At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Hero Splendor Plus
- 97.2 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 8.02 PS @ 8000 rpm
- 70 km/l (ARAI)
- 9.8-litre tank
- 4 variants available
- CBS (drum brakes only)
TVS Star City Plus
- 109.7 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 8.19 PS @ 7350 rpm
- 83.09 km/l (ARAI)
- 10-litre tank
- 2 variants available
- Front disc brake option
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Hero Splendor Plus | TVS Star City Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 97.2 cc | 109.7 cc |
| Cooling System | Air-Cooled | Air-Cooled |
| Max Power | 8.02 PS @ 8000 rpm | 8.19 PS @ 7350 rpm |
| Max Torque | 8.05 Nm @ 6000 rpm | 8.7 Nm @ 4500 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 | 2 |
| Bore × Stroke | 50.0 × 49.5 mm | 53.5 × 48.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.9 : 1 | 10.0 : 1 |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 (OBD2) | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual | 4-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | 87 km/h | 90 km/h |
| Riding Modes | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Start Type | Kick & Electric | Electric Only |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (ARAI) | 70 km/l | 83.09 km/l |
| Mileage (Real-world) | 58–65 km/l | ~70–75 km/l (est.) |
| Fuel Tank | 9.8 litres | 10 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | ~1.0–1.4 litres | 1.6 litres |
| Riding Range | ~580–650 km | ~600–680 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | CBS (Drum only) | SBS (Drum / Disc option) |
| Front Brake | Drum – 130 mm | Drum 130 mm / Disc 240 mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum – 130 mm | Drum – 110 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 80/100-18 (both) | 2.75×17 / 3.0×17 |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18-inch (both) | 17-inch (both) |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Hydraulic | Telescopic Hydraulic |
| Rear Suspension | 5-step Adjustable Hydraulic | 5-step Adjustable Hydraulic |
| Chassis | Tubular Double Cradle | Single Cradle Tubular Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 112 kg | 115–116 kg |
| Seat Height | 785 mm | 785 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 172 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1236 mm | 1260 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2000 × 720 × 1052 mm | 1984 × 750 × 1080 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Analogue | Analogue + Digital |
| Headlight | Halogen | Halogen |
| DRLs | No | No |
| Turn Signals | Bulb | Bulb |
| Hazard Warning Lights | No | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | No | No |
| USB Charging Port | Yes (select variants) | No |
| Digital Odometer | No (Analogue) | Yes |
| Clock | No | Yes |
| Low Fuel Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | No | No |
| Tachometer | No | No |
| Side Stand Engine Cut-off | Yes | Yes |
| Idle Stop-Start (i3S) | Yes (i3S variant only) | No |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹74,958 | ₹72,025 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹77,406 | ₹75,548 |
| Number of Variants | 4 | 2 |
| Standard Warranty | 5 Years / 70,000 km | 5 Years / 60,000 km |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
Splendor Plus Variants
Star City Plus Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Legendary reliability with proven long-term durability
- Exceptional resale value — strongest in commuter segment
- Larger 18-inch wheels for better stability on poor roads
- Kick start backup on all variants for emergencies
- USB charging port on select variants
- i3S idle stop-start technology for extra fuel savings
- Superior 5-year / 70,000 km warranty coverage
- India's most widespread service and spare parts network
- 4 variants offer more choice across budgets
- Lighter at 112 kg vs 115–116 kg
Cons
- Lower ARAI mileage (70 km/l vs 83.09 km/l)
- No disc brake option on any variant
- Fully analogue instrument console feels dated
- Smaller 97.2cc engine — less torque than Star City Plus
- Higher starting price (₹74,958 vs ₹72,025)
- Less ground clearance (165 mm vs 172 mm)
Pros
- Segment-leading ARAI mileage of 83.09 km/l
- Front disc brake variant available (240 mm)
- Larger 109.7cc engine — more power and torque
- Semi-digital instrument cluster with digital odometer and clock
- Better ground clearance (172 mm vs 165 mm)
- Larger 10-litre fuel tank and bigger 1.6-litre reserve
- Lower starting price (₹72,025)
- Smooth, refined engine with minimal vibrations
- Comfortable suspension tuned for rough roads
Cons
- No kick start — single point of failure if battery fails
- Only 2 variants — very limited choice
- Shorter warranty at 5-year / 60,000 km
- Smaller 17-inch wheels compared to Splendor Plus's 18-inch
- No USB charging port
- Weaker resale value compared to Splendor Plus
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine & Performance
The Star City Plus holds an edge with its larger 109.7cc engine producing 8.19 PS and 8.7 Nm of torque, compared to the Splendor Plus's 97.2cc unit making 8.02 PS and 8.05 Nm. While the difference is modest in absolute terms, the Star City Plus's extra torque (available at a lower 4500 rpm vs 6000 rpm) translates to noticeably more relaxed city pulling power. Both are air-cooled 2-valve single-cylinder engines matched with 4-speed gearboxes.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The Star City Plus leads decisively with an ARAI-certified 83.09 km/l against the Splendor Plus's 70 km/l — a gap of over 18%. With a slightly larger 10-litre tank and bigger 1.6-litre reserve, the Star City Plus also edges ahead on riding range at approximately 600–680 km vs 580–650 km for the Splendor Plus. For cost-conscious daily commuters, the Star City Plus offers real savings on monthly fuel bills.
Braking & Safety
The Star City Plus holds a clear advantage with the availability of a 240mm front disc brake on its ₹75,548 variant — significantly improving stopping confidence and wet-weather performance. The Hero Splendor Plus offers no disc brake on any variant; all models come with drum brakes and CBS. Both bikes use tubeless tyres, but the Splendor Plus's larger 18-inch wheels provide a slight edge in straight-line stability over rough surfaces.
Reliability & Ownership
This is where the Hero Splendor Plus shines brightest. Its decades-long track record, unmatched service network across India including rural areas, and exceptional resale value make it the standout choice for long-term ownership. The Splendor Plus also offers kick-start backup — a practical advantage if the battery drains. The TVS Star City Plus is electric-start only, which could be a concern in remote areas. Hero's wider spare parts availability further strengthens its ownership case.
Features & Instruments
The Star City Plus edges ahead with a semi-digital instrument cluster featuring a digital odometer, digital tripmeter, and a clock — all absent on the fully analogue Splendor Plus. The Splendor Plus counters with USB charging ports on select variants (Black and Accent, i3S) and i3S idle stop-start technology for improved fuel efficiency in heavy traffic. Neither bike offers Bluetooth connectivity, DRLs, or a gear indicator.
Price & Warranty
The Star City Plus starts ₹2,933 cheaper (₹72,025 vs ₹74,958) and its disc variant at ₹75,548 undercuts the Splendor Plus's top variant at ₹77,406. However, the Splendor Plus fights back strongly on warranty: its 5-year / 70,000 km coverage beats the Star City Plus's 5-year / 60,000 km by a meaningful 10,000 km — important for riders clocking 15,000–20,000 km per year.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Splendor Plus if…
- Long-term reliability and peace of mind are your top priority
- You need a kick-start backup for rural or remote riding
- Resale value matters — Splendor Plus commands premium resale
- You want the best Hero service network support nationwide
- The superior 70,000 km warranty coverage suits your high mileage
- You prefer 18-inch wheels for more stable city riding
- USB charging and i3S stop-start tech are useful features for you
Buy the Star City Plus if…
- Maximum fuel efficiency is your primary concern
- You want a front disc brake for better braking confidence
- Lower purchase price matters — starts ₹2,933 cheaper
- You want a semi-digital console with clock and digital odometer
- More engine displacement and torque for slightly better pulling
- Better ground clearance (172 mm) for uneven road conditions
- You ride mainly in urban areas with reliable battery support
Overall Verdict: A Close Call Decided by Your Priorities. The TVS Star City Plus wins on paper metrics — better mileage, lower price, disc brake option, and more modern instruments. However, the Hero Splendor Plus wins where it matters most for long-term ownership: unmatched reliability, India's strongest service and spare parts network, best-in-class resale value, kick-start backup, and a superior 70,000 km warranty. For rural and semi-urban buyers or those who prioritise peace of mind over years of ownership, the Splendor Plus remains the safer, smarter choice. Choose the Star City Plus if outright fuel efficiency, a disc brake, and a lower upfront cost are your absolute top priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The answer depends on your priorities. The TVS Star City Plus is better for riders who want the best fuel efficiency (83.09 km/l ARAI), a lower starting price, a front disc brake option, and a slightly more powerful engine. The Hero Splendor Plus is better for long-term ownership reliability, resale value, India-wide service support, kick-start backup, and a superior 5-year / 70,000 km warranty. For most rural and semi-urban commuters who prioritise peace of mind, the Splendor Plus is the wiser long-term investment.
The TVS Star City Plus starts at ₹72,025 while the Hero Splendor Plus starts at ₹74,958 ex-showroom — a base difference of ₹2,933 in favour of the Star City Plus. The Star City Plus tops out at ₹75,548 for its front disc variant, while the Splendor Plus ranges up to ₹77,406 for its Million Edition. Across all variants, the Star City Plus is consistently the more affordable option. Prices are for India and may vary by city.
The TVS Star City Plus has significantly better official mileage at 83.09 km/l (ARAI certified) compared to the Hero Splendor Plus's 70 km/l (ARAI certified). This is a substantial gap of over 18%, meaning the Star City Plus consumes noticeably less fuel per kilometre. Combined with a slightly larger 10-litre tank, the Star City Plus also offers a longer theoretical riding range of approximately 600–680 km versus 580–650 km for the Splendor Plus.
The TVS Star City Plus makes slightly more power at 8.19 PS @ 7350 rpm compared to the Hero Splendor Plus's 8.02 PS @ 8000 rpm. The Star City Plus also produces meaningfully more torque at 8.7 Nm available at a lower 4500 rpm, versus the Splendor Plus's 8.05 Nm at 6000 rpm. In practical terms, the Star City Plus feels slightly more effortless in city traffic due to its lower torque peak. Both bikes use the same 4-speed gearbox configuration.
Yes, the TVS Star City Plus is available in a front disc brake variant priced at ₹75,548, featuring a 240mm front disc. The disc variant provides significantly better stopping power and improved braking confidence in wet conditions compared to drum brakes. The Hero Splendor Plus does not offer any disc brake option — all four variants come with drum brakes front and rear with CBS (Combined Braking System).
Both bikes offer a 5-year warranty, but they differ in kilometre coverage: the Hero Splendor Plus covers 70,000 km while the TVS Star City Plus covers 60,000 km. For high-mileage commuters who ride 15,000–20,000 km per year, the Splendor Plus provides an additional 10,000 km of warranty protection — potentially saving significantly on out-of-warranty repair costs. The Splendor Plus's warranty advantage is a meaningful differentiator for long-distance daily commuters.