GLAMOUR RISING

The 125cc motorcycle segment has witnessed fourfold growth over the past five years, and it is now attracting new buyers more than ever before. Everyone — from younger riders to older commuters — is demanding more from bikes in this category: sharper styling, more features, yet all while retaining what a 125cc is meant to be — economical, practical, and comfortable.

- WORDS MANDAR SAWANT PHOTOGRAPHY RUSHI MANKAR

That is where Hero steps in with the Glamour X — a sharper new variant of the brand's successful 125cc commuter. Sure, the brand already offers the Xtreme 125R, but that is aimed squarely at younger riders seeking a more enthusiastic riding experience. The Glamour X 125, however, sets out to combine sharper looks with everyday comfort, and comes packed to the brim with features — including a segment-first, and even a world-first, innovation. The Glamour X offers: cruise control, an electronic throttle body with ride-by-wire technology, three ride modes, a digital LCD cluster with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, a Type-C USB port, under-seat storage, LED lighting, a panic brake alert with the indicators, and five optional accessories. This is the most feature-laden 125cc bike currently on sale in India. It has been launched at ₹89,999 (ex-showroom), rising to ₹99,999 for the higher variant with a front disc brake, that's also competitive on the pricing front.

Styling, features, and build quality

The Glamour X looks sharper than the standard Glamour, thanks to a more aggressive headlight with an H-pattern DRL. It also features pointier side cowls, new graphics, and chrome garnishing on the side panels and exhaust. At the rear, it gets an H-pattern tail light, but also a rather odd-looking long overhang, which makes the bike appear less proportionate. The LED tail light and indicators are reserved only for the higher variant with a disc brake.

The Glamour X rides on 18-inch alloys with slim spokes. It comes with a single-piece seat, which is wider at the back for improved pillion comfort. The bike is offered in five colours, including a matt grey option, although it arguably looks best in red.