Hero Glamour X first ride review: Are features really the name of the game?

Cruise control, ride-by-wire, ride modes, connected tech. No, I’m not talking about the latest Hero Xpulse 400/421. What I’m actually talking about are features that are present on the company’s latest 125cc motorcycle – the Glamour X. It replaces the older Glamour Xtec and unlike the Xtreme 125R, the Glamour X promises to offer the best of both (comfort and sport) worlds. Touted as the best-kitted motorcycle in its segment, can the Hero Glamour X shake things up in the 125cc class? We spend some quality time with it to find out.

Hero Glamour X design and styling

The styling of the Hero Glamour X is largely similar to the previous Glamour. This is not a bad thing at all because that was quite a handsome motorcycle for what it was. What Hero has done with the X is to make it look sharper and more premium-looking while also making it seem larger than it is. To a large extent, the designers have done a good job of lending it a bigger-than-it-is bike feel. In terms of the sharper styling there is the LED headlight with the signature H-pattern DRL. Similarly, the ‘H’ motif continues at the rear with the taillight as well. The top variant that we tested also gets sleek LED indicators at both ends. Above the headlight is a nice windscreen sort of cowl that aids the big bike feel. Behind that you have the colour-LCD screen, behind which is the wide handlebar. The fuel tank has sharp shrouds that lend it a muscular look.

To make things more comfortable, the seat is longer and wider than before for both the rider and pillion, as is the grab rail. The design on the 18-inch alloys is also quite stylish. The Glamour X will be available in five different colours – sliver, red, blue, teal blue and the black-red colour way that we rode. Fit and finish levels are not 100 per cent, but they are much better than Heros of yore. On the whole, the Glamour X is a stylish motorcycle, one that nails the premium commuter brief rather well. Hero will also sell you a bunch of accessories to customise the motorcycle, things like hand guards, engine guards and so on.

Hero Glamour X engine and performance

Powering the Hero Glamour X is essentially the same mill that does duties in the Xtreme 125R – the Sprint EBT engine. I’ve always loved the engine on the Xtreme for how peppy and lively it feels despite being just a 125cc. But it wasn’t perfect, with refinement not being its strong suit. But this being a Glamour, Hero has worked hard to ensure that the riding experience is as refined and pleasurable as possible. To that end, the engine sees a few major changes. Kicking things off is the use of an electronic throttle body instead of a mechanical one. This means ride-by-wire and ride modes. To improve refinement, the boffins at CIT have made use of a new balancer shaft and the result of this is a creamy smooth engine with little to no vibrations or unruly noises to speak of. Only when chasing the redline (which you really shouldn’t be on a motorcycle like this) are when the faintest of vibrations rear their head.

Then there’s the ride-by-wire system, a first on a 125cc motorcycle in India. With it comes three ride modes – Eco, Road and Power. As the names suggest, each mode has a very different tune and not just a limitation in top-speed. The throttle calibration differs and there is a noticeable difference between the three modes. Despite the changes to the engine, power and torque outputs remain unchanged at 11.4bhp and 10.5Nm. Power delivery is crisp and the throttle calibration in each mode feels natural. At low revs, in Power mode, the throttle can feel a little jerky, but this is more of a niggle than a complaint. The five-speed gear box is slick and tactile for the most part with the occasional false neutral. Clutch action is light and the overall riding experience is very relaxing and very rewarding when you start to look at the fuel efficiency numbers. The engine is also fairly tractable allowing you to carry a gear higher than you should in most situations.

Hero Glamour X chassis, ride and handling

Here is where the Glamour X is mostly familiar. It gets the same diamond frame as before with a 30mm telescopic fork setup at the front and five-step preload adjustable twin shocks at the rear. In terms of the ride quality, Glamour X is a trademark Hero, with a supple ride that does a very good job of ironing out most bumps and pot holes with only the really bad ones managing to unsettle the motorcycle. Some lighter riders did feel that the rear would rebound a little too quickly for comfort. But the heavier guys didn’t seem to have that problem. As far as the handling is concerned, as you would expect, the Glamour X is a very easy going motorcycle. One that demands very little from the rider.

Navigating tight traffic is effortless courtesy of the generous turning radius. That being said, when you do come across a set of twisties the Glamour X will comply and have a good time, with the JK tyres and the sorted chassis dynamics. It is not Xtreme 125R agile but still fun nonetheless. Braking on this top-end variant is taken care of by a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. Sadly, there is no ABS on offer (even as an option) and this in my opinion is the biggest miss in the ride and handling department. While braking performance is solid and more than enough for the kind of speeds you’d be doing on this motorcycle, not having ABS in 2025 seems like a miss.

Hero Glamour X features and electronics

Hero has gone all in on the features front with the Glamour X. I’ve already told you about the ride-by-wire system. What I didn’t tell you is that it is also the first ride-by-wire-bike in the world to get a kickstarter. Designed to work as an alternative if the battery has drained, it’s interesting to say the least. Then there is what is arguably the most surprising feature you would find on a 125cc motorcycle – cruise control. The execution is very straightforward with the rocker switch on the right switch cube that you press once to arm cruise control, then rock down to set and start the cruise. To then increase or reduce speed you rock the button up or down. Very intuitive and the system works rather well with it settling into a cruise with a maximum error delta (that I experienced) of 2-4kmph. The argument still remains as to whether or not this is a feature you need on a 125cc, but the fact that it is not a gimmick and it actually works well is nice. Then you have the colour LCD screen which is well laid out and also has bluetooth connectivity for phone pairing, turn-by-turn navigation and the entire horde of features you would expect from a motorcycle with connected tech. It certainly is the best kitted 125cc motorcycle in the country right now.

Hero Glamour X verdict

Prices for the Hero Glamour X starts at ₹89,999 for the drum brake variant which also misses out on LED blinkers and the LED taillight. ₹99,999 is what you are expected to pay for the top-end variant that I rode. At that price, I feel like the Glamour X offers solid value for money. It nails the basics plus gets all the bells and whistles that not many people even asked for. But as a motorcycle it is a solid one, one that will definitely keep its buyers entertained. The only miss is ABS, something I’m hoping that Hero will add with an update. Aside from that, I'm more than happy to recommend the Glamour X to anyone who wants a stylish, sophisticated, no-nonsense commuter that feels more than just a commuter.