If you’re looking for a reliable 125cc bike for carefree rural rides, you have two excellent options—the Hero Glamour 125 and the Honda Shine 125. Both motorcycles dominate the Indian market for their impressive mileage, reliability, and low maintenance. But the real question is, which one will be best for you on rough terrain and for everyday use? Let’s conduct a detailed comparison of these two leading commuter bikes based on their price, engine power, mileage, and advanced features.
Price and Variant Comparison
Budget is always a deciding factor in the 125cc segment. In this comparison, the Honda Shine is slightly cheaper, while the Hero Glamour emerges as a value-for-money bike due to its additional and advanced features. The Honda Shine 125 is priced between ₹79,800 and ₹85,000 (ex-showroom) and is available in two variants—drum and disc.
The Hero Glamour 125, meanwhile, is priced between ₹82,000 and ₹88,000 (ex-showroom) but comes in three variants—drum, disc, and Xtec. While the top-spec Glamour variant is slightly more expensive, it offers advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, a digital console, and LED lighting, which are not available in the standard Honda Shine variant.
Engine and Performance
Both bikes are powered by a 125cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine. The Hero Glamour 125’s engine feels more refined and smooth, producing 10.7 PS of power and 10.4 Nm of torque. It features i3S technology (Idle Start-Stop System), which helps save fuel by shutting down the engine when idling on congested or stop-and-go roads.
The Honda Shine 125, on the other hand, produces around 10.5 PS of power and 11 Nm of torque. The Shine’s engine delivers good low-end torque, allowing it to operate smoothly and without jerks even at low speeds or on rough roads. However, the Glamour has a slight advantage in terms of smooth gear shifting and fuel efficiency.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Mileage is a key factor for rural riders, and the Hero Glamour holds a slight advantage in this regard. The company officially claims a mileage of up to 65 kmpl for the Glamour, but in real-world conditions, its average mileage is around 55–60 kmpl. In contrast, the Honda Shine has a claimed mileage of around 55 kmpl, with actual mileage hovering around 50–55 kmpl. The Glamour’s i3S fuel-saving technology and comparatively lighter weight help it achieve better fuel efficiency than the Shine.
Features and Ride Quality
Both bikes are similar in terms of basic features, but the Hero Glamour offers several advanced additional features that give it an edge over the Shine. The Glamour offers modern features like an LED headlamp, USB charging port, Bluetooth connectivity, a digital instrument console, and a side-stand engine cut-off.
It’s 170mm ground clearance and 5-step adjustable shock absorbers ensure a smooth ride even on rough roads. The Honda Shine also offers features like silent start (ACG motor), CBS braking system, and (in the new version) USB charging. However, the Shine’s proven simplicity and undeniable reliability make it an excellent and durable choice for urban commutes and short-distance rides.
Which is Best for You
If you mostly use the bike in rural or semi-urban areas where roads are poor, or you have to travel long distances daily, the Hero Glamour 125 is a better choice as it excels in mileage, ground clearance, and features. However, if you want a quiet, reliable, and durable bike for comfortable short-distance rides in cities, the Honda Shine 125 is the perfect choice.