Hero Destini 125 review: Destined to succeed?

While Hero is the biggest name in the commuter bike space, in the 125cc scooter game, it isn't as popular as Suzuki, TVS, Yamaha and Honda. However, it is looking to remedy exactly that with its family-oriented entrant in this segment, the Destini 125. We've been able to spend some time with it zipping around the bylanes of Goa and here's our assessment. 

Hero Destini 125 design, quality, features

In the design department, the 2024 Destini 125 has gone down an unconventional route. While its design isn't as timeless as a Vespa, the Destini is a good looking thing for the most part. It blends both modern and retro design elements and while I like most of it, the way Hero has integrated the indicators into the rear section is a little polarising. 

With the new design, quality has also seen a big step up all across and I particularly like the new, tactile switchgear. The Destini has also seen numerous additions to its feature list. Things that are exclusive to the top model we rode are a Bluetooth-compatible display with turn by turn navigation and call, SMS alerts, a backlit starter button and auto cancelling indicators. 

Even the lower variants get features such as a side stand cut off, USB charging port and a boot light. The base VX variant misses out on the front disc and digital display, instead using a simpler analogue unit with a small LCD inset, which I personally prefer.

Hero Destini 125 comfort, mileage, ride and handling

Every time I swing my leg over a Hero two wheeler, the plush ride quality is the first thing to catch my attention and the Destini 125 continues in the same vein. It has a really composed ride and even over some of the bigger bumps, it won’t kick you off the seat, like some other scooters. Of course, Mumbai will present a much bigger challenge than the relatively nicer Goan roads we rode the Destini on, but it has made a good first impression. 

The 124.6cc engine is rated for the same 9hp and 10.4Nm as before and it certainly isn’t the quickest of the 125cc scooters.This checks out as Hero claims it has calibrated the CVT differently now in the interest of refinement and fuel efficiency. Speaking of FE, Hero claims the Destini 125 has an ICAT certified 59kpl mileage figure, which is the best in class. We will verify this once we get the Destini 125 back at base in Mumbai. 

Hero Destini 125 engine, chassis changes, braking

When you fire the Destini 125 up, there is a noticeable judder at idle but once you get going, it fades away into nothing. There's barely any vibration in the handlebar or floorboard at almost any given speed. It's only after a speedo indicated 85kph the bars start to get buzzy but that’s a small nitpick.

The way the Destini behaves through a corner is very typical of a practical scooter - stable and agile enough but never eager. The updated model has a 57mm longer wheelbase than before but Hero has sharpened the rake by over a degree and moved the swingarm pivot point forward, both of which counteract the longer wheelbase. 

For 2024, the Destini rolls on 12 inch wheels at both ends and that's a welcome change that's sure to give it some added stability over the previous version that ran on archaic 10 inch units at both ends. Braking performance is sufficient too, with a gentle initial bite that gets progressively stronger as you apply more pressure. CBS is a welcome addition and you'll rarely lock up either wheel unless you're actively trying to do so. 

Hero Destini 125 seat comfort, passenger space

As is expected of a scooter, you're sat in a very natural position and what's nice is that even for my 5’11 frame, the handlebar doesn't foul my knees. Coupled with a seat that's just 770mm off the ground, riders of all shapes and sizes should find comfort on the Destini. 

The Destini’s seat comfort is rather nice as well. It is well-padded and I spent close to 4 hours in the saddle without many aches. It is also quite spacious and can accommodate two adults without any fuss. 

Hero Destini 125 areas of improvement 

While the 2024 Hero Destini has made a quantum leap forward from the previous generation, there are still a few areas of improvement. Firstly, the 19 litre underseat storage is nowhere close to what some rivals can manage. You’ll probably struggle to fit a laptop bag and even my small Kriega sling bag (which fits inside my Suzuki Access) doesn't fit in here. 

The second complaint I have is with Hero’s i3s start stop tech. It has been improved over the years and it worked better here than on the Xoom 110 I rode last year, but it still isn't the most intuitive system.

Hero Destini 125 verdict, expected price

Apart from the two gripes I mentioned above, the Destini hasn’t left me wanting more. It has a composed ride, is quite practical overall, the punchy engine is also very refined and it has a long feature list to tempt buyers away from other popular offerings in the class. 

The outgoing Destini 125 XTEC was priced at Rs 86,538 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and knowing Hero’s competitive pricing, we expect this new one to be priced in the same ballpark, with perhaps a small hike. 

If you're on the lookout for a 125cc family scooter, the Hero Destini 125 has gone from being the backbencher to a serious contender now and it deserves your attention. 

Also See: Hero Destini 125 video review