India’s largest two-wheeler Hero MotoCorp launched the new Glamour X 125 model on Tuesday, strengthening its 125cc motorcycle portfolio. Launched ahead of the peak festival season, the new model comes at a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 89,999
The launch comes as the automaker looks to fend off competition from its rival Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, which launched the new CB125 Hornet in July. Honda, which is the market leader in the 125cc segment, was ahead of Hero MotoCorp is July retail sales.
The new model builds on the Glamour brand’s established reputation in the market, which has sold over 8 million units. The model, which comes in two variants (with Drum at Rs 89,999 and Disc at Rs 99,999) is designed to appeal to younger riders with a new design and a focus on advanced technology and comfort.
Hero MotoCorp’s 125cc motorcycle portfolio currently consists of four models – Xtreme 125cc R, Glamour, Super Splendor XTec and Glamour X. The automaker has a market share of around 12.8% in the motorcycle segment with engine capacity of more than 110 cc and up to 125cc. Hero MotoCorp trails behind market leader Honda and Bajaj Auto in this segment.
“The 125cc segment continues to be a growth engine for the motorcycle industry, attracting both the aspirational first-time buyers and value-conscious upgraders,” said Ashutosh Varma, chief business officer for Hero MotorCorp’s India unit.
“While the Xtreme 125R leads in performance and the Super Splendor in fuel efficiency, the new Glamour X introduces innovative technology, first-in-segment features, and a bold new striking design.”
The new Glamour X is being marketed with several features that Hero MotoCorp claims to be first for its category. Among them is a “Low Battery Kick Startability” function, which, using the company’s Advanced Electronic Ride Assist (AERA) Tech, allows the bike to be kick-started even if the battery is low.
The motorcycle is also equipped with a Ride-by-Wire system for more precise throttle control and Cruise Control, features not commonly found in this segment.
The model offers three selectable ride modes: Eco, Road, and Power. It also has a Panic Brake Alert system, a safety feature that activates during emergency stops to warn other vehicles. These additions, among various other features, are part of the company’s effort to set new standards in the 125cc category.
Hero MotoCorp’s once-ironclad grip on the two-wheeler market has been loosening over the past couple of years, challenged by rival Honda. Hero’s market share has fallen sharply from 37.04% in FY21 to 28.61% in FY25. In the same period, Honda has nearly closed the gap, boosting its share from 25.58% to 27.17%.
The entry-level 100-110 cc segment, Hero’s bread-and-butter with models like the Splendor and HF Deluxe, is shrinking. Its share of total two-wheeler sales has declined from 37% in FY21 to 28% in FY25. This trend contrasts with the 125cc segment, which saw its share grow from 16% to 18.5%.
Despite a recent refresh of its 100cc lineup with a new HF Deluxe, Hero’s long-term strategy is focused on the more profitable 125cc and premium segments, as well as electric vehicles. Although Hero MotoCorp maintains its dominant position in the 100-110cc entry-level motorcycle market, its leadership is being challenged by Honda’s entry into the entry-level segment with the Shine 100 models.