Low Cost X High Tech

The 125-cc motorcycle segment is heating up and Hero MotoCorp has fanned the flames higher, even glamourised it with the all-new Glamour X. We rode it in and around the “Pink City”, Jaipur

- Salman Bargir

IT HAS BEEN 20 YEARS SINCE THE FIRST Glamour made its début in 2005.

From its Hero-Honda origins to wearing the “Hero” badge today, the Glamour has evolved steadily. It may not be as widely spoken of as the Hero Splendor or the Bajaj Pulsar, but it has carved its own niche, just like an actor who plays strong supporting character roles but not lead ones. The numbers speak for themselves: eight million Hero Glamour motorcycles have reportedly been sold over the past two decades.

Being the latest one, the all-new Glamour X sports a sculpted and hunky design, giving it an aggressive look. Hero wanted to give this premium commuter a dominating—in the company’s words, ‘Badi Gaadi’ (big-bike)—feel with a commanding road presence. The shrouds on the 10-litre fuel-tank resemble broad and strong shoulders. Panels extending from the sides of the pillion seat add bulk. Together they give the motorcycle a muscular stance. The overall fit and finish are better than some other models in the company’s portfolio, except for the windscreen, which shook considerably during our first ride and seemed poorly integrated.

It being my first time at the flag-off of a new motorcycle ride, I was excited to do so in a city where I had never ridden before.

Sitting on the bike, I hoped that riding an all-new machine on roads personally uncharted would challenge me and, in turn, reveal if the motorcycle is easy for any rider to adapt to. Its long, wide, and comfortable seat is at a height of 790 millimetres, allowing my feet to reach the ground with reasonable ease.