Hero Xoom 125 first ride review: the best 125cc scooter out there today?

First unveiled at EICMA 2023, the Hero Xoom 125 has finally hit the market with an ₹86,900, ex-showroom, price tag. It boasts 9.8bhp and 10.4Nm, leading to swift performance. However, Hero has also added a few features that make it practical. Not to forget, there’s also a focus on comfort in this sporty scooter, which begs the question: is it the 125cc scooter to buy today? I got astride a matte Neo Lime Xoom 125 ZX to see what it has to offer.

With a kerb weight of 121 kg, Xoom 125 is one of the heavier scooters on the market

Hero Xoom 125 design and features

The Hero Xoom 125 is an attractive scooter, and out on the road, it certainly looks the part. Just like the smaller Xoom 110, it features a sharp design language with an array of cuts and creases throughout. Compared to its younger sibling, it has a slimmer headlight—an LED projector unit in the centre, flanked by slim LED DRLs—up front. The turn indicators, positioned on the handlebar, are also thinner and, on the higher ZX variant, feature a sequential animation.

The Xoom 125 boasts the longest-in-class 1,327mm wheelbase, which along with the 14-inch wheels give it a distinct maxi-scooter-like vibe. It gets ‘125’ badging on the front apron, and ‘Xoom’ badging at the rear. It also comes with a longer seat, which is taller at the rear and inclined at the front to help shorter riders flat-foot easily—but more on that later. There’s a split open glove box on the front apron, featuring a Type-A USB port. It’s quite deep and can easily accommodate a couple of 1-litre water bottles. Moreover, its chiselled design ensures it doesn’t encroach on leg space, even for taller riders. However, the footwell area itself is rather scarce and doesn’t have enough room to accommodate larger items.

The Xoom 125 gets a 120/70 rear tyre.

At the back, you'll find a split LED tail light setup, which I’m not particularly fond of, as the lights are too slim and separated by a large black plastic section. The rear also gets an external remote fuel lid that allows you to access a 5-litre fuel tank, which is a practical addition. The Xoom gets a fairly big boot, with an LED spot light, it can accommodate a small full face helmet.

But all-in-all, this is a great-looking scooter that I believe will appeal just as much to older folk as it will to the young guns.

It's available in two variants – VX and ZX. The latter comes in two dual-tone colours: Metallic Turbo Blue and Matte Storm Grey, while the former offers two additional shades: Matte Neon Lime and Inferno Red.

On the features front, it comes with a digital instrument cluster which, to be honest, looks a bit underwhelming and doesn’t quite match the Xoom’s sporty theme. The unit is fairly basic, displaying a fuel gauge, clock, odometer, a couple of trip meters, and, of course, the speedometer. You can toggle through the information using a pair of rubber buttons, with the option to view additional details such as real-time fuel efficiency and the range indicator.

The top-end ZX variant benefits from Bluetooth connectivity within this unit, enabling turn-by-turn navigation. It also features an illuminated start switch.

Overall, the fit and finish of the Xoom 125 seem to be just about average, which surprised me, as I was expecting it to feel a bit more well-built. Don’t get me wrong – it does feel solid – but the finishing on a few panels is nothing to write home about. The plastic and paint quality is acceptable but could have been better, and there are noticeable panel gaps in places you frequently touch and see, such as the handlebar.

The 124.6cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine produces 9.8bhp and 10.4Nm

Hero Xoom 125 engine and performance

Its 124.6cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine is one of the Xoom 125's strong suits. The mill generates 9.8bhp at 7250rpm and 10.4Nm at 6000rpm, the highest in its class. Hero claims the Xoom is capable of hitting 70kmph from a standstill in 7.6 seconds, and I have to say it does feel quick. The engine has good mid-range, feeling brisk between 25-55kmph, and it doesn't feel out of breath even above 70kmph. As a result, it can easily cruise in the 80-85kmph region, without feeling too stressed. The second factor about this engine which surprised me was its refinement. This is a superbly refined engine as well. It sends a few vibrations once you thumb the starter, and gets smoother as you pick up pace. Hero has given this engine its i3s start/stop technology. About 7-8 seconds after you stop and idle, the engine shuts off to save fuel, in bumper-to-bumper traffic. This system is neatly integrated and fires the engine back up, in no time when you press the brake and squeeze the throttle.

I was mighty impressed by the engine and would certainly like to see how it fares in everyday use – especially with a pillion at motorway speeds – and to assess its fuel efficiency.

Xoom 125 can reach 70kmph from a standstill in 7.6 seconds

Hero Xoom 125 ergonomics, chassis, ride and handling

On the ergonomics front, the Xoom 125 offers a rather comfortable rider’s triangle with a fairly mid-set handlebar. It is neither too high nor too low. For someone who is 5ft 7in like me, there is sufficient room to negotiate tight U-turns without my knees touching the handlebar, although the legroom is a bit cosy due to the shape of the footwell. A hook is provided in the footwell to secure your luggage, but the limited space means you cannot carry large items.

Underpinning the Xoom 125 is an underbone chassis. It features a telescopic fork at the front and a single-sided shock absorber at the rear, and I was quite impressed by the way it rides and handles. With a kerb weight of 121 kg, it is one of the heavier scooters on the market; however, it conceals its weight remarkably well, feeling just as light as its rivals. The suspension is well-calibrated, offering a good balance—enough stiffness for a sporty ride and excellent suppleness for comfort. That said, I was not a fan of the seat. It slopes down at the front, and as a result, I found myself sliding forward every time I braked hard.

The Xoom’s 14‑inch wheels, apart from looking good, provide excellent flickability at low speeds and solid stability at higher speeds, being fitted with a 110/80 front tyre and a 120/70 rear tyre.

The Xoom 125 gets a disc brake at the front on the higher ZX variant, and a drum brake at the rear. While this setup offers good feedback, it definitely needs more byte to back the sporty riding well. It offers sufficient stopping power when you're riding calmly, but you will feel the need for more byte when you're riding spiritedly.

Xoom 125 is available in two variants – VX and ZX

Hero Xoom 125 verdict

The Xoom 125 is competitively priced, looks ace, and is powered by a truly potent engine. While it does miss out on a few modern features, it still offers everything you'll need. It rides beautifully and handles exceptionally well. This is an excellent enthusiast's scooter, with several practical elements that make it a good all-rounder. Although there are a few niggles, they are not deal-breakers. If you’re after a no-nonsense 125cc runabout that delivers both performance and comfort, I'd recommend putting your money on the Hero Xoom 125.