Hero Glamour X 125: In the bustling Indian two-wheeler market, finding the perfect balance between performance, efficiency, and style can be challenging. However, Hero MotoCorp’s latest offering, the Glamour X 125, aims to be that ideal middle ground for the discerning Indian rider. This comprehensive review explores everything from its sleek design language to its refined performance metrics, helping you determine if this is the commuter motorcycle that deserves a place in your garage.
Design Evolution: Breaking Away From Conventional Commuter Aesthetics
The Glamour has always occupied an interesting position in Hero’s lineup, straddling the line between purely utilitarian commuters and more style-focused options. With the X 125 variant, Hero has pushed the design envelope further than ever before.
The front fascia features an aggressive LED headlamp assembly with distinctive DRLs that create an unmistakable road presence, even in daylight. The sharp tank extensions and sculpted side panels give the motorcycle a premium feel that belies its commuter segment positioning. Available in five color schemes—including the striking Nexus Blue and Tornado Grey—the Glamour X 125 allows riders to express their personality through their choice of machine.
What truly sets the design apart is the attention to detail. The 3D emblems, textured seat material, machined alloy wheels, and integrated turn indicators all contribute to a cohesive design language that looks considerably more upmarket than its price tag suggests. The digital-analog instrument cluster, with its blue backlight, adds a modern touch while remaining perfectly legible in all lighting conditions.
Engine Performance: Refined Power for Urban Jungles
At the heart of the Glamour X 125 lies Hero’s refined 124.7cc single-cylinder engine. While the displacement might seem modest, the engineering behind it is anything but. Producing 10.84 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 10.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, the numbers tell only half the story.
The real magic lies in how this power is delivered. The flat torque curve ensures punchy low-end acceleration, crucial for navigating congested city streets and overtaking slower traffic. The i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology automatically shuts off the engine at traffic signals and restarts it with a simple clutch pull, enhancing fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.
The 5-speed gearbox deserves special mention for its precise shifts and well-thought-out gear ratios. First gear is short enough for quick starts from standstill, while fifth gear is tall enough for relaxed highway cruising. This versatility makes the Glamour X 125 equally comfortable darting through city alleys or maintaining a steady 80 kmph on open highways.
Hero’s proprietary XSens technology incorporates multiple sensors that continuously optimize the air-fuel mixture based on riding conditions. This not only improves fuel efficiency but also ensures consistent performance regardless of altitude or temperature variations—a significant advantage for riders in diverse geographical regions across India.
Ride Quality and Handling: Comfort Meets Confidence
Commuter motorcycles often compromise on ride quality, but the Glamour X 125 bucks this trend with its well-calibrated suspension setup. The telescopic front forks with 120mm travel and 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear strike an impressive balance between comfort and handling.
The diamond frame chassis contributes significantly to the motorcycle’s stability, particularly at higher speeds. With a wheelbase of 1,273mm and ground clearance of 180mm, the Glamour X 125 feels planted around corners while still clearing most urban obstacles with ease.
Braking duties are handled by a 240mm disc at the front and a 130mm drum at the rear, with Integrated Braking System (IBS) ensuring balanced braking even for less experienced riders. The stopping power inspires confidence, with good feel at the lever and progressive action that’s neither too sharp nor too spongy.
The ergonomics deserve special mention—the slightly raised handlebar, mid-set footpegs, and a well-contoured seat create a natural riding position that remains comfortable even after hours in the saddle. The seat height of 790mm makes it accessible to riders of various statures, while the kerb weight of 123kg ensures easy maneuverability in tight spaces.
Feature List: Technology That Matters
Hero has equipped the Glamour X 125 with features that enhance the ownership experience rather than simply padding the specification sheet:
- Fully digital instrument console with bluetooth connectivity
- Turn-by-turn navigation alerts
- Real-time mileage indicator
- Auto Sail Technology for smoother slow-speed riding in traffic
- LED headlamp with Auto Headlamp On (AHO) feature
- USB charging port conveniently positioned near the instrument cluster
- Side-stand engine cut-off for safety
- Low fuel indicator with distance-to-empty approximation
The bluetooth connectivity deserves elaboration—when paired with the Hero RideGuide app, it offers turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and service reminders directly on the instrument cluster. This integration eliminates the need to mount smartphones on handlebars, enhancing both convenience and safety.
Fuel Efficiency: The Commuter Crown Jewel
For the commuter segment, fuel efficiency remains the decisive factor for many buyers, and the Glamour X 125 delivers impressively on this front. Hero claims a mileage figure of 67 kmpl under ideal testing conditions, but real-world efficiency typically hovers around the 55-60 kmpl mark depending on riding conditions and style.
This translates to a theoretical range of approximately 600-650 kilometers on its 10-liter fuel tank—more than enough for two weeks of urban commuting for the average rider. The i3S technology contributes significantly to this efficiency, especially for riders who frequently encounter traffic signals during their daily commute.
The real-time mileage indicator helps riders adapt their riding style to maximize efficiency, while the Eco mode indicator suggests optimal shift points for better fuel economy. These small but thoughtful additions demonstrate Hero’s understanding of the commuter motorcycle buyer’s priorities.
Maintenance and Reliability: The Cost of Ownership Advantage
Hero’s extensive service network—the largest in India with over 6,000 touchpoints—remains one of the Glamour X 125’s strongest selling points. The recommended service interval of 3,000 kilometers keeps maintenance visits manageable, while the company’s reputation for affordable spare parts ensures that long-term ownership costs remain predictable.
The motorcycle comes with a standard 5-year warranty package, which can be extended for an additional 2 years at a nominal cost—a testament to Hero’s confidence in the product’s reliability. The engine’s programmed ignition with advanced microprocessor not only optimizes performance but also extends component life by ensuring precise combustion.
Price Positioning and Variant Strategy
The Glamour X 125 is available in three variants:
- Drum Brake Variant: ₹81,038 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Disc Brake Variant: ₹85,391 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Disc Brake with Bluetooth Variant: ₹89,748 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
This tiered approach allows buyers to choose based on their budget and feature preferences. The price difference between variants is reasonable, making the disc brake option particularly good value considering the safety benefits it offers.
When compared to direct competitors like the Honda SP 125 (₹83,100 to ₹87,100) and Bajaj Pulsar 125 (₹80,843 to ₹90,003), the Glamour X 125 positions itself competitively while offering a more comprehensive feature list in certain aspects.
Competition Analysis: How It Stacks Up
The 125cc segment has become increasingly crowded, with each manufacturer bringing something unique to the table:
- Honda SP 125: Offers superior refinement and Honda’s reliability reputation, but falls short on features and modern styling compared to the Glamour X 125.
- Bajaj Pulsar 125: Brings the Pulsar’s sporty DNA to the 125cc segment with better performance, but compromises somewhat on fuel efficiency and comfort for long-distance riding.
- TVS Raider 125: Features segment-first ride modes and an excellent handling package, though its higher price point puts it at a slight disadvantage.
- Yamaha Saluto 125: Provides the Japanese brand’s refinement at a competitive price but lacks the modern features and connectivity options of the Glamour X 125.
The Glamour X 125 differentiates itself with its balanced approach—offering good performance, excellent efficiency, modern features, and style without significant compromises in any area. This jack-of-all-trades positioning, backed by Hero’s service network, makes it an attractive proposition for buyers seeking a well-rounded commuter motorcycle.
The Ideal Rider: Who Should Consider the Glamour X 125?
The Glamour X 125 is best suited for:
- Daily commuters traveling 30-40 kilometers who prioritize fuel efficiency and reliability
- First-time motorcycle buyers looking for a balance of style and practicality
- Riders upgrading from 100-110cc motorcycles seeking more power without sacrificing economy
- Technology-conscious buyers who appreciate modern features like bluetooth connectivity
- Riders who value after-sales support and extensive service network coverage
The motorcycle may be less appealing to:
- Performance enthusiasts seeking more aggressive power delivery
- Riders who frequently carry pillions on long journeys
- Those looking for a purely utilitarian workhorse without modern features
Conclusion: The Evolved Commuter Choice
The Hero Glamour X 125 represents the evolution of the Indian commuter motorcycle—no longer just a utilitarian appliance but a feature-rich, stylish companion that doesn’t compromise on the core commuter virtues of efficiency and reliability.
Its thoughtful blend of performance, technology, and value makes it difficult to ignore for anyone in the market for a 125cc motorcycle. While it may not excel in any single area to class-leading levels, its lack of significant weaknesses and well-rounded nature make it greater than the sum of its parts.
In a segment where small differences can influence buying decisions, Hero has created a compelling package that addresses the practical needs of everyday riders while providing enough style and features to satisfy the emotional aspects of motorcycle ownership. The Glamour X 125 isn’t just a commuter motorcycle—it’s a statement that practicality and personality can coexist in perfect harmony.