A 25-Year-Old Hero Splendor and a Father-Son Bond
Meet Prajwal Shenoy from Shirva, Udupi district—a young explorer whose wanderlust was fueled by a humble, 25-year-old Hero Honda Splendor. Over five years, he and his father, Rajendra Shenoy, journeyed together across 17 Indian states. Their ride included historic pilgrimages to Ayodhya, the Kumbh Mela, Tirupati, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Puri, Shirdi, Nashik, and Pandharpur. Their crown jewel adventure? A challenging 1,900 km trek from Udupi to Khardung La at nearly 18,000 ft, all on that beloved Splendor.
Despite its age, the bike never failed them—just regular oil changes and fuel stops kept it rolling. By the time it covered over 50,000 km, it had become more than transportation—it was a trusted companion and symbol of their dedication.
The Surprise Gift: Hero’s Centennial Bike
In an incredible turn of events, Hero MotoCorp decided to reward Prajwal’s passion and loyalty in a grand way. They presented him with a Centennial edition bike, valued between ₹10–14.5 lakh. Only 101 are made to commemorate the 101st birth anniversary of Hero’s founder, Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal. Many are auctioned; but a select few—like Prajwal—were given directly by the company for exceptional devotion to the brand.
The bike is a technological marvel: carbon fiber body, Akrapovič exhaust, an adjustable chassis, USD forks, premium suspension, and a high-performance 210 cc liquid-cooled engine (based on the Karizma XMR). It's ultra-light, sporty, and every bit a collector’s dream.
A Ceremony to Remember
The handover took place at Shakti Hero in Udupi, with the dealership’s managing team, Prajwal’s family, and media in attendance. Hero MotoCorp honored Prajwal as one of their “Best Customers”—a title earned through epic long-distance rides and unwavering brand loyalty.
Prajwal, humbled and surprised, said he never expected such recognition for what he considered a modest, personal journey. But that’s what made the gesture even more meaningful.
Why This Story Resonates
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The Power of Passion & Perseverance
Riding the same old commuter bike miles after mile—not for social media fame, but for the soul—shows real passion. -
Legacy & Continuity Matter
Hero MotoCorp’s gesture underscores their respect for their roots and the connections they've built over decades. -
A Dream Realized
For Prajwal, this isn’t just a bike—it’s a symbol of dreams, dedication, and the belief that humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
What’s Next for Prajwal and the Centennial?
This cutting-edge bike opens up endless possibilities: higher-altitude journeys, more ambitious routes, and even more inspiration. Kudos to Prajwal and Rajendra for proving that adventure doesn't need a fancy bike—just heart and determination.
This story is a heartfelt reminder: when you chase your passion with consistency, even the most modest tools can take you places—and people will notice. Hero’s recognition of Prajwal—a rider who converted miles into milestones—is a beautiful nod to what really matters: journeys fueled by grit, not gloss.
If anything, the next time someone underestimates the old Splendor parked in the garage, tell them the story of Prajwal and his journey across India—and how it led to a Centennial masterpiece.