LOOKS
HERO MOTOCORP SPLENDOR PLUS
Despite the millions of cosmetic updates the Splendor has been through since its inception, it looks virtually the same as before. Its beauty, if it can be called that, lies in the details and the quality. The engine is painted a smart gunmetal grey, the overall paint finish is high on gloss and the alloys do add a sense of premium-ness to the bike. Won't turn heads, this one, but you never bought one to do so in the first place, right?
BAJAJ DISCOVER 100
The Discover 100 looks like every other Discover which is a good thing because most people won't be able to tell whether you're riding a 100, a 125 or a 150. It is also a bad thing because there are just so many of them around! Looks really smart, especially them all-black cycle parts, and while we like the decals, the Disco would look so much better without them!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
HERO MOTOCORP SPLENDOR PLUS
The 97.2cc, single-cylinder (what else?!), four-stroke mill in the Splendor has been around for longer than most of us have been alive. The 7.3 bhp it produces feels miserly only on paper, however. Have a go, college-boy style, and you'll be impressed with the peppiness of the Splendor. Because the fuel-efficiency is so good (generally above 55 kpl, better if ridden ultra carefully), you can ride the pants off the bike in the city although avoid the highway unless boredom excites you.
BAJAJ DISCOVER 100
A 94.3cc, single-cylinder (what else?!), four-stroke mill rests within that single-downtube frame on the Discover 100. It is not the most refined engine around, and definitely not one of the most refined engines Bajaj produces, but it's got a nice blend of grunt and fuel-efficiency, so we can't exactly pull it up for lack of refinement. Also, 7.5 bhp isn't exactly enough for you to go 'discover' the country, but at least they're not calling this one a 'Sports Tourer'!
KIT
HERO MOTOCORP SPLENDOR PLUS
Alloys wheels as an option, an 11-litre fuel tank (you could circumnavigate the moon on a tankful), and a luggage rack at the rear (for when you want to wheelie easily, I suppose).
BAJAJ DISCOVER 100
A 5-speed gearbox, Nitrox rear suspension, an 8-litre fuel tank (that's 3 short of the Splendor's, you must note), LED tail-lamp (looks smart, replacement might hurt more if your wheelies go wrong often).
HANDLING
HERO MOTOCORP SPLENDOR PLUS
Surprisingly agile, although the tyres and brakes are a big let-down. Still, at 109 kg (kerb weight), the Splendor Plus is extremely light and, as a result, fun to point-and-squirt about in the city. The suspension is pretty good, too, though not as plush as on the Discover 100.
BAJAJ DISCOVER 100
Thanks to all this internal platform-sharing business, the Discover actually benefits a lot. It handles with the zest of a 115 kg (kerb weight) bike, with the poise of a 150cc-segment bike. Can't ask for more from an entry-level commuter, can you? The Nitrox rear shocks are robust and take to bad roads really rather well. Your pillion will be happier than the one on the Splendor Plus.
PRICE & VERDICT
HERO MOTOCORP SPLENDOR PLUS
Agreed, 45.03k (ex-showroom, Mumbai) is not a lot of money for such a tried-and-tested motorcycle, but since it's hard-earned money anyway, a little more kit on offer would have made the Splendor an irresistible buy, this side of a Yamaha R1. It's ridiculously inexpensive, however, considering it'll last to serve your grandchildren, even!
BAJAJ DISCOVER 100
At Rs 44.01k (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the Discover 100 is not only cheaper than the Hero MotoCorp Splendor Plus but also offers a lot more kit. The only question, the answer to which is 'time', is whether the Discover 100 is built-to-last, the way the Splendor is. If you're looking at upgrading to a bigger motorcycle in about three or so years, the Disco's your best bet.
