Hero Pleasure Plus

The Hero Pleasure Plus is powered by a 110.9cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine compliant with BS6 Phase 2 and E20 fuel norms. This unit produces a modest 8.1 PS of power at 7000 rpm and 8.7 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm, transmitted via a conventional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). On paper, these figures are aligned with segment standards, but their real-world application is tailored specifically for urban environments. 

The throttle response is linear and gentle, prioritizing smoothness over aggressive acceleration, which is beneficial for new riders or those navigating dense, stop-start traffic. The scooter gets up to 40-50 km/h with relative ease, but beyond 60 km/h, the engine begins to feel strained, with vibrations becoming more perceptible. Highway performance is not its forte. Refinement levels are acceptable for city commuting, but the engine note is audible under load. The key performance metric here is fuel efficiency. Aided by Hero’s i3S (Idle-Stop-Start System), which cuts the engine at brief halts, the Pleasure Plus delivers a real-world mileage of approximately 40-45 km/l in mixed city conditions, a respectable figure that directly impacts running costs.

Ergonomically, the Pleasure Plus is designed for accessibility. Its seat height of 765mm is one of the lowest in its class, allowing riders of shorter stature to place their feet firmly on the ground, which boosts confidence in traffic. The riding posture is upright and neutral, with a flat and reasonably spacious floorboard that provides ample legroom and allows for carrying small bags or groceries. The seat itself is broad and well-cushioned, providing good support for daily commutes. Pillion comfort is adequate for short city rides, further improved by the inclusion of a backrest on the Xtec variant. In terms of practicality, the scooter offers a front glovebox for storing small items like a phone or wallet. 

However, its practicality is hampered by two key areas. The underseat storage capacity is limited and will not accommodate most full-face helmets, a significant inconvenience for many users. Secondly, the fuel filler cap is located under the seat, requiring the rider to dismount and lift the seat for refuelling. This is a dated design compared to competitors like the TVS Jupiter, which offer a more convenient external fuel filler cap.

The Pleasure Plus is built on an underbone frame, suspended by telescopic front forks and a rear unit swing arm with a spring-loaded hydraulic damper. This setup offers a ride quality that is compliant on well-paved city roads but reveals its limitations on broken tarmac. The small, 10-inch wheels at both ends, while contributing to the scooter's agility, tend to transmit sharp jolts from potholes and expansion joints directly to the rider. In terms of handling, its low kerb weight of 106 kg and a compact wheelbase make it exceptionally nimble. Zipping through traffic gaps and executing tight U-turns is effortless, making it a formidable tool for congested urban landscapes. However, this same agility translates to average high-speed stability; the scooter feels best when kept below 65 km/h. 

The braking system is a significant point of contention. It employs 130mm drum brakes on both wheels, linked by Hero’s Integrated Braking System (IBS). While IBS (a CBS equivalent) is effective for novices by distributing brake force, the complete absence of a front disc brake option, even on the top-tier variant, is a notable omission. Braking is adequate for its intended speeds, but lacks the sharp bite and superior feedback offered by competitors equipped with a front disc.

Hero has positioned the Pleasure Plus with a distinct retro-modern design language, characterized by flowing lines, chrome accents, and a colour palette aimed at a youthful demographic. While styling is subjective, its equipment list is a clear differentiator, particularly in the top-spec Xtec variant. The standout feature is its LED projector headlamp, which offers significantly better illumination and a more focused beam than the halogen units found on many rivals, directly enhancing nighttime visibility and safety. The instrument cluster is a semi-digital unit, displaying an analogue speedometer with a small LCD screen for the odometer, trip meter, and fuel gauge. 

On the Xtec, this console integrates Bluetooth connectivity, enabling call and SMS alerts on the dashboard—a practical feature that minimizes rider distraction. Further enhancing its modern credentials are a side-stand engine cut-off sensor, a USB charging port conveniently located in the front glovebox, and a pillion backrest for added comfort and safety. These features, typically found in higher segments, create a strong value proposition. However, the Bluetooth functionality is limited to alerts and does not extend to turn-by-turn navigation, a feature some competitors have started to offer.

The safety suite on the Hero Pleasure Plus is a mix of mandated norms and practical additions. The foundational safety net is the Integrated Braking System (IBS), which links the front and rear drum brakes. When the rear brake lever is applied, the system automatically engages a portion of the front brake, ensuring a more balanced braking force and reducing the chances of a rear-wheel skid, especially for less experienced riders. While effective, the underlying drum brake hardware lacks the outright stopping power and wet-weather performance of a front disc brake setup. This remains its most significant safety-related compromise. A crucial and commendable safety feature is the side-stand engine cut-off switch, which prevents the engine from starting if the side stand is engaged, eliminating the risk of accidental acceleration. Rider visibility, a key aspect of active safety, is significantly enhanced by the LED projector headlamp on the Xtec variant. Its superior brightness and spread make the scooter more conspicuous to other road users and provide better illumination on poorly lit roads, setting a high standard within the 110cc segment.

The 110cc scooter market is fiercely contested, and the Pleasure Plus faces formidable rivals.

Honda Activa 6G (Starts approx. ₹76,234 ex-showroom):

The undisputed market leader, the Activa’s primary differentiator is its unparalleled reputation for reliability and its robust metal body panels. Its engine is exceptionally refined, and its resale value is the highest in the segment. It is the pragmatic, no-nonsense choice for buyers who prioritize long-term dependability over a feature-rich spec sheet.

TVS Jupiter 110 (Starts approx. ₹73,340 ex-showroom):

The Jupiter’s unique selling proposition is its superior ride comfort and practicality. It achieves this with larger 12-inch wheels and a gas-charged rear monoshock that absorbs road imperfections better than the Pleasure Plus. It also boasts a convenient external fuel filler cap, making it a more family-oriented and comfortable option.

TVS Scooty Zest 110 (Starts approx. ₹73,036 ex-showroom):

Aimed at a similar demographic, the Zest 110 differentiates itself with peppy performance. It has the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, making it feel noticeably quicker and more agile in traffic. It is the ideal choice for riders seeking a lightweight, zippy, and fun-to-ride scooter for purely city-based commutes.

Who should buy it? 

The ideal Pleasure Plus buyer is a new or city-centric rider who prioritizes modern features like an LED headlamp and Bluetooth connectivity on a budget. Its low seat height, light weight, and smooth power delivery make it an extremely accessible and easy-to-manage scooter for daily commuting.

Who should skip it? 

Riders who frequently encounter poor road conditions, prioritize braking performance, or require ample underseat storage should consider alternatives. The TVS Jupiter offers a superior ride, while competitors with disc brake options provide better stopping power. Those needing to store a full-face helmet will be disappointed.