Super Splendor 125 vs Honda SP 125: Which bike is better under Rs 1 lakh

Most buyers of 125 cc motorcycles want low running costs, good mileage, a strong engine and up-to-date features. Both Hero and Honda have attractive options in this segment. The Hero Super Splendor 125 is known for its mileage and comfortable ride, while the Honda SP 125 is liked for its sporty look, modern technology and performance. Both have fuel injection and a 5-speed gearbox, but they differ in engine, brakes, mileage, suspension and price.

The Super Splendor 125 has a 124.7 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 10.7 bhp of power and 10.6 Nm of torque. The Honda SP 125 has a 123.94 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder PGM-FI engine that delivers 10.99 bhp and 11.2 Nm. Honda is slightly ahead on both power and torque.

Hero wins on mileage. The Super Splendor 125 has an ARAI-certified mileage of about 69 to 75 km per litre, against 63 km per litre for the SP 125. For those who ride long distances daily and want to keep fuel costs down, the Hero could be the better deal. Top speed figures for both bikes were not in the information provided.

On suspension, the Super Splendor 125 has a telescopic hydraulic fork at the front and 5-step adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. The SP 125 has a golden USD fork at the front and a 5-step preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, which gives the Honda better handling along with its sporty look.

On brakes, the Hero offers a 240 mm disc or a 130 mm drum brake at the front, and a 130 mm drum brake with IBS at the rear. The Honda SP 125 has a 240 mm petal disc brake and single-channel ABS at the front, and a 130 mm drum brake at the rear. Honda is better on braking and safety.

Among features, the Hero's Xtec variant has a digital instrument cluster showing real-time mileage, Bluetooth calling and SMS alerts. It also has an LED headlight, DRL, LED tail lamp and a USB charging port. The company's i3S technology switches the engine off automatically when the bike is stationary for a short while in traffic. The Xtec 2.0 variant also has a silent start facility.

The Honda SP 125 has a 4.2-inch TFT colour display. Honda RoadSync provides Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts and music control. It also gets full LED lighting and a USB Type-C charging port. Honda is ahead on connectivity and technology.

In size, the Hero Super Splendor 125 is 2,043 mm long, 729 to 740 mm wide and 1,082 mm high. Its wheelbase is 1,263 mm, ground clearance 170 to 180 mm and weight about 121 to 123 kg. The Honda SP 125 is 2,015 mm long, 783 mm wide and 1,087 mm high, with a wheelbase of 1,130 mm, ground clearance of 166 mm and weight of about 124 kg. Both have a 12-litre fuel tank.

In ex-showroom prices, the Super Splendor Xtec drum brake (OBD 2B) is between Rs 82,068 and Rs 84,510. The Xtec disc brake (OBD 2B) is between Rs 85,755 and Rs 88,251, and the Xtec 2.0 or standard variant between Rs 85,448 and Rs 91,000. The Honda SP 125 STD variant costs Rs 90,498 and the DLX variant Rs 98,086. Hero's entry-level variants are comparatively cheaper, and both bikes fall within a Rs 1 lakh budget.

If good mileage, low fuel costs and a comfortable daily ride are the first priority, the Hero Super Splendor 125 could be a good choice. Those who want more power and torque, a TFT display, USD fork, ABS and modern connectivity can pick the Honda SP 125. In short, the Hero suits economical use, while the Honda suits those who want modern features and a sporty feel.