Hero MotoCorp launched the country’s first BS-VI compliant motorcycle this week, the Splendor iSmart, at an ex-showroom Delhi price tag of INR 64,900. The motorcycle received several mechanical and a few cosmetic changes in the BS-VI upgrade. In this post, we list all the differences between the BS-VI Splendor iSmart and its BS-IV iteration.
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Hero Splendor iSmart BS-VI vs. BS-IV – Design
The styling upgrade may not be very comprehensive, but it is noticeably different from the BS-IV model. For starters, the BS-VI version comes with a new paint theme. The front fascia retains the halogen headlight assembly, although the mask gets a refreshed look. More changes are evident as you venture past the front fascia.
The cockpit of the BS-IV model looks nearly identical to the BS-IV version's, as it also features a semi-digital layout. Minor tweaks to the instrument console include a repositioned placement for the Neutral Gear indicator and the side-stand warning that now occupy the space under the fuel gauge.
The fuel tank, side panels and the rear panel have received minor tweaks to distinguish them from the BS-IV model. The fuel tank capacity has increased by one litre. Yet, the kerb weight of the BS-VI model is identical to the BS-IV version (116 kg).
The plastic panel under the fuel tank now boasts a "Fi (Fuel Injection)" sticker. A closer look at the side profile of the BS-VI model reveals the missing chrome tip on the exhaust outlet. The heat shield on the exhaust also gets a styling revision. While all the body panels are noticeably different, they haven’t changed drastically over the BS-IV model.
The underpinnings have also received upgrades and the new model uses a diamond frame instead of a tubular double cradle chassis on the BS-IV version. The suspension setup retains conventional front forks and twin-sided rear springs. The suspension travel, however, is longer by 15 mm for improved comfort. The revised dimensions include added length, height, improved ground clearance and a longer wheelbase on the latest iteration of the iSmart. The width, however, has decreased over the BS-IV model.
The colour palette of the BS-VI variant includes three options – Techno Blue & Black, Sports Red & Black and Force Silver & Heavy Grey. In comparison, the BS-IV version was available in fours – Techno Blue, Sports Red, Leaf Green and Jet Black.
Hero Splendor iSmart BS-VI vs. BS-IV – Engine
The BS-VI upgrade brings several changes to the single-cylinder mill of the Hero Splendor iSmart. The new version features a fuel injection system and comes with a marginal displacement bump. The new Splendor iSmart packs a 113.2 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled mill that delivers a peak power output of 9 hp and a maximum torque of 9.89 Nm. In comparison, the 109.15 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, OHC engine with carburettor on the BS-IV compliant model pumped out 9.5 hp of max power and 9 Nm of peak torque. The BS-VI model retains the four-speed constant-mesh gearbox.
The Splendor iSmart retains the proprietary Idle Stop and Start System (i3S). The i3S tech turns off the motor at long halts and brings it back to life as soon as the clutch is pressed. Hero MotoCorp promises improvement in the fuel economy numbers, although the final numbers are not available yet. The company also claims a 45% reduction in carbon monoxide (CO) and an 88% fall nitrogen oxide (NOx) output on the latest model. The engine casings get a new design as well.
Other key updates to the motor include an Air-Temperature Sensing tech to ensure easy start in any weather condition and Engine Temperature Control for improved engine life.
Hero Splendor iSmart BS-VI vs. BS-IV – Braking setup
The braking hardware now includes an optional, 240 mm disc brake at the front wheel. The base version comes with drum brakes on both wheels. Do note that the BS-IV version was only available with a drum brake setup.
Hero Splendor iSmart BS-VI vs. BS-IV – Prices
All the styling and mechanical upgrades have affected the prices, and the BS-VI version is INR 7,470 more expensive than the BS-IV model. The new BS-VI Splendor iSmart retails at INR 64,900* as against the INR 57,430* price tag of the BS-IV version.
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Check out the complete technical specification comparison of the Hero Splendor iSmart BS-VI and the BS-IV version in the table below:
| Model | Splendor iSmart BS-VI | Splendor iSmart BS-IV |
| Engine | ||
| Displacement and Type | 113.2 cc, Air-Cooled, 4 Stroke, Single-Cylinder, OHC with fuel injection | 109.15 cc, Air-Cooled, 4 Stroke, Single-Cylinder, OHC with a carburettor |
| Maximum Power | 6.73 kw (9 hp) at 7,500 rpm | 7 kW (9.5 hp) at 7,500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 9.89 Nm at 5,500 rpm | 9.0 Nm at 5,500 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10:1 |
| Gearbox | 4-Speed Constant Mesh | 4-Speed Constant Mesh |
| Clutch | Multi-Plate, Wet Type | Multi-Plate, Wet Type |
| Chassis and Dimensions | ||
| Frame | Diamond | Tubular Double Cradle Type |
| Length | 2,048 mm | 2,015 mm |
| Width | 726 mm | 770 mm |
| Height | 1,110 mm | 1,055 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,270 mm | 1,245 mm |
| Seat Height | 799 mm | 799 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 9.5-litres | 8.5-litres |
| Kerb Weight | 116 kg | 116 kg |
| Suspension, Brakes and Tyres | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm with 5-step Adjustable Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | Swingarm with 5-step Adjustable Hydraulic Shock Absorbers |
| Front Brake | 240 mm Disc | 130 mm Drum |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum | 130 mm Drum |
| Front Tyre | 80/100-47P | 80/100-47P |
| Rear Tyre | 80/100-54P | 80/100-54P |
| Price | ||
| Ex-showroom* | INR 64,900 | INR 57,430 |
*Ex-showroom Delhi
