Hero Glamour X 125 Review: Is This the Most Sophisticated 125cc Commuter?

Settling into the saddle of the Hero Glamour X 125, you immediately notice something different. Between the spacious seat, the wide-set handlebars, and those forward-positioned footpegs, the riding posture feels less like a traditional bike and more like you’re relaxing in your favorite armchair. It’s an ergonomic setup designed for long hours in the city, and it sets a high bar for comfort right out of the gate.

The Heart of the Matter: Three Riding Modes

Once you’re moving, the 125cc engine reveals its refined character. I spent some time toggling through the riding modes, which is a standout feature for a bike in this segment.

• Eco Mode: This is where you’ll spend most of your time if fuel economy is your top priority. The throttle response is intentionally relaxed, but it never feels lethargic. It’s snappy enough to navigate city congestion without feeling like you’re lagging.
• Road Mode: This feels like the sweet spot. The engine wakes up, the throttle becomes more responsive, and there’s a noticeable jump in urgency compared to Eco. If you find the fuel-saver mode a bit too polite, Road mode is your daily driver.
• Power Mode: This is for the riders who want a bit more punch. For a 125cc, it feels genuinely peppy. Overtaking on highways doesn’t require a prayer and a long runway. With a tall fifth gear, you can cruise comfortably at 80kmph without feeling like the engine is screaming for mercy. It eventually tops out around 105kmph, which is perfectly respectable for this class.

The Cruise Control Conundrum

One of the most talked-about features is the cruise control. On open highway stretches, it’s a genuine luxury, letting you rest your wrist at 60kmph or 80kmph. However, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Our roads are rarely clear enough to let cruise control shine for long—between erratic traffic and the occasional obstacle, you’ll be hitting the brakes (and disengaging the system) sooner than you’d like.

The system also feels a bit sluggish when you try to adjust your speed using the +/- toggle. It’s a great first step for Hero, but a little more software refinement would make it truly seamless.

Handling and Ride Quality

Hero has been on a roll lately with their chassis engineering, and the Glamour X is no exception. It feels rock-solid and planted when you’re at speed, yet it remains light and flickable enough to thread through tight traffic gaps like a pro. The JK tyres provide confident grip on dry tarmac, though we’ll have to wait for the monsoon to see how they handle a soak.

The suspension is tuned for comfort. It soaked up most minor road imperfections with ease, though a sharp pothole will still remind you it’s there. Our test ride took place on the relatively smooth roads of Rajasthan, so the true test will be how it manages the legendary craters of Mumbai or Bengaluru.

The Verdict on Braking

The braking performance is predictable and progressive, which is exactly what you want in a commuter. However, I’d love to see a bit more “bite” from the front disc. I’m also not the biggest fan of the Combined Braking System (CBS) found on these bikes; I’m firmly in the camp that believes ABS should be the standard across the board for better safety.

The Hero Glamour X 125 is a sophisticated, well-rounded machine that proves you don’t need a massive engine to get premium features and a comfortable ride.