Hero MotoCorp has patented two new Splendor-based designs, including a rugged version with long-travel suspension and off-road-inspired styling
Hero MotoCorp could be planning to give the Splendor family a rather unusual makeover. The company has filed design patents for two new variants of its popular commuter motorcycle, and one of them looks considerably more adventurous than the Splendor we know today.
The first design gets an off-road-inspired appearance, with a raised front fender, knuckle guards and rubber gaiters covering the front fork. It also appears to have long-travel suspension, with a telescopic fork at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. There is a single-piece seat, giving the motorcycle a more utilitarian look.
The second version is considerably more conventional. It appears to use the same basic suspension setup, but drops the raised front beak and knuckle guards. This gives it a cleaner road-going appearance and could potentially make it the more practical of the two if Hero decides to put both into production.
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Interestingly, both motorcycles feature the same five-spoke alloy wheel design and use drum brakes at both ends. The patent images don’t reveal any major differences in the basic chassis layout, suggesting that Hero could be looking at using the same underlying platform for two distinctly styled versions.
Hero hasn’t revealed any technical details yet, so the engine specifications remain unconfirmed. However, the motorcycles could potentially use the familiar 97.2 cc single-cylinder engine found in the Splendor range. This motor produces around 8 bhp and 8 Nm in its current applications. If that is indeed the engine Hero uses, don’t expect these motorcycles to suddenly become mini adventure bikes. The focus would more likely be on styling, practicality and improved ability to deal with rough roads rather than serious off-road performance.
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The long-travel suspension and raised front end could, however, make the rugged version better suited to broken roads and rural environments. The addition of knuckle guards and fork gaiters also suggests that Hero is deliberately trying to give it a more adventure-inspired identity rather than simply changing the bodywork.
There is still a big question mark over the name, positioning and launch timeline. A design patent doesn’t necessarily mean that a production motorcycle is around the corner, and Hero hasn’t confirmed that either of these motorcycles will make it to showrooms.
