Hero MotoCorp has launched its first fully in-house designed and developed motorcycle – the Splendor iSmart 110 commuter – which packs Hero technology.

Five-and-a-half years after its split with long-time partner Honda Motor Co of Japan, Hero MotoCorp is showing a new resilience born out of its commitment to develop engine technology and product innovation on its own strength. 

The new motorcycle packs plenty of inputs from the company’s well-staffed R&D team at the Hero Centre of Innovation and Technology at Jaipur, lead by Dr Markus Braunsperger, CTO.

Built on a completely new chassis and frame that offer optimised rigidity and strength, the Splebndor iSmart 110 is powered by a new 110cc ‘Torque on Demand’ engine that features Hero’s patented i3S (Idle-stop-start system). Launched at a price of Rs 53,100 (ex-showroom Mumbai), the Splendor iSmart 110 enters the market within six months of it being showcased at the Auto Expo 2016.  

The Splendor iSmart 110 is powered by a brand-new, BS IV-compliant 110cc TOD (Torque on Demand) air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine which develops 9.4PS at 7500rpm and delivers 9NM of torque at 5500rpm. Hero MotoCorp says the new engine with low friction, optimized flow and combustion, offers more usable power and acceleration across the power band. The bike goes from zero to 60kph in 7.45 seconds. 

The Splendor iSmart 110 becomes the second BS IV-compliant motorcycle in the country after the 110cc Yamaha Saluto which was launched on April 14 this year. From April 2016, all new two-wheelers have to be BS IV compliant while existing models will have to adhere to BS IV norms from April 2017.  

With fuel efficiency being the raison d’etre of commuter bikes in India, the Splendor iSmart 110 is claimed to offer best-in-class mileage as a result of the i3S system, which is also a convenience feature in urban stop-go traffic.

Other product highlights include an automatic headlamp, a longer seat for improved rider space and comfort and a new muffler that emits a characteristic exhaust note.

Commenting on the launch of the bike, Pawan Munjal, chairman, MD and CEO of Hero MotoCorp, said, “We have achieved yet another milestone in our solo journey. This comes close on the heels of the successful launch of our first range of indigenously developed scooters last year. I can proudly state that Hero MotoCorp possesses a self-sufficient in-house capability to develop new products for our global customers – from product planning, R&D and manufacturing to sales and marketing – indeed, the entire value chain.”

“As the market leader in India and as a global organization, we constantly strive to lead the industry towards cost-efficient and green technologies for a sustainable future. The new iSmart 110 is another example of our efforts, featuring a NS IV-compliant engine along with the fuel-efficient i3S technology,” he added. 

Replying to a query from Autocar Professional during the Q&A session, Ashok Bhasin, head, sales, marketing and customer care, Hero MotoCorp, said: "We see the commuter motorcycle spectrum across the 100cc to 125cc growing. While there are many first-time motorcycle buyers, we see 100cc customers upgrading to 110cc and 125cc segments. We are now also number one in the 125cc segment with the Glamour outselling all other rivals in the market."

Bhasin, who declined to disclose the production capacity for the Splendor iSmart 110, further added, "We have enough capacity to meet the demand in the market." 

Earlier while giving the product presentation, Dr Markus Braunsperger, chief technology officer (CTO), Hero MotoCorp, said that the company has already started mass production of the new Splendor iSmart 110. The new model is estimated to have been developed by the company over a period of 24-30 months.

It is understood that with the monsoon setting in across the country, the company will now eye the pent-up customer demand as market sentiment is expected to improve leading to improved sales around the festive season two months from now. 

Also read: Why the Splendor iSmart 110 is such a critical product for Hero MotoCorp