The Splendor Pro 2016 model launched in India as a mid-life facelift priced at Rs 46,850 ex-showroom Delhi, carrying the same 97.2cc engine as the outgoing bike but with revised styling. Nearly a decade later, that same generation is still common on Indian roads, which is why buyers keep asking the same three questions: what it’s actually worth today, how it compares to the Hero HF Deluxe 2015 model, and whether it still makes sense next to newer options like the Hero Dio.
This guide works through the Splendor Pro 2016 model’s verified specifications, runs an honest mileage comparison against the HF Deluxe from the same era, lists the actual colour variants it shipped in, and lays out what similar bikes are currently listed for on the resale market. It also covers where the Dio fits for buyers weighing a scooter against this motorcycle.
Several existing write-ups on this bike lean on brochure numbers that don’t hold up against ARAI test data or actual listing prices. This piece cross-checks every figure against named, independent sources instead, and says plainly where a number is a snapshot rather than a fixed fact.
Splendor Pro 2016 Model: Engine, Specs and What Changed
The Splendor Pro 2016 model uses a 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder OHC engine producing 8.25 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 8.05 Nm of peak torque, according to Gaadiwaadi’s coverage of the 2016 facelift. Power runs through a 4-speed gearbox, and the update’s only mechanical change from the outgoing model was a reworked exhaust head pipe; everything else carried over unchanged.
Kerb weight is listed at around 109 kg for the 2016 facelift, with a ground clearance of 159 mm and a seat height of 785 mm, dimensions aimed squarely at the kind of broken, uneven roads common outside major Indian cities. Braking is handled by 130 mm and 110 mm drums front and rear, with no disc brake offered on this generation at any variant.
| Spec | Splendor Pro (2016 facelift) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 97.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder OHC |
| Power | 8.25 bhp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 8.05 Nm |
| Gearbox | 4-speed |
| Kerb weight | ~109 kg |
| Ground clearance | 159 mm |
| Launch price (ex-showroom Delhi, 2016) | Rs 46,850 onward |
Splendor Pro 2016 Model Mileage Comparison: How It Stacks Up Against the HF Deluxe
The Splendor Pro 2016 model carries an ARAI-certified mileage of 90 kmpl, but owner-reported figures tracked by BikeWale average closer to 65 kmpl once real traffic, load, and servicing gaps are factored in. That roughly 25 kmpl gap between the claimed and reported number is one of the widest in the commuter segment, and it’s worth knowing before you use the brochure figure to budget fuel costs.
The HF Deluxe 2015 generation, running the same 97.2cc platform tuned for economy over styling, was ARAI-rated at 83 kmpl according to a DriveSpark review of that era’s model, with real-world returns in the 65-70 kmpl range. In practice, the two bikes land in a similar place once you’re actually riding them; the difference shows up mainly on the certified sticker, not in day-to-day fuel bills.
Our take: if you’re choosing between these two purely on a mileage figure printed on a spec sheet, you’re comparing numbers that mostly evaporate in real-world use. The Splendor Pro 2016 model and HF Deluxe 2015 model return broadly comparable fuel economy once you’re actually riding them in city traffic.
Riders chasing every last kmpl in Hero MotoCorp’s commuter segment often assume the certified numbers translate directly to running costs. The same certified-versus-real-world gap shows up in the Bajaj Pulsar N 160’s city versus highway mileage figures, where claimed and owner-reported numbers diverge by a similar margin.
Colour Variants: Splendor Pro 2016 vs the Dio’s New Colour Additions
The Splendor Pro 2016 model was sold in eight colour options, per BikeDekho’s spec listing: Cloud Silver, Shield Gold, Black and Red, Heavy Grey, Black Purple, Palace Maroon, Black Monotone, and Candy Blazing Red. Six of these carried over from the outgoing model, with Shield Gold and Black Red introduced specifically for the 2016 update.
- Cloud Silver
- Shield Gold
- Black and Red
- Heavy Grey
- Black Purple
- Palace Maroon
- Black Monotone
- Candy Blazing Red
Hero MotoCorp’s Dio scooter line has taken a different approach to colour over its later generations, adding brighter dual-tone and matte finishes aimed at a younger buyer rather than the muted, resale-safe tones the Splendor Pro leaned on. That gap in strategy reflects two different buyers: one shopping for a bike that still looks presentable after years of daily use, the other shopping for something that stands out on a short city ride.
Colour does move resale value, and not only on cars. This site’s breakdown of how colour choice affects resale value on the Skoda Slavia found the same pattern that applies here: common, low-risk colours hold value better than one-off shades, whether the vehicle in question is a car or a used Splendor Pro.
Splendor Pro 2016 vs HF Deluxe 2015: Which One to Buy Used
Buy the Splendor Pro 2016 model if you want alloy-adjacent styling and a wider seat; buy the HF Deluxe 2015 model if you want the cheaper of the two on the used market and don’t care about the styling difference. At launch, the Splendor Pro carried a price premium over the HF Deluxe mainly for its styling updates and trim level, not for any mechanical advantage — the engines are the same 97.2cc unit under both badges.
Hero MotoCorp’s Splendor family has been reported as India’s top-selling motorcycle lineup across multiple review platforms, including BikeWale and Autocar India, for well over a decade. That sales volume is a genuine practical advantage over rarer models: parts, mechanics familiar with the engine, and used buyers who recognize the name are all easier to find, regardless of which specific Splendor variant you’re comparing it to.
The same trade-off between styling and running economy shows up across the wider 125cc commuter class too, not just inside Hero’s own lineup — see this comparison of the Bajaj Pulsar 125 against the Honda SP 125, where the same decision plays out between two different brands.
When the HF Deluxe Makes More Sense
This doesn’t apply if your daily ride is mostly short, low-speed city trips on decent roads — at that point the mileage gap between the two barely matters, and the Splendor Pro’s marginally better seat and ride comfort become the more relevant factor. Long, highway-heavy commutes are where the HF Deluxe’s lower price and comparable real-world mileage make the stronger case.
Hero Dio vs Splendor Pro: Scooter or Motorcycle for Daily Commuting
Pick the Dio if your commute is short, mostly flat, and you want under-seat storage without carrying a backpack; pick the Splendor Pro if you regularly carry a pillion, ride longer distances, or deal with broken or unpaved roads where a motorcycle’s ground clearance and stability matter more than scooter convenience.
Maintenance costs land in different places rather than one bike simply costing less overall. The Dio’s CVT needs periodic belt and variator checks that a geared motorcycle doesn’t require, while the Splendor Pro’s chain needs regular lubrication and adjustment that a scooter’s enclosed drive skips entirely. Either way, using the correct engine oil grade matters for keeping either drivetrain healthy — a point covered in more depth in this guide to choosing the right engine oil to protect a commuter bike’s clutch, which applies to any small-capacity motorcycle running a wet clutch, Splendor Pro included.
Resale Value of the Splendor Pro 2016 Model Today
A same-day snapshot of OLX listings for 2016-model Splendor Pro bikes showed asking prices from roughly Rs 26,000 for higher-mileage examples (60,000+ km run) up to around Rs 50,000 for lower-mileage bikes (under 25,000 km), with most listings landing between Rs 31,000 and Rs 42,000. These are seller asking prices at one point in time, not a fixed valuation, and they’ll move with fuel prices, local demand, and how the bike has been maintained.
Before you rely on any of these figures to negotiate a purchase or set a listing price, run the same search yourself on OLX or a similar platform for your city, since resale prices for a 100cc commuter shift by region far more than they do for a car.
One specific recommendation: if you’re selling a Splendor Pro 2016 model, get the chain, sprocket, and brake shoes replaced before listing it rather than pricing in a discount for their wear. Buyers consistently pay more for a bike that looks ready to ride away than one priced lower with visible deferred maintenance, because most used-bike buyers aren’t mechanics and read visible wear as a bigger risk than it usually is.
Before you list or buy, it’s worth working through a short checklist rather than a walkaround glance:
- Check compression by kick-starting cold and noting how many kicks it takes.
- Pull the clutch lever and check for slip under load on a test ride.
- Inspect the chain for excessive slack or rust.
- Confirm the service book matches the odometer reading.
- Check both drum brakes for even, consistent bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Splendor Pro 2016 model still worth buying used?
Yes, provided the service history is documented and the engine hasn’t gone long stretches without an oil change. The 97.2cc engine is mechanically simple, parts are widely available through Hero MotoCorp’s service network, and that keeps repair costs low even on a bike this old.
What is the real-world mileage of the Splendor Pro 2016 model?
ARAI-certified mileage is 90 kmpl, but owner-reported figures average closer to 65 kmpl in mixed city and highway use. Riding style, tyre pressure, and how consistently the carburetor is serviced affect this more than most owners expect.
How does the Splendor Pro 2016 model compare to the HF Deluxe 2015 model on price?
The Splendor Pro carried a price premium over the HF Deluxe when both were new, mainly for styling rather than mechanics, since both use the same 97.2cc engine. On the used market today, condition and kilometres run matter far more than which of the two badges the bike originally carried.
Do colour variants affect the Splendor Pro’s resale value?
Yes, though less dramatically than on cars. Common colours like Black Monotone and Candy Blazing Red tend to attract buyers faster than rarer shades, simply because they’re what most used-bike buyers expect to see and trust on a resale listing.
Is the Hero Dio a better buy than the Splendor Pro for a first-time rider?
For short, mostly flat city commutes, the Dio’s lighter weight and step-through frame make it easier for a new rider to handle. For longer distances, pillion riding, or rougher roads, the Splendor Pro’s motorcycle stability and higher ground clearance make it the more practical choice.
What’s a common mistake buyers make when purchasing a used Splendor Pro 2016 model?
Skipping a compression and clutch-slip check before buying. Both take a few minutes to inspect but are expensive to ignore, and a bike that looks cosmetically clean can still need a top-end rebuild if these were neglected by a previous owner.
Final Thoughts
The Splendor Pro 2016 model’s real advantage was never the number on its spec sheet — it’s Hero MotoCorp’s parts network and mechanic familiarity, which is why these bikes still hold resale value nearly a decade on despite unremarkable mileage and power figures next to the HF Deluxe. If you’re buying used, prioritize a documented service history and a clean compression check over a slightly lower asking price, since that one factor affects both how the bike rides today and what you’ll get back when you sell it.
