In 2018, there were a number of scooter launches in the 125cc segment; the first of many was the TVS Ntorq 125, the Aprilia SR 125, Suzuki Burgman Street and then finally came the Hero Destini 125. The Destini has been a product of great significance as it is the first time the brand has introduced a 125cc motor in a scooter, in India. We expected it to be a family scooter and Hero seems to have delivered, so it appeals to a wide audience. The question is, has it got what it takes to pip the competition?

Another Duet?

The Hero Destini 125, having been designed keeping in mind families, doesn’t look sporty or aggressive. There are styling cues that are identical to the Hero Duet 110, but the Hero Destini 125 helps you spot the differences the moment you look at the all-new apron up-front, featuring a big chrome strip beneath the turn signals. The headlamp is mounted in the handlebar, featuring a halogen bulb instead of an LED unit. The seat gets a two-tone texture that feels good, and the tail lamp has been lifted off from the Duet. The Hero Destini 125 gets black alloy wheels, giving it a sporty look but we find that the exhaust muffler juts out inappropriately. Hero Bikes have equipped the Destini with a semi-digital instrument cluster, featuring a digital readout, showing information like the odometer, fuel level and the trip log. Features also include a multi-function key slot, an external fuel-filler cap and a side-stand down indicator. The scooter comes with an underseat storage capacity of 19 litres, which is good enough for a small bag or something. On the Vx variant, it gets a mobile charger and a boot lamp. The Destini also comes with a few premium bits like three-dimensional badges, good quality, finish and paint as well. Like the Activa, the Destini too comes with metal body panels. The scooter also features a pass light switch. The Destini 125 is not a scooter that’ll make your eyeballs pop, but it isn’t bad to look at either.

Destined to power

Hero Bikes have given the Destini a 125cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine developing 8bhp and 10.2Nm of torque. Performance too, isn’t great, but the power delivery is quite relaxed; so is throttle response. The impressive bit is the refinement of the engine; it cruises effortlessly up to speeds of 70-75kph. It is also the first scooter to feature start-stop tech (i3S) in India. When you stop at a traffic signal, the engine cuts off, but if you want to get going again, press on the rear brake, open up the throttle and engines starts. This tech works very efficiently and results in a fuel economy figure of 51.5kpl. However, at 111.5kgs, the scooter is quite heavy, but it’s still well balanced around bends. The Destini feels agile, thanks to the small 10-inch wheels and snaking your way through traffic is a cakewalk. The Destini gets a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Ride quality isn’t bad, but you do feel the very bad pot holes unsettle you. A front disc is optional but Combined Braking System is standard. As far as bite and feel is concerned, we’d say it’s just average.

In your Destini?

If you’re buying the Lx variant of the Destini, then you are buying the most affordable 125cc scooter in the market. But it offers great value, some necessary features, and the best part being – it’s so easy to ride. Then of course, there’s the brand that speaks for itself: hassle-free maintenance, a fantastic service network and affordable spares.  Also, grab the latest info on the upcoming bikes, only at autoX.