Hero Glamour X 125 First Ride Review: Too much tech?

Companies usually load their most expensive, top-of-the-line products with cutting-edge features. It makes sense that a cool new feature debuts in the premium offering before trickling down to more affordable models. But Hero MotoCorp seems to have flipped that script. The Indian automaker has launched a new avatar of the Glamour, the Glamour X 125, with cruise control – a feature usually reserved for motorcycles with much bigger engines and even bigger price tags. And that’s not all – the bike also packs in other tech features, which aim to enhance its appeal for today’s riders. But how effective are these features at making the Glamour X a smart buy? Let’s find out.

Hero Glamour X Review: Design Changes

Hero has given the Glamour a proper makeover to justify the ‘X’ in its name. It now comes with an all-LED lighting setup, featuring a redesigned headlamp and taillamp. These new units look noticeably sharper than those on the standard Glamour. The sleek LED indicators are a particularly nice touch, and the rear ones double as panic braking signals – a useful safety feature, for sure. The fuel tank still holds 10 litres, but it now gets extended shrouds that will instantly remind you of the older Hero Hunk.

The seat cushion, though fairly long and wide, can become uncomfortable over time. Hero would do well to introduce a more supportive seat on this bike. In terms of design, the only weak point is the rear tyre – it appears a bit too skinny, given how broad the bike is towards the rear. On the plus side, overall fit and finish levels are solid.

Hero Glamour X Review: Engine Performance, Ride & Mileage

While the design changes and tech features may grab the spotlight, the Glamour X’s engine, in my view, is its strongest aspect. Borrowed from the Xtreme 125R, the engine produces 1bhp more than that of the standard Glamour. While it feels peppy at city speeds, it doesn’t quite have the top-end punch to be a highway hero. Refinement levels are impressive, with only the faintest trace of vibration creeping in at higher revs. Like the Xtreme 125R, the Glamour X also comes with a kick-start feature – a refreshingly practical touch in a modern commuter.

The suspension setup is surprisingly on the stiffer side. You feel most of the undulations, and even with a pillion on the back, the damping doesn’t improve much. While the front forks are decent, the twin rear springs are noticeably firm.

While Hero claims a mileage of 65km/l, I managed to squeeze out 75 km/l during our test ride. This was after covering 100km on the bike and using all three ride modes in almost equal measure. But then, I did most of the riding on the highway during the early hours, which meant I didn't encounter heavy traffic. That said, I did push the bike hard, testing its acceleration and top-end performance in each mode. So, even if you’re riding through traffic-laden city roads, you should still see figures close to the company’s claim, which is quite impressive.

Hero Glamour X Review: Features

The most talked-about feature of the Glamour X is cruise control, and for obvious reasons. To be honest, it doesn’t make much sense to have cruise control on a commuter motorcycle that can barely manage highway speeds. Add to that the fact that two-wheelers aren’t allowed on many expressways in India – the very roads where cruise control would be most useful – and the feature begins to feel somewhat out of place.

That said, the upside is clear – with cruise control making its debut on the Glamour X, it’s likely only a matter of time before Hero introduces it on larger bikes, where it would be more practical. As for functionality, it’s simple enough to engage via a switch on the right side of the handlebars. However, I did notice the system struggling to hold a perfectly steady pace – the speed would fluctuate by about 2 – 3 km/h on either side of the set limit.

Also Read: KTM Duke 160 First Ride Review: Does It Live Up To The Family Legacy?

Another highlight of the Glamour X is its ride-by-wire system, which offers three ride modes – Eco, Road, and Power. The bike’s response noticeably changes across these modes. In Eco, acceleration is understandably gentler, and the bike feels somewhat restrained. What stands out in this mode is the smoother throttle response compared to the more abrupt, almost on / off feel of the other two modes. The head nod you experience in Road and Power modes can become a bit annoying over time, and that’s something Hero needs to address.

The Glamour X features a 4.2-inch multi-colour LCD instrument cluster. At first glance, it may look basic, but the layout is clean and functional. It displays a range of useful information, including two trip meters, and can be paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth for a host of features, including turn-by-turn navigation.

Hero Glamour X Review: Verdict

To get all the new gadgets, you’ll need to opt for the disc variant of the Glamour X, priced at Rs 99,999 (ex-showroom). The lower drum variant costs Rs 10,000 less but misses out on several key features, including LED lighting, panic brake alert, and, of course, cruise control. For the money, the disc variant offers far better value, making the drum version a bit pointless.

Also Read: Hero Glamour X 125 vs Standard Model: Key Differences Explained

If you’re looking purely for a no-frills commuter to get you from point A to point B, the regular Glamour still makes sense. The only real drawbacks of the Glamour X are its less-than-ideal seat and stiff suspension. Beyond that, it’s a solid step up from the standard model, blending a sharp design with likeable performance.