Hero Splendor iSmart 110 Review – Smart Choice!

What is it?

Basically an elder sibling of the 100cc Splendor iSmart, the new Hero Splendor iSmart 110 is a really important model for Hero MotoCorp. For starters, the new Splendor iSmart 110 is the manufacturer’s first-ever bike to boast an ingeniously developed engine. Secondly, the iSmart 110 promises to be the most fuel efficient bike in its segment. If that’s not enough to excite you, the Splendor iSmart 110, akin to its 100cc sibling, comes equipped with a feature that has been largely reserved to cars asking for at least fifteen times the money! Our Hero Splendor iSmart 110 review here should give you a fairer idea of this promising new product from Hero MotoCorp.

Also See- Hero at Auto Expo | Hero HX 250R | Hero Dare | Hero XF3R | Hero Xtreme 200S

Hero Splendor iSmart 110 Review Video

Looks

The new Splendor iSmart 110 looks nothing like the dull-looking Splendor we grew up seeing as kids. While the 100cc iSmart borrowed in plenty from the Splendor NXG, the Splendor iSmart 110 looks even sharper and more modern than even its less powerful sibling. The bike features a two-tone paint job, which along with several features like split grabrails, body-coloured rear view mirrors and a stylish quarter-fairing, enables the new iSmart to easily stand out amongst the plethora of Splendor models on sale today. Our favorite bit has to be the sleek taillamp that lends a premium touch to this bike.

Once astride, you’ll be quick to notice a rather attractive speedo console that features an analogue speedo, an analogue fuel gauge and a blue-backlit LCD for ODO and Tripmeter readings. The quality of plastics used here is pretty good (for a budget-end motorcycle). Overall, the new Hero Splendor iSmart 110 is far more attractive than not only its younger sibling but even most other bikes in its segment.

Looks- 7.5/10

Features

While we aren’t too happy about this bike missing on a front disc brake, its equipment list does have some notable features that make this bike more appealing. The new iSmart’s claim-to-fame is the brilliant i3S Idle Stop-Start System. This feature alone enables it to have an edge over its immediate rivals. The i3S cuts off the ignition when the engine has been idling for a few seconds. The engine comes back to life on pulling the clutch lever. The i3S goes on to ensure that the new bike ends up being more frugal by avoiding unnecessary burning of the unleaded. Basically, the i3S is like the ‘Micro-Hybrid’ tech that we’ve seen in some M&M vehicles. Another significantly notable feature that this bike comes with has to be the ‘always-on’ headlamp. Other features include-

• Clear Lens Headlamp
• Clear Lens Taillight
• Clear Lens Indicators
• Split Grab Rails
• Semi-Digital Speedo Console
• Electric Start

While the Splendor 110 iSmart does get a handful of features, we would still like it to have a front disc brake, an engine-kill switch and a DC headlight.

Features- 7/10

Engine and Gearbox

Like we said, the new Hero Splendor iSmart 110 features Hero’s first-ever ingeniously developed engine. This 109.1cc engine has a max. power of 9.4 PS @ 7500 rpm and a Peak Torque of 9 Nm @ 5500 rpm. While this engine doesn’t make the Splendor iSmart 110 an obvious choice for Traffic Light GPs, it does endow the bike with high levels of refinement and low NVH. The engine comes mated to a smooth shifting four-speed manual transmission that, in a manner typical of Hero commuters, gets relatively short first and second cogs.

Thanks to this short gearing and decent torque spread at lower RPMs, it gets really easy for the rider to trod along the congested city streets effortlessly. This bike can comfortably do a wide range of speeds, from as low as 30 KMPH to 80 KMPH+, in fourth gear! One thing, however, that we aren’t too sure about is the reliability of this engine. While the age-old Honda-sourced engines used by Hero until recently can probably survive a nuclear explosion or two, only time will bring a clearer picture of the new engine’s reliability to us.

Engine and Gearbox- 8/10

Mileage

Hero claims that the new Splendor iSmart 110 will offer a real-world fuel mileage of at least 68 KMPL. Also, Hero officials told us that this bike would be marginally more efficient than even its 100cc sibling. Brilliant, we say!

Mileage- 9/10

Ride, Handling and Braking

The new Hero Splendor iSmart 110 comes with conventional telescopic forks up front and non-adjustable twin shock absorbers at the rear. Obviously, this bike ain’t no corner-carver but the low weight and neutral ride and handling characteristics go on to help you cut through the traffic. Yes, the bike is very nimble but it isn’t the most sure-footed when apex hunting. But then, let’s keep in mind that Splendor iSmart 110 has no intentions of mimicking Marquez’ MotoGP monster. In a manner typical of commuter motorcycles, the rider sits upright on the bike and the positioning of the handlebar is just spot on!

The bike gets a large seat, which is well bolstered and offers adequate cushioning. The ride quality is pretty good at city speeds. However, the ride quality takes a hit at high speeds. It needs to be kept in mind that the iSmart is a small bike that has a small wheelbase and skinny tyres. All this means that at high speeds, undulations do threaten to unsettle the iSmart 110.

The Hero Splendor iSmart 110 boasts drum brakes on both the wheels. A front disc brake isn’t being offered even as an optional extra. Much like the 100cc iSmart, the front drum brake of this bike lacks bite. Such is the condition that one needs to rely almost solely on engine braking and rear brakes to shed speed quickly. A front disc brake is sorely missed here.

Ride- 7/10

Handling- 6/10

Braking- 4/10

Verdict

In a market where fuel economy is the sole deciding factor for most prospective bike buyers, the latest model in the Hero iSmart series makes a lot of sense. The Splendor iSmart 110 is really frugal, looks good, has many features and comes with the reassurance of Hero’s wide service network. However, the iSmart can certainly do with better brakes. Also, addition of features like an engine kill switch would make the bike a more premium product. However, at INR 53,300 (ex-showroom), this is possibly the most stylish and modern Splendor yet!

Overall- 6.5/10

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Hero Splendor iSmart 110 Specifications

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