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. That is where Hero steps in with the Glamour X 125 — 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.
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.
Hero is also providing a host of accessories, such as a backrest, tank pads, knuckle guards, engine guard, tyre hugger, belly pan, and even a shorter windscreen — which is worth considering, as the stock long visor does look a little awkward.
All in all, I have mixed emotions about the Glamour X’s styling. On the one hand, it does look sharper than the standard Glamour; on the other, certain elements, like the long overhang at the back and the tall visor, may not appeal to everyone. But then again, design is highly subjective. During our ride around Jaipur, we noticed quite a few people giving the bike a second glance, with some even stopping to commend it on its looks. Clearly, the Glamour X has the presence to draw attention on the road, even if opinions remain divided on some of its styling choices.
The Glamour X gets first-in-segment cruise control — but more on that later. It also features a colour LCD screen with Bluetooth connectivity, which enables call, message, and battery alerts, along with turn-by-turn navigation. The unit is clear, easy to read, and well laid out. It displays a speedometer, odometer, range indicator, fuel gauge, cruise control, ride mode, and gear indicator, and even lets you know when the i3S stop/start system is active.
Fit and finish on the Glamour X feel about average, and this is one area where improvement is needed. While the panel gaps are fairly consistent, the quality of the plastics could certainly be better — particularly in areas that are frequently touched, such as the switchgear.
On the chassis front, the Glamour X continues with the older diamond frame and is equipped with a telescopic fork at the front and twin rear shocks with five-step adjustability. In its stock configuration, the bike offers a supple ride quality that beautifully irons out rough patches at low speeds. Ride quality further improves with a pillion on board. At highway speeds, however, the Glamour X does feel a little floaty — not unsettling or unsafe, but noticeable nonetheless. Overall, combined with the well-cushioned seat, the Glamour X delivers a supremely comfortable experience. Ergonomically, it has an upright riding posture, while the 790mm seat height ensures easy accessibility, even for shorter riders. The saddle itself is generously padded, making long stints in the saddle far less fatiguing.
Powering the Glamour X 125 is the familiar 125cc Sprint EBT engine borrowed from the Xtreme 125R — and it is genuinely a gem of a motor. Producing 11.4bhp and 10.5Nm of peak torque, the unit here is paired with an electronic throttle body and ride-by-wire technology, which enables three ride modes. Now, ride modes on a 125cc commuter may sound like overkill, but they actually make sense in practice. Eco mode dulls throttle response to maximise fuel efficiency in the city, while Road mode provides a more balanced low-end. Switch it to Power mode, and the engine feels noticeably more responsive, letting you enjoy the motor’s lively character. It revs cleanly to the redline, offers a strong mid-range, and doesn’t run out of breath at higher rpm. Refinement is impressive at low revs, with only a hint of vibration creeping in when pushed hard.
The cruise control might also sound like a gimmick on a commuter, but it is a surprisingly useful addition. The Glamour X is happy cruising at 80kmph all day long, and the system works seamlessly from as low as 25kmph. Operation is simple and intuitive, making longer rides more relaxed.
Braking duties are handled by a rear drum across both variants, with the option of a front disc. Much like on the Xtreme, the setup here could use more bite and stronger feedback. It does slow the bike effectively and remains stable even under hard braking, but that initial sharpness is missing. Unfortunately, ABS is not offered — even a single-channel system would have been a welcome addition.
The Hero Glamour X 125 is, without doubt, an impressive motorcycle. Should you consider it? Absolutely — in fact, it deserves to be right at the top of your shortlist. That is because it gets all the fundamentals spot on. It is comfortable, powered by a strong and refined engine, and it manages to look smart for a traditional commuter, with just enough sporty touches to stand out.
Its real USP, however, lies in its features. The Glamour X offers equipment that not only sets a new benchmark in the 125cc segment, but even outshines some more expensive motorcycles. Crucially, these are not gimmicks — they are genuinely usable features that enhance everyday riding. So yes, if you are in the market for a commuter with a dash of sportiness, packed with features, and built to deliver comfort and practicality, the Hero Glamour X 125 is a motorcycle you should not overlook.
