Honda Shine vs Hero Splendor Plus – Which Is Better for You in 2025?

3 Jul 2025

Written by: BikeCarHub Editorial Team

Published on: 3rd July 2025

Introduction

When it comes to choosing the best commuter bike in India, two names dominate the conversation – Honda Shine and Hero Splendor. Both are iconic, fuel-efficient, and built for the daily Indian commuter.

But if you're planning to buy a bike in 2025, you might be wondering -- which one is better: Honda Shine or Hero Splendor Plus?

In this detailed comparison by BikeCarHub, we will break down every important aspect like engine performance, mileage, features, pricing, and more to help you decide which bike suits you best in 2025.

Overview of the Bikes

Hero Splendor+

A 100cc icon with a reputation for durability, simplicity, and top-tier mileage. The Splendor+ has been updated for 2025 with BS6-2.0 compliance while maintaining its core values of affordability and reliability.

Honda Shine 125

A refined 125cc bike offering more power, style, and Honda's reliable engine technology. The 2025 model comes with improved features while retaining its comfortable ride quality.

Both bikes have been updated over the years and remain best-sellers in their segments.

Engine & Performance

Specification	Hero Splendor+	Honda Shine 125
Engine Capacity	97.2cc, Air-cooled	123.94cc, Air-cooled
Max Power	6.15 kW@8000 rpm	7.93 kW@7500 rpm
Max Torque	8.05 Nm@5000 RPM	11 Nm@6000 RPM
Gearbox	4-speed manual	5-speed manual
Battery	MF Battery, 12V - 3Ah	12V, 5Ah
Emission Type	BS6-2.0	BS6-2.0
Top Speed	87 kmph	90 kmph

Hero Splendor+ is built for city commuting with moderate power and smooth pickup. Its 97.2cc engine is tuned for efficiency rather than performance.

Honda Shine offers more torque and power from its 125cc engine, making it suitable for both city and occasional highway rides. The extra gear (5-speed vs 4-speed) also helps in highway cruising.

BikeCarHub Verdict: Shine wins for performance. Splendor is sufficient for basic daily rides.

Mileage & Fuel Efficiency

Bike	Claimed Mileage
Hero Splendor+	70 km/l
Honda Shine 125	55 km/l

Hero Splendor+ offers best-in-class mileage, ideal for cost-conscious users who prioritize fuel efficiency above all else.

Honda Shine is also efficient but burns slightly more fuel due to its larger engine. The trade-off comes in the form of better performance.

BikeCarHub Verdict: Hero Splendor is the clear mileage king.

Features & Comfort

Feature	Hero Splendor+	Honda Shine 125
i3S (Start-Stop)	✅ Yes	❌ No
Digital Meter	❌ No	✅ Yes (in Shine Smart)
Silent Start (ACG motor)	❌ No	✅ Yes
Tubeless Tyres	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Combined Braking System	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
USB Charging	❌ No	✅ Yes
Additional Features	XSENS Advantage Technology	Eco Indicator, Silent Start with ACG
Kill Switch	❌ No	✅ Yes

Honda Shine offers a smoother ride and comes with modern features like ACG motor (silent start) and optional semi-digital cluster in Smart variant. The addition of a USB charging port is useful for smartphone users.

Hero Splendor+ keeps it simple but practical with i3S for fuel-saving during stop-and-go traffic. The XSENS technology helps with efficient fuel injection.

BikeCarHub Verdict: Shine wins for comfort and features, especially for daily riders who appreciate modern conveniences.

Price Comparison (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Variant	Price (Approx)
SPLENDOR+ DRUM BRAKE OBD2B	₹ 79,426
SPLENDOR+ I3S OBD2B	₹ 80,676
SPLENDOR+ I3S BLACK and ACCENT OBD2B	₹ 80,676
Honda Shine Drum	₹85,590
Honda Shine Disc	₹90,341

The Hero Splendor+ is available in multiple variants with slight price variations based on features like i3S and color options. The Honda Shine comes in fewer variants but with more standard features.

BikeCarHub Verdict: Hero Splendor + is more affordable, but Shine offers more value for slightly higher price.

Maintenance & Reliability

Hero Splendor+ wins in affordability and availability of spare parts, especially in rural areas. The simple mechanicals make it easy and inexpensive to maintain.

Honda Shine has great long-term reliability and smoother engine performance but slightly higher service costs due to more complex features.

BikeCarHub Verdict: Both are reliable, but Splendor is cheaper to maintain.

Final Comparison Summary

Criteria	Hero Splendor+	Honda Shine 125
Engine Power	97.2cc - 8.36 PS	123.94cc - 10.74 PS
Mileage	70 km/l	60 km/l
Comfort & Features	Basic	Modern & Smooth
Ride Quality	City-focused	City + Short Highway
Price Range	₹ 79,426 -₹ 80,676	₹85,590-₹90,341
Maintenance Cost	Very Low	Low
Fuel Tank Capacity	9.8 Litre	10.5 Litre
Kerb Weight	112 kg	113 kg

Who Should Buy What?

✅ Buy Hero Splendor+ if:

You want maximum mileage
Your commute is mostly short & inside the city
You want a low-maintenance, tried-and-tested bike
Budget is a top priority

✅ Buy Honda Shine if:

You ride longer distances or want more comfort
You want a slightly powerful engine
You can spend a bit more for added features & refinement
You appreciate modern features like digital console and USB charging

Conclusion - Shine vs Splendor in 2025

Both bikes are excellent and dominate India's commuter segment for a reason.

Hero Splendor Plus is best for those who want economy, reliability, and simplicity.

Honda Shine is ideal for those who want power, comfort, and modern features with decent mileage.

In the end, it comes down to your budget, riding distance, and feature preferences. We recommend test riding both bikes before making your final decision.

FAQs:Honda Shine vs Hero Splendor Plus

The Hero Splendor Plus is known for its excellent mileage, offering around 70-80 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in India. The Honda Shine provides a mileage of 55-65 kmpl, which is good but slightly less than the Splendor Plus.

The Honda Shine comes with a 124cc engine, producing 10.74 PS of power, making it more powerful than the Hero Splendor Plus, which has a 97.2cc engine producing 8.02 PS. For city commuting with a bit more punch, the Honda Shine performs better.

As of 2025, the Hero Splendor Plus starts at around ₹75,000 (ex-showroom), while the Honda Shine starts at around ₹80,000 to ₹85,000 (ex-showroom) depending on the variant. The Shine is slightly more expensive due to its larger engine and premium feel.

If fuel economy and low maintenance are your top priorities, the Hero Splendor Plus is ideal. If you want more power, smoother performance, and are okay spending a bit more, the Honda Shine is a better daily commuter.

The Honda Shine is considered more premium in terms of build quality and has a more modern design with sharper lines. The Splendor Plus retains a classic and simple look, which appeals to traditional commuters.

Yes, the Honda Shine features a 5-speed gearbox, which allows for better cruising at higher speeds. The Hero Splendor Plus comes with a 4-speed gearbox, which is enough for city use but less refined for highway riding.

The Honda Shine’s engine is smoother thanks to Honda’s Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology. It also features a silent start system. The Hero Splendor Plus, while reliable, has a more basic engine feel and slightly more vibrations at higher speeds.

The Honda Shine offers more up-to-date features like an engine start/stop switch, silent start with ACG, and a more informative instrument cluster. The Hero Splendor Plus offers i3S (Idle Stop-Start System), but overall is more basic in features.

The Hero Splendor Plus wins in terms of lower maintenance and service costs. It's built for durability and ease of service, making it a favorite for budget-conscious users.

Choose the Hero Splendor Plus if you're a budget-focused rider looking for maximum fuel efficiency and low running costs.

Go for the Honda Shine if you want a balance of power, smooth performance, and modern features for a slightly higher budget.

BikeCarHub always recommends taking a test drive of both vehicles to feel the difference yourself before making a purchase.