Hero Destini 125 first ride review: Uptown girl
The Hero Destini has got several updates from last year. Does that make it a better buying choice?;
Hero Destini 125 design, practicality and equipment
The neo-retro design theme is quickly gaining popularity in the two-wheeler market. Hero is following suit with its Destini 125 with the most important update being its design. It stands out with a new headlight, a projector LED lamp and some tasteful chrome trims. The ZX+ variant, which we rode on the first ride, adds bronze accents. The colour options are also brilliant, making the Destini stand out without being overly flashy. However, the rear section and the plastic around the instrument cluster hold it back from being completely appealing.
On the practical side, the scooter tries hard to meet the needs of daily riders and it succeeds, mostly. The seat height of 770mm is adequate and it now being lower makes it easier for shorter riders to get on and ride comfortably. But in terms of seating comfort, after spending more time on it, especially outside the city, I found that comfort dwindles a bit and it starts to get a bit painful. The backrest is a welcome addition though, helping the pillion a little with that discomfort. One area where things could improve is storage. The front apron has a small pocket for tiny items but at just 18-litres, the underseat space is much smaller than its rivals. The top-end variant comes equipped with a negatively lit LCD screen, turn-by-turn navigation and auto-cancelling blinkers. Lower variants get an analogue/digital cluster.
Hero Destini 125 performance
Performance-wise, the Destini 125 is aimed squarely at the everyday commuter rather than the enthusiast. The familiar 125cc engine produces 9bhp and 10.4Nm of torque, which feels adequate for city riding especially with the improved refinement. The power delivery is smooth but could use a bit more punch, especially when you’re trying to zip past slow-moving traffic. On the bright side, Hero’s i3S tech works well and contributes to fuel efficiency. I managed to get around 50kmpl, which is impressive and gives it a pretty good range with its 5.3-litre fuel tank.
Hero Destini 125 ride and handling
The ride quality is a mixed bag. Around the city, the Destini 125 offers a comfortable experience. However, on rough roads, the suspension struggles and the ride gets noticeably bumpy. The upsized 12-inch wheels help to a degree but the overall ride quality leaves room for improvement. Handling is suited for urban commutes. It’s nimble enough to navigate through traffic but this isn’t for the sporty rider. The braking system, with a 190mm disc at the front and a drum at the rear, does the job, but you’ll need to exert some effort on the levers for effective stopping power.
Hero Destini 125 verdict and price
At a starting price of ₹80,000, the 2024 Destini 125 offers great value for its target audience. The top-end ZX+ variant, priced at ₹90,300, might seem steep, but considering the design, features and fuel efficiency, the Destini 125 remains a strong contender in the premium 125cc scooter space. While it might not satisfy thrill-seekers (who aren’t its target audience to begin with), it hits the mark for daily commuters looking for a well-rounded, stylish scooter.