The story behind India's first two-cylinder Hero Splendor Classic

18/09/2018 - 09:26 Hero Splendor, Hero Motocorp Suvil Susvirkar

An Indian mechanic has added more cafe racer character to the Hero MotoCorp Splendor Pro Classic by turning it into a twin-cylinder motorcycle. A 25-year old mechanic from Babra village near Rajkot, Gujarat, Akram, has created this unique Hero Splendor Pro Classic. Akram had suffered a fracture due to which the doctors recommended him complete rest. During his time of recovery, he thought of the idea of creating a twin-cylinder Hero Splendor.

Hero Splendor Pro Classic Twin Cylinder Engine Left — Hero Splendor Pro Classic with a twin-cylinder engine can achieve a top speed of 120 kmph. The engine is mated to a custom gearbox. The setup, however, will reduce the fuel efficiency of the motorcycle.

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In stock form, the 97.8cc, single cylinder, cafe-racer style commuter is tuned to deliver 8.2 bhp of maximum power and 8.05 Nm of peak torque. The performance numbers on the twin-cylinder powered Hero Splendor Pro Classic aren’t available, but the motorcycle is claimed to be good for a top speed of 120 kmph. With a smaller rear sprocket, added Akram, the motorcycle can achieve an even higher top speed. The engine is mated to a custom gearbox. The added power, however, will negatively affect the fuel economy of the vehicle.

Does it work? The frame of the motorcycle has been chopped to accommodate the second cylinder. Akram, however, says that the two-cylinder engine powered Splendor Pro Classic runs perfectly and is ready for sale.

Apart from the addition of a cylinder, there are no visual changes to the motorcycle. Thus, you’d see an identical styling as the stock Splendor Pro Classic. The hardware list, too, remains stock and the twin-cylinder Splendor Pro Classic continues to use a conventional telescopic front suspension and twin-sided shock absorbers at the rear. It also continues to use a clip-on style design for the handlebar and a cowl shape at the rear instead of a pillion seat.

Chrome bits on the motorcycle include the headlight surround and rear-view mirror housing.

The stock, wire-spoke wheels have been retained, although a more compact unit has replaced the chrome front fender. The lower part of the chain cover has been removed to expose the chain partially. Drum brakes on both ends provide stopping power.

Hero Splendor Pro Classic Twin Cylinder Engine Engine — The frame, as seen in the photographs, has been chopped to accommodate the extra cylinder. The setup, as said by Akram, works perfectly well.

Also read: Hero MotoCorp reportedly planning 4 motorcycles for the 200-300cc segment

Transforming your Splendor into a twin-cylinder model will cost you INR 50,000. It took Akram three months to modify the engine into a twin. The long duration was mainly due to a fracture that Akram suffered to his hand. He soon recovered and reworked on sealing the engine properly with both hands.