Hero Destini 125; India and scooters currently are no longer synonymous with just the 100-110cc category segment and popularity of the 125cc segment in our country has clearly witnessed an upsurge in the recent years as people have started to demand more than just a mere commuter.
They are seeking good performance, good looks and practical features. The manufacturer, whose name is synonymous with trust in the commuter two-wheeler segment, also dabbled in the crossover scooter space with the Destini 125—a scooter that provides practicality with a hint of premium-ness.
Market as a family leaning product with a bit of a premium flavour attached, the Hero Destini 125 is not a posterchild for performance or radical design.
Instead, it does what Hero does best — create dependable, functional two-wheelers that will help to address the daily bread struggles in most Indian homes.
We figure out what makes the Destini 125 tick and if it lives up to its position in a fiercely competitive segment.
Hero Destini 125 Subtle but Smart Design
At first glance, the Destini 125 is well turned out with its simplistic, understated styling. It may not break new aesthetic ground, but there’s enough chrome and curve to give it a grown-up and mature look.
A chrome strip in the front apron, body-colored mirrors (in upper trims) and judicious use of texture on the side panels makes the design a bit more than basic.
It’s clear the styling targets a wider audience — young adults, professionals and older users too.
It may not have the bling of something like the TVS Ntorq or Yamaha Ray ZR, but the Destini does the safe and sensible bit rather well.
Luxury and Convenience On the Inside
Climb onto the Destini 125 and the first thing that hits you is the comfortable seat height and upright riding position. The seat is long and wide for pillion and rider comfort. The under seat storage is good (19ish litres), and a mobile charger is available in higher variants.
The fuel filler is also outside in the rear–a simple but so useful thing in daily life.
A small digital display between the two analog gauges provides trip and fuel information along with service alerts.
It isn’t flashy, but gets the job done without any confusion.
EP and mileage
The Hero Destini 125 is powered by a 124.6cc single-cylinder motor making approximately 9 PS of maximum power and 10.4 Nm of peak torque.
It comes with Hero’s i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) technology which turned your engine off at traffic signals in order to save fuel and it starts with just a swift turn of the throttle.
As for ride quality, the scooter is solid and relaxed. It’s not the quickest off the line, but its acceleration is predictable and more than sufficient for urban streets.
High RPM the engine does not become jarring and vibrations are nearly absent.
Actuating by hand will return actual mileage of 45-50 kmpl, depending on how and where you ride. That’s fairly good for a 125cc scooter.
Ride and Handling
Suspension duties on the Destini 125 are taken care of by telescopic front forks up front and a rear monoshock, providing a good ride over standard city roads.
Potholes and broken roads are dispatched maturely and the car never feels out of sorts when cruising at a steady speed.
Handling is neutral. In city traffic, the scooter feels light and nimble, making it an ideal first ride or perfect jump from a 110cc scooter.
Brakes are drum units at both ends on the base model and a disc in the front for the upper versions. The CBS system also offers an extra layer of confidence for the inexperienced riders.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Soft seat and ergonomic design
i3S technology for better mileage in traffic
Real-world convenience of external fuel filler
Smooth and refined engine
Best features in the 125cc segment based on poffero pricing
Cons:
Design may seem too old-fashioned for youth Some may like the return of body-on-frame styling.
In top variant there is not even LED headlamp
Simple digital console seems a bit outdated
Lower variants without disc – Braking could have been sharper
Hero Destini 125 Final Verdict
Yes, the Hero Destini 125 isn’t the sportiest looking scooter the 125cc space has on offer, but it is comfortable, practical and a good scooter for someone looking to buy a scooter to commute day in and out.
It’s a great choice if you want a dependable, no-nonsense scooter that can cater as well to the family as it can to serving as a solo commuter.
For those who don’t like choosing style over substance and need a scooter to keep up with their daily needs the Destini 125 is sensible choice.