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Hero Splendor Could Get a Rugged Makeover: New Design Patents Filed in India
Hero MotoCorp is exploring new designs for its iconic Splendor motorcycle, having filed three design patents in India. One version features a rugged look inspired by the Passion Pro TR.
Syed Wahab Ali
Updated Aug 12, 2026, 10:28 AM IST
Hero Splendor Could Get a Rugged Makeover: New Design Patents Filed in India
Hero MotoCorp could be looking to give its iconic Splendor a more rugged identity. The company has filed three design patents in India showing what appear to be new derivatives of the popular commuter motorcycle. While one version gets a more adventure-inspired design, the other takes a simpler approach.
Key Highlights:
- Hero MotoCorp has filed two design patents for new Splendor-based motorcycles in India.
- One version gets a rugged look inspired by the old Passion Pro TR.
- The motorcycles feature elements such as knuckle guards, a high-mounted front fender and dual-sport tyres.
- The patented models could continue with the existing 97.2cc Splendor engine, if launched.
New Splendor Design Looks Inspired by Passion Pro TR
The more rugged-looking version bears a strong resemblance to the Hero Passion Pro TR, which was launched in India in 2014. The Passion Pro TR was aimed at buyers looking for a commuter motorcycle with a more outdoorsy appearance.
The patented Splendor derivative follows a similar formula. It features a high-mounted front fender, knuckle guards and what appears to be a headlamp grille. The motorcycle could also get tank pads and dual-sport tyres, giving it a more adventure-oriented appearance.
The design could eventually be marketed as a Splendor Pro TR, although Hero MotoCorp has not confirmed this name.
Three Versions Patented
Interestingly, Hero has filed patents for three versions of the motorcycle. The second design looks like a stripped-back version of the rugged model.
It does away with features such as the knuckle guards, front beak and some of the additional decorative elements. However, the basic design remains similar, with telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers and a single-piece seat.
Both versions appear to retain a conventional motorcycle setup rather than adopting major mechanical changes.
The third patent has also surfaced, showing another Splendor-based motorcycle with a more practical approach. Unlike the rugged-looking versions, this motorcycle appears to feature a standard, upright riding posture aimed at everyday usability.
It gets a notably long and flat single-piece seat, while the fuel tank has a simple, slightly boxy design. The render displays a horizontally oriented, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine layout. It uses a straightforward, cylindrical exhaust muffler running along the right side.
The suspension setup relies on conventional telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers. The bike is equipped with five-spoke alloy wheels on both the front and rear.
The third design further expands the possibilities for the Splendor platform, although Hero MotoCorp is yet to confirm whether any of these patented motorcycles will enter production.
Existing Splendor Engine Could be Used
There is currently no information about a new engine for either motorcycle. If Hero decides to use the existing Splendor powertrain, the new model could continue with the 97.2cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine.
In its current form, this engine produces around 8 bhp and 8 Nm of torque. It is primarily tuned for everyday commuting, fuel efficiency and ease of use.
Will Hero Launch the New Splendor?
A design patent does not necessarily confirm that a motorcycle will enter production. Automakers and two-wheeler manufacturers often patent designs for products that may never reach showrooms.
That said, a rugged Splendor could give Hero MotoCorp an interesting way to refresh one of India's most recognised motorcycle nameplates. A more adventurous design, combined with the familiar Splendor platform, could also help the company attract buyers looking for something different from a conventional commuter motorcycle.
For now, Hero has not revealed any launch timeline or confirmed whether either patented design will make it to production.
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