New Hero Glamour is here to take on Bajaj Platina

New Hero Glamour : In the fiercely competitive world of Indian motorcycles, the commuter segment has long been a battleground for manufacturers.

Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two-wheeler maker, has thrown down the gauntlet with the launch of the new Hero Glamour, a bike that’s set to challenge the dominance of rivals like the Bajaj Platina.

This latest iteration of the Glamour isn’t just an update; it’s a complete reimagining of what a commuter motorcycle can be in 2024.

New Hero Glamour Design Evolution: Turning Heads on the Street

The new Hero Glamour breaks away from the utilitarian design ethos that has long dominated the commuter segment.

While bikes in this category have traditionally prioritized function over form, Hero has dared to infuse style into every curve and line of the new Glamour.

The front fascia is dominated by a sleek, angular headlamp that incorporates LED daytime running lights, a feature once reserved for premium motorcycles.

This not only enhances visibility but also gives the Glamour a modern, tech-forward appearance.

The fuel tank has been resculpted with more pronounced contours, creating a muscular profile that belies the bike’s commuter roots.

Moving to the side, the Glamour sports new graphics and color schemes that add a touch of sportiness to its appearance.

The alloy wheels, available on higher trims, feature a dynamic spoke design that catches the eye even when the bike is stationary.

The rear section has been tidied up, with a redesigned taillight cluster that complements the overall sleek aesthetic.

This attention to design is a direct challenge to competitors like the Bajaj Platina, which has traditionally focused more on practicality than style.

The new Glamour makes a statement that commuters no longer need to sacrifice looks for functionality.

New Hero Glamour Performance: Power Meets Efficiency

Under its stylish exterior, the new Hero Glamour packs a punch with its updated engine.

The bike is powered by a 124.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that has been refined for better performance and efficiency.

This powerplant produces a respectable 10.7 bhp at 7500 rpm and 10.6 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm.

While these numbers might seem modest, they represent a significant improvement over the previous generation and put the Glamour in direct competition with the Bajaj Platina 125.

The engine’s tuning prioritizes low-end torque, ensuring quick acceleration in city traffic and easy overtaking on highways.

One of the standout features of the new Glamour is the inclusion of Hero’s i3S (Idle Start-Stop System) technology.

This system automatically shuts off the engine when idling for extended periods, such as at traffic lights, and restarts it instantly when the clutch is engaged.

This not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces emissions, making the Glamour an environmentally conscious choice.

Speaking of fuel efficiency, the new Glamour boasts an impressive claimed mileage of up to 65 km/l under test conditions.

In real-world usage, riders can expect figures in the range of 55-60 km/l, depending on riding conditions and style.

This puts it neck and neck with the Bajaj Platina, which has long been known for its frugal nature.

New Hero Glamour Comfort and Ergonomics: Designed for the Long Haul

Recognizing that many commuters spend hours on their bikes daily, Hero has paid special attention to rider comfort in the new Glamour.

The seat has been redesigned with a focus on long-distance comfort, featuring improved cushioning and a shape that reduces pressure points.

The riding position strikes a balance between upright comfort and slight forward lean, allowing for both relaxed city riding and more engaged posture for highway jaunts.

The handlebar position has been optimized to reduce wrist strain, a common complaint among commuters who navigate through heavy traffic.

Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at the front and a 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorber at the rear.

This setup provides a plush ride over various road conditions, absorbing bumps and irregularities with ease.

The 18-inch wheels (front and rear) offer stability at higher speeds and better handling over rough patches.

These comfort-focused features give the Glamour an edge over competitors like the Platina, especially for riders who cover long distances or face challenging road conditions regularly.

New Hero Glamour Technology Integration: Smart Features for Modern Riders

In a segment where technological features are often an afterthought, the new Hero Glamour stands out with its array of smart integrations.

The bike features a fully digital instrument cluster that provides a wealth of information at a glance.

Beyond the usual speed and fuel level indicators, it includes a real-time mileage indicator, service reminder, and even a gear position indicator – features typically found on more expensive motorcycles.

The Glamour also introduces Bluetooth connectivity on select variants, a first for its class.

This allows riders to pair their smartphones with the bike, enabling features like call alerts and turn-by-turn navigation prompts on the digital display.

While not essential for commuting, these features add a layer of convenience and safety for riders who need to stay connected on the go.

Safety has been given due consideration, with the Glamour featuring a combined braking system (CBS) as standard across all variants.

This system distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels, providing more stable and efficient stopping power, especially in emergency situations.

New Hero Glamour Market Positioning and Competition

The new Hero Glamour enters a market segment that has long been dominated by stalwarts like the Bajaj Platina and Honda’s CB Shine.

However, Hero is positioning the Glamour as more than just another commuter bike; it’s marketing it as a lifestyle choice for the discerning rider who wants a blend of style, efficiency, and modern features.

Pricing is crucial in this segment, and Hero has been aggressive in its strategy.

The base variant of the new Glamour is priced competitively, undercutting the Bajaj Platina 125 by a small margin while offering more features.

This pricing strategy, combined with Hero’s extensive dealership and service network, poses a significant challenge to Bajaj’s market share.

The Glamour’s target audience includes young professionals and college students who want a reliable daily commuter that doesn’t compromise on style or features.

By offering variants with different levels of equipment, Hero is casting a wide net, appealing to both budget-conscious buyers and those willing to spend a bit more for additional features.

New Hero Glamour Sustainability and Future-Readiness

In an era where environmental concerns are paramount, the new Hero Glamour makes strides towards sustainability.

The engine is BS6 Phase 2 compliant, meeting the latest emission norms.

The i3S technology not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces the bike’s carbon footprint, especially in urban environments where stop-and-go traffic is common.

Hero has also hinted at plans for an electric version of the Glamour in the future, demonstrating the company’s commitment to evolving with the times.

This forward-thinking approach gives the Glamour an edge over competitors who may be slower to adapt to changing market demands and regulations.

New Hero Glamour Conclusion: A New Benchmark in the Commuter Segment

The new Hero Glamour represents more than just an update to an existing model; it’s a reimagining of what a commuter motorcycle can be in 2024 and beyond.

By blending stylish design, efficient performance, rider comfort, and modern technology, Hero has created a bike that challenges the status quo in its segment.

While the Bajaj Platina and other competitors have their strengths, the Glamour’s comprehensive package of features, coupled with Hero’s brand value and after-sales support, makes it a formidable contender for the top spot in the 125cc commuter segment.

As urban mobility continues to evolve, bikes like the new Hero Glamour play a crucial role in shaping the future of personal transportation in India.

It proves that commuter motorcycles can be aspirational, efficient, and technologically advanced without breaking the bank.

For riders looking to upgrade their daily commute or those entering the world of two-wheelers, the new Hero Glamour offers a compelling proposition.

It’s not just a means of getting from point A to point B; it’s a statement of style, a nod to efficiency, and a glimpse into the future of commuter motorcycles.

As it hits the streets across India, the Glamour is poised to not just take on the Bajaj Platina but to redefine expectations in the entire commuter motorcycle segment.

Also Read This-

Leave a Comment