Hero Glamour Programmed FI Road Test Review

Design and style of the Hero Glamour Programmed FI

This new version of the Glamour definitely looks refreshing and glamorous. The body has become more streamlined and has new body graphics that accentuate that feeling. We had the Black with Sporty Red colour variant and it looked quite bold. The new Glamour looks best from the side where you can really see the rising design of the bike. I was not so impressed by the front though as it looked a bit too simple to me. The rear of the bike, however, looks great, thanks to the stunning LED tail-lamp that looks even better at night. The instrument cluster also has a contemporary design with an analogue dial for showing your current speed and a digital display to show you things like your fuel level, average fuel consumption and trip meter.

Engine and Performance of the Hero Glamour Programmed FI

What sets this new Glamour apart is the Fuel Injection system it gets. Hero calls it the 'Programmed FI' as it pumps in fuel based on the data it gets from the sensors. This in turn not only provides for a better fuel efficiency but also makes the throttle response pleasing. You will notice the significant increase in power, the moment you accelerate. While the climb in speed is linear it does happen rather quickly and makes overtaking in city traffic, a breeze.

The 124.7cc single cylinder, 4-stroke engine now produces 11.5hp @ 7,500rpm and 11Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. Another thing to like about the new Glamour is the 4-speed transmission. Initially I was a bit skeptical about just having 4 gears to play with, especially considering how some of the competition such as the Honda CB Shine SP and the Bajaj Discover 125, have their engines mated to 5-speed transmissions. However, I was quite satisfied with the transmission on the Glamour. Not only does it feel adequate for city and even highway usage, shifting the gears is smooth as well. It was just the first gear that I felt gets out of breath a little too soon but the rest of the gears provide you with ample room to cruise and have a great time on the bike.

Hero did not spend all of its time and strength on the looks and engine of the Glamour. They added a great set of suspensions that do well when pitted against the bad and broken city roads we are so used to encountering in our daily commute. I took it over some speed breakers as well and thanks to the 159mm ground clearance, the bike went over them without the frame coming in contact with the ground. Going fast is only one half of the job for a vehicle, stopping is equally important. There is a 240mm disc in the front and a 130mm drum brake in the rear that give you ample confidence whenever you pull the brakes. The wider 90/90 18 inch rear tubeless tyres lend a good control over the bike when taking corners and going over sandy terrains. The front gets 80/100 18 inch tubeless tyres. The riding position is pretty comfortable too and the seat is long enough for two people.

Verdict

The new Hero Glamour is a great bike that does all that you would expect from a 125cc commuter bike and it also adds a few intelligent things in the mix. The Programmed FI definitely makes the bike ride better than the carbureted version and the looks are nothing less than glamorous. It is very functional too and gets a long seat, soft suspension and smooth gearing. Where it loses out some points is in terms of the cost. This fuel injected variant comes with a price tag of Rs 69,845 (ex-showroom Delhi) which brings it dangerously close to some 150 and 160cc bikes.