome utility rack for hauling luggage
- Priced nearly ₹18,000 higher than the baseline HF Deluxe
- No disc brake option available on standard Plus models
- Conservative, decades-old silhouette
Who Should Buy Which Bike?
Choose the Hero HF Deluxe if — your highest priority is saving money on purchase price while still getting the renowned 70 kmpl mileage, bulletproof durability, and cheap maintenance of Hero's 97.2cc engine.
Choose the Hero Splendor Plus if — you want the trusted national benchmark in commuter motorcycling with a more comfortable 5-step suspension, an accessible 785 mm seat height, practical chrome carrier, and guaranteed market-topping resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
Both the Hero HF Deluxe and Hero Splendor Plus stand at the pinnacle of Indian commuter efficiency, offering unrivaled 65–70 kmpl economy and rock-bottom maintenance costs. The choice comes down to initial investment versus long-term brand equity: if you want maximum savings on the showroom invoice, the HF Deluxe gives you identical mechanicals at an unbeatable starting price. If you want the proven national icon with superior 5-step suspension, an integrated luggage carrier, and iron-clad resale value, the Splendor Plus remains well worth the extra investment.