Hero Glamour X | Photo Credit: Avdhoot Kolhe

The debut of the Hero MotoCorp Glamour X has ignited a spirited debate in the two-wheeler market, raising a fundamental question — how much technology is too much for the humble 125cc commuter segment? Packed with features unheard of in this class, including a ride-by-wire throttle, multiple ride modes (Eco, Road, Power) and even cruise control, the Glamour X, priced at ₹99,999 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the disc variant, represents a bold, perhaps even perplexing, move by India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer. Hero’s decision to bestow these advanced electronics upon the conservative-yet-stylish Glamour line, rather than the more performance- oriented Xtreme 125R, underscores a potential strategy to redefine the mass-market commuter.

On a test ride through the suburbs of Jaipur, the Glamour X demonstrated its dual personality. In Eco mode, the motorcycle performs exactly as a typical commuter should — gentle, easy to manage and perfectly suited for relaxed city puttering. It retains the essential commuter virtues with its upright ergonomics, a long and comfortable seat, and a reliable, albeit skinny, tyre setup, ensuring it hasn’t forgotten its primary purpose.

However, the motorcycle screams premium even when stationary. All-LED illumination, a sleek colour-LCD display and muscular tank styling make it visually distinct from its stablemates such as the Splendor or HF Deluxe, which dominate the commuter landscape. The engine itself, a shared unit with the Xtreme 125R, is robust and refined. Switching to Road mode on the highway revealed a comfortable cruiser which easily maintained 60 kph with negligible vibrations.

The true transformation occurs in Power mode. The bike morphs into its sportiest guise, delivering an eagerness that allows it to easily flow , and even overtake larger highway traffic, putting all of its 11.3 bhp and 1.07 kg-m to work. The power delivery, restricted by mode settings rather than outright performance limitations, pushes the Glamour X confidently up to around 96 kph before a slight buzz is noticeable at the footpegs, though not many commuters will routinely try it.

While Hero deserves credit for successfully integrating the new features into the underlying commuter DNA, though the execution is not flawless. The highly publicised cruise control proved inconsistent during initial testing, with speeds fluctuating significantly (between 55 kph and 70 kph), suggesting that the system may require further calibration for real-world reliability.

More critically, for a bike that boasts such sophisticated electronics, the glaring omission is the lack of a fundamental safety feature — ABS. The Glamour X features an adequate braking setup with decent progression, performing well even when pushed on winding, steep roads. But in a motorcycle marketed as the technological leader in its class, skipping ABS is a major misstep. It’s the only significant chink in the Glamour X’s armour, particularly when less feature-heavy competitors often offer it.

Ultimately, the Glamour X is a showcase of Hero’s engineering capabilities, hinting that the commuter segment must evolve. The bike’s enthusiastic engine and surprisingly capable handling on winding roads, despite the 18-inch wheels, make it more fun than its segment typically allows. Apart from minor quality observations such as a noisy tall flyscreen and slight play in the switchgear, the overall package is well-executed.

Is the Glamour X necessary? Perhaps not for every traditional commuter buyer. But by blending an eager engine with premium style and advanced technology, Hero has created a compelling value-for-money proposition. It offers a blend of performance and features that stands alone under the ₹1 lakh mark. While the cruise control requires refinement and the absence of ABS is an oversight, the Glamour X succeeds where it matters most — it remains a reliable, comfortable, and now significantly more stylish machine built for the simple daily task of getting one to work.

© Motoring World

Published on November 21, 2025