Hero Destini 125 First Ride Review: Worth Considering

One of the first things that tourists do when they come to Goa is hire a scooter. After all, it is the best and the most convenient way to travel here. So, we did something similar. Found the keys to the new Hero Destini 125 and went about spending a couple of hours in the land of scooter mania. Do the updates make it a whole lot more pleasing? And is it finally a good scooter?

Fancier Looks

Needless to say, the old Destini 125 looked pretty boring. Hero’s makeover has turned the Destini from an ugly duckling into a classy swan. It looks chic, stylish and the chrome embezzlements add that touch of sophistication to the scooter. While on the top version you get copper chrome elements, I do rather like the appeal of the traditional finish chrome.

Hero has stepped up in the quality department as all of the panels look neatly flushed and of a slightly higher quality. The switches, while not the best, do feel good for the course.

A Bit More Techy

Where the Destini has also made a step up is the features section as all three variants of the scooter get a LED headlight and tail light, no LED turn indicators, though. USB charging is present on all three variants with the base VX trim arriving with an analogue dash. The top two trims get a negative LCD display with Hero’s Xtec technology that unlocks call and SMS notifications as well as turn by turn navigation.

Lastly, the Destini gets an engine cut off feature in case of an accident or when the side stand is down. Lastly, it also gets auto cancelling turn indicators that turn off the signal after one rides for 15 metres or is stationary for 80 seconds.

Welcoming And Easy

The overhaul has also made the Destini grow in size. It is larger than before with a longer footprint, giving it better visual presence. However, the 770 mm seat height is 10 mm lower now, it is also fairly longer and the 115 kg kerb weight remains the same.

All in all, you get a scooter that has a welcoming, easy stance to take on the streets. The bars are tall and placed close to the rider, the floor is rather accommodating for riders with large feet and the seat is well cushioned. Extremely tall or large riders will have some issues when taking tight U-turns as the bar might just foul with their legs. However, the seating space is quite comfy for even two pretty healthy riders to find a comfy spot without being huddled up to one another.

Relaxed And Frugal

No changes have been made to the 124.6cc single-cylinder engine or the 9bhp/10.4Nm output. However, the CVT has been optimised for better fuel efficiency. Hero claims best in class numbers of 59 kmpl. We could not verify this on our short first ride, but it does feel up to the task.

So, when you set off, the scooter is happy doing speeds of 40-45 kmph and keeping in the chill economy zone. Ask more of it and it will take a bit of time before you reach 65-70 kmph. And given its aim is to deliver great fuel economy and not thrills, the CVT tune is justified. While we would have liked a bit more oomph to reach the desired 40-45 kmph sooner, it shouldn’t be that much of a bother for many buyers.

Engine buzziness is also well controlled as you get a rather smooth experience at any speeds. Even when you do reach higher speeds like 70 kmph, the vibes aren’t felt through at all. It is only when you are at idle do the vibes creep in and make their presence known.

Firm But Neutral

With family intentions in mind, the Destini could have got a slightly softer suspension tune, especially at the rear. While going over small bumps and thuds, you are made known of the imperfections. Hero engineers have said the rear is tuned for two-up riding and hence matters should improve with a pillion.

Continuing the neutral theme, the handling remains predictable and easy, with not much effort required to change directions. The 12-inch wheels add the stability that was so lacking in the older Destini and the front brake does help bring the scooter to a halt in a composed manner.

Should Consider

Hero’s updates to the Destini 125 have impacted in making the scooter a whole lot more likeable than its older self. It is stylish, chill and claims to be pretty frugal. If only the suspension tune was a bit more pliant at the rear, it would be an even better package. What remains to be seen is just how well does Hero price the Destini, which should take place in the coming few weeks. Hence, if a stylish family scooter purchase was on your cards for this festive season, the Destini 125 should definitely be on your list.