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Written by O.J. Mathiesen, R&D Director, Carbo Oil — 25 years of lubricant formulation experience.  |   | 

Quick Answer

The best engine oil for Hero Splendor Plus, HF Deluxe, Glamour 125, and Super Splendor is 10W-30 JASO MA2. Hero officially specifies 10W-30 for all 100cc–125cc commuter models. For Hero Xtreme 160R and Xpulse 200, use 10W-40 JASO MA2. Avoid using 20W-40 or thicker grades in BS6 Hero commuters — it increases fuel consumption by 3–5% without any protection benefit. Change interval: every 4,000–5,000 km.

Hero Motorcycle Engine Oil: The 100cc–160cc Commuter Guide

Hero MotoCorp is India's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, with the Splendor alone accounting for over 30 million units sold. The Splendor, HF Deluxe, Passion Pro, Glamour, and Super Splendor all share a common engineering philosophy: lightweight, fuel-efficient, low-maintenance commuter engines optimised for 30,000–80,000 km of urban Indian use. Hero's official engine oil specification for virtually every commuter model in the 100cc–125cc range is 10W-30 JASO MA2, with the 160cc segment (Xtreme, Xpulse 160) typically specifying 10W-40 JASO MA2. Using the correct grade is essential — Hero's engines are calibrated for specific oil viscosity, and deviation increases fuel consumption and reduces service life.

Hero Model-by-Model Oil Specification

Model Engine OEM Grade Carbo Oil Recommendation
HF Deluxe / HF 10097.2cc BS610W-30 JASO MA2SUPER-FS 10W30 API SN
Splendor Plus / Splendor+97.2cc BS610W-30 JASO MA201 GT 10W30 API SP
Super Splendor124.7cc BS610W-30 JASO MA201 GT 10W30 API SP
Glamour 125124.7cc BS610W-30 JASO MA201 GT 10W30 API SP
Passion Pro / Passion XPro113.2cc BS610W-30 JASO MA201 GT 10W30 API SP
Xtreme 160R / Xtreme 200S163cc / 199.6cc BS610W-40 JASO MA201 RS 10W40 API SP
Xpulse 200 / 200T / 4V199.6cc BS610W-40 JASO MA201 RS 10W40 API SP

Why 10W-30 is Optimal for Hero 100cc–125cc Engines

Hero's commuter engines — the 97.2cc i3S unit in the Splendor and HF Deluxe, and the 124.7cc unit in the Super Splendor and Glamour — are specifically designed for fuel economy. The 10W-30 viscosity grade creates less internal friction than 10W-40 or 20W-40, which translates directly into a measurable fuel efficiency improvement of 1–3% in daily urban riding. Hero has optimised engine tolerances for 10W-30 viscosity — piston-cylinder clearances, oil pump output, and bearing film thickness are all calculated for this grade. Using a thicker 20W-40 or 10W-40 oil in these engines adds unnecessary viscous drag, reduces fuel economy, and makes cold-morning starting slightly harder without any protective benefit.

API SN vs API SP: Which Should You Choose for Your Hero Bike?

Hero's official specification for most BS6 models is API SN minimum, with the BS6 emission system requiring compliance with catalyst-compatibility requirements. Carbo Oil's 01 GT 10W30 API SP exceeds this minimum by two full API certification levels — SP includes superior timing chain wear protection, better deposit control, and improved oxidation stability compared to SN. For the entry-level HF Deluxe or HF 100 ridden by high-mileage daily commuters (50–80 km per day), the Carbo Oil SUPER-FS 10W30 API SN is an economical choice that fully meets Hero's requirement. For the Splendor Plus, Super Splendor, and Glamour used in more demanding conditions, the 01 GT API SP is the better long-term investment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the best engine oil for Hero Splendor Plus?

Hero recommends 10W-30 JASO MA2 engine oil for the Splendor Plus. Carbo Oil's 01 GT 10W30 API SP, JASO MA2 is the ideal product — API SP exceeds Hero's API SN minimum requirement and provides better deposit control and catalyst compatibility for the BS6 engine. For budget-conscious commuters, the SUPER-FS 10W30 API SN is a fully compliant economical alternative. Oil change interval: every 4,000–5,000 km.

Q. What engine oil should I use for Hero Glamour 125?

Hero specifies 10W-30 JASO MA2 for the Glamour 125 (BS6). Carbo Oil's 01 GT 10W30 API SP is purpose-matched — the 10W-30 viscosity is optimal for the 124.7cc fuel-injected engine, providing better fuel economy than a thicker grade while maintaining adequate film protection. JASO MA2 certification ensures clean clutch operation. Change interval: every 5,000 km.

Q. Can I use 20W-40 oil in my Hero HF Deluxe?

We do not recommend it for the BS6 HF Deluxe. While older Hero Honda models (pre-2010 CD100, Dawn) were specified for 20W-40 mineral oil, the modern BS6 HF Deluxe uses a fuel-injected engine with tighter tolerances calibrated for 10W-30. Using 20W-40 increases viscous drag, reduces fuel economy by 3–5%, and makes cold-morning starting harder. For the HF 100 and HF Deluxe (BS6), always use 10W-30 JASO MA2.

Q. How often should I change engine oil in my Hero Splendor?

Hero recommends oil changes every 3,000 km for the Splendor using mineral oil (OEM fill). With a quality synthetic-blend API SN or API SP oil like Carbo Oil SUPER-FS or 01 GT, the interval can safely extend to 4,000–5,000 km. If you ride in heavy city traffic, dusty roads, or stop-and-go conditions daily, lean toward the shorter 3,000–4,000 km interval. Always change the oil filter simultaneously for maximum protection.