Commuter bike segment is the most liked segment in India and that is why the competition remains very tough here. Hero Splendor Plus has been the best-selling bike in this segment for years, while Honda has recently tried to strengthen its hold by launching the Shine 100 DX. Shine 100 DX has been launched directly against Splendor Plus. Talking about the price, the ex-showroom price of Hero Splendor Plus starts from around Rs 75,000, while Honda Shine 100 DX is available for around Rs 71,746, which means Honda is a little cheaper in terms of price.

How much is the difference in design?

• The design of Hero Splendor Plus has remained almost the same for a long time. The company keeps adding new colors and graphics to it from time to time, so that it looks fresh even though it is old. It has chrome finished 3D Hero logo and Splendor Plus badge. This bike comes in five different colours. Whereas the look of Honda Shine 100 DX looks a little more modern. It has a large headlamp with chrome touches, plastic body panels and a thick fuel tank, which strikes a good balance with the single-piece seat. This bike is available in four attractive colors.

Who is ahead in features?

• Hero Splendor Plus has an analog meter as standard. However, for customers who want more tech-features, there is a Splendor Plus XTEC variant, which offers features like digital cluster, Bluetooth connectivity and mileage indicator. Honda Shine 100 DX has been provided with a fully digital LCD instrument cluster from the beginning, which shows information like real-time mileage, range and time.

Engine and Performance

• Hero Splendor Plus has a 97.2cc air-cooled engine, which gives power of 7.9 hp and torque of 8.05 Nm. Whereas Honda Shine 100 DX has a 98.98cc engine, which generates power of 7 hp and torque of 8.04 Nm. Both the bikes have a 4-speed gearbox and special focus has been placed on mileage.

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After the implementation of the new GST 2.0 rules, bikes with engine capacity less than 350cc have now become more affordable than before. Especially popular commuter bikes like Hero Splendor Plus and Honda Shine 100 DX have now become even cheaper in the market with new prices. Let us know in detail about the price, engine and features of both models.

Hero Splendor Plus at affordable price

• Hero Splendor Plus is one of the best selling bikes of India and now after the implementation of GST 2.0 it has become more affordable. The company has reduced its price by Rs 6,820. Now the starting price of this bike starts from Rs 73,902 and goes up to Rs 80,471 (ex-showroom) for the top variant. Splendor Plus is now available in three variants – Standard, Xtec and Xtec 2.0. Of these, Xtec 2.0 is the most advanced model, which includes features like LED headlight, LCD digital display and front disc brake.
• This bike has a 97.2cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which generates 8hp power and 8Nm torque. This engine comes with 4-speed gearbox. Due to its excellent mileage, low maintenance cost and reliability, Splendor Plus has been the first choice of Indian customers for a long time.

Honda Shine 100 DX

• Honda Shine 100 DX has also become cheaper than before after GST 2.0. The company has reduced its price by Rs 5,265. Now the price of its standard variant has become Rs 63,191 and the price of DX variant has become Rs 69,694 (ex-showroom). Earlier this model was available for Rs 74,959, which means now it has become cheaper by about Rs 5,000. This bike has a 98.9cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, which generates power of 7.38hp and torque of 8.05Nm. Shine 100 DX is also equipped with a 4-speed gearbox.
• Honda has added many better features to this bike, like LCD dashboard, chrome accents, sporty graphics and large fuel tank. Due to all this, this bike gives a premium look and feel in its segment, while its price is very affordable.

Which is the better deal?

• If we talk about price only, Honda Shine 100 DX is about Rs 4,200 cheaper than Hero Splendor Plus. But in terms of features and riding comfort, Splendor Plus appears to be ahead of Shine DX. While the Splendor Plus has features like LED headlights, digital display, and better suspension quality, its engine has also proven reliable over the years. On the other hand, the Shine 100 DX makes for a strong option in the budget segment due to its light weight, comfortable suspension and better performance.
• If you want to buy an affordable, simple and mileage-focused bike, then the Honda Shine 100 DX is a better option, but if you want a slightly more premium experience and reliable performance in the long run, then the Hero Splendor Plus offers more value.

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