Hero Glamour Bike: The Hero Glamour X 125 is one of the most surprising launches in the commuter motorcycle segment. For years, the Glamour series has been loved for its simple design, strong mileage, and easy maintenance. But now, Hero has changed the game. With features like ride-by-wire, cruise control, a colourful digital display, and LED lights, this 125cc bike feels more premium than many of its competitors. As a reporter who has been following Hero bikes for a long time, I must say this version is a big step up. It combines affordability with advanced technology, and that is something riders in India have been waiting for.
A Big Upgrade in Technology
Hero has finally broken the stereotype that commuter bikes are boring. With the Glamour X 125, the company has given us features that we usually see in bikes that cost almost double. Personally, I feel this upgrade makes the bike exciting for young buyers who want more than just mileage. However, Hero still has room to improve the overall design, which feels a little too close to the older Glamour. A slightly fresher body style would have made the upgrade even more impactful.
Ride-by-Wire Throttle – First in Segment
This is the first 125cc bike in India to get ride-by-wire throttle. When I tried it, the response felt smoother and more refined compared to the old cable system. The three modes – Eco, Road, and Power – actually make a difference. Eco is great for daily office rides, Road feels balanced, and Power gives a surprising kick for highway stretches. What I personally loved is how this makes the bike feel modern, but I did notice that the switch between modes could have been a little quicker. Still, it is a solid attempt by Hero to bring premium technology to the masses.
Cruise Control – Game Changer Under 1 Lakh
I honestly did not expect cruise control in a 125cc bike under 1 lakh. During testing, this feature worked well on open roads, making longer rides far more relaxing. For riders who travel between cities, this is a blessing. My feedback here is that while it is a bold move by Hero, cruise control will not be very useful in crowded Indian city traffic. Still, for highway riders, this is a fantastic addition that makes the bike stand out.
Full-Colour Digital Display
The display is one of the best parts of the Glamour X 125. It is bright, clear, and feels like it belongs on a much costlier bike. I liked how it shows speed, fuel, trip, and mode selection in a colourful way. Personally, I found it easy to read even under sunlight, which is a common problem with some digital displays. My only suggestion would be adding Bluetooth connectivity, which many riders expect nowadays. That small addition would have made this console future-ready.
LED Lighting and Safety Features
The LED setup gives the bike a modern and premium look. The headlights are powerful enough for night rides, and the tail lamps and indicators are sharp. I especially liked the Panic Brake Alert feature, which flashes the indicators when you brake suddenly. This is a thoughtful touch for Indian roads where sudden stops are common. However, I did feel that the headlamp beam could have been a bit wider for safer night riding on highways.
Powerful Engine with Sporty Feel
The engine from the Hero Xtreme 125R is used here, and it feels sporty. At 11.5 PS, it has enough punch to keep up with traffic and even enjoy short highway trips. I personally enjoyed the power delivery in Power mode, which makes it feel like more than just a commuter bike. On the flip side, engine refinement is still not at Honda levels, and some vibration creeps in at higher speeds. Hero has done well, but this is one area where improvement is still needed.
Price That Surprises Everyone
Hero has priced the Glamour X 125 very smartly. At ₹89,999 for the drum variant and ₹99,999 for the disc with cruise control, it feels like great value. When you compare it to bikes like the TVS Raider, which does not even have cruise control, the Glamour X 125 clearly wins in terms of features. Personally, I feel Hero could have given slightly better tyres and improved fit and finish at this price, but overall it is hard to complain when the bike gives so much for under 1 lakh.
Final Thoughts
The Hero Glamour X 125 is one of the boldest moves Hero has made in recent years. It has features that no other commuter bike in India offers, and that makes it special. From my experience, I would say it is a great choice for young riders and even office goers who want something stylish yet practical. However, Hero still needs to polish areas like refinement and design updates to make it truly unbeatable. Overall, the Glamour X 125 is a refreshing and exciting upgrade that proves commuter bikes can be smart, stylish, and affordable at the same time.
