Hero Glamour Xtec vs Rivals: Compared On Paper

A few days back, Hero launched the new Glamour Xtec to compete in the cut-throat 125cc commuter segment. The bike gets several new features that should give it a competitive edge in its segment. However, there isn’t any mechanical update so to speak. So does the Glamour Xtec still hold its own against its rivals?

ENGINE

Specifications	Hero Glamour Xtec	Honda SP 125	Bajaj Pulsar 125 STD
Engine	124.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder	124cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder	124.4cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder
Power	10.87PS @ 7500rpm	10.87PS @ 7500rpm	11.8PS @8500rpm
Torque	10.6Nm at 6000rpm	10.9Nm @ 6000rpm	10.8Nm @ 6500rpm
Gearbox	5-speed	5-speed	5-speed

At first glance, the Glamour Xtec seems to match the SP’s power output, however, it’s a bit down on torque which should give the SP 125 the upper hand. The Honda is also the lightest bike among the trio, which, in theory, should make it the quickest bike of the lot with a power-to-weight ratio of 92.11PS per ton. The Glamour, on the other hand, delivers 88.37PS per ton, putting it in between its competition.

You’re probably wondering how the Pulsar 125 is the slowest bike here despite having the most power. Well, that’s pretty straightforward, the Pulsar 125 may be the most powerful of the lot, but it’s also the heaviest motorcycle here, and hence the slowest commuter with a power-to-weight ratio of 84.28PS per ton. 

UNDERPINNINGS

Specifications	Hero Glamour Xtec	Honda SP 125	Bajaj Pulsar 125 STD
Frame	Diamond-type	Diamond-type	Dual cradle
Front suspension	Telescopic	Telescopic	Telescopic
Rear suspension	Twin shocks with preload	Twin shocks with preload	Twin shocks with preload
Front brake	Disc: 240mm, Drum: 130	Disc: 240mm, Drum: 130	Disc: 240mm, Drum: 170
Rear brake	130mm drum	130mm drum	130mm drum
Front tyre	80/100-18	80/100-18	80/100-17
Rear tyre	100/80-18	80/100-18	100/90-17

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All three bikes are similarly equipped, with the only difference being the Pulsar’s dual-cradle frame. While it’s still cost-effective, it provides a significant advantage over a downtube chassis, in terms of strength and rigidity.

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DIMENSIONS

Specifications	Hero Glamour Xtec	Honda SP 125	Bajaj Pulsar 125 STD
Wheelbase	1,273mm	1,285mm	1,320mm
Ground clearance	180mm	160mm	165mm
Fuel tank capacity	10-litres	11-litres	11.5-litres
Seat height	798mm	790mm	NA
Kerb weight	Disc: 123kg, Drum: 122kg	Disc: 118kg, Drum: 117kg	140kg

The Pulsar 125 may have a slightly more sophisticated chassis, but its longer wheelbase and weight suggest it’s likely to be a bit lazier to tip in and would require some effort to manoeuvre in traffic. On the bright side, it has the biggest fuel tank which should keep you on the road a bit longer. 

The Glamour Xtec is the perfect middle ground with a slightly shorter wheelbase. It also has the tallest ground clearance, perfect for Indian roads riddled with potholes and tall speed breakers. 

Last but not the least, you have the SP 125. It’s the lightest bike with the shortest wheelbase, ideally making it more flickable and easier to ride, especially in city traffic.  

FEATURES

Features	Hero Glamour Xtec	Honda SP 125	Bajaj Pulsar 125 STD
Digital Console	Yes	Yes	No
Navigation	Yes	No	No
Caller ID/SMS alert	Yes	No	No
Gear-position indicator	Yes	Yes	No
Real-time mileage	Yes	Yes	No
Average fuel efficiency	No	Yes	No
Distance-to-empty	No	Yes	No
Silent start with ACG	No	Yes	No
Auto sail	Yes	No	No
USB charger	Yes	No	No
Side-stand engine cut-off	Yes	No	No
LED headlamp	Yes	Yes	No

No surprise here, the Glamour Xtec is the most feature-packed bike which gives it an edge over its rivals. The SP 125 does have a lot to offer but it falls short compared to the Glamour. As for the Pulsar 125, it’s as basic as it can get. 

PRICE AND VERDICT

Hero Glamour Xtec	Honda SP 125	Bajaj Pulsar 125 STD
Drum: Rs 78,900	Rs 78,381	Rs 77,843
Disk: Rs 83,500	Rs 82,677

For a small premium, the Glamour Xtec does make a compelling case for itself considering the kind of equipment it has to offer. However, if you’re looking for a well-built and reliable motorcycle, the SP 125 is still our pick of the lot.

The Pulsar 125 is a no-nonsense commuter that’ll do everything right, but you’d have to make do with the bare minimum.