Hero Xoom 125:   Hero MotoCorp’s stylish 125cc scooter continues to struggle against established rivals despite offering larger wheels and premium tech. The latest sales figures paint a concerning picture for India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, with Xoom series sales plummeting to 3,643 units in April 2025, down from 6,173 units in March.

Style Over Substance or Genuine Contender?

I took the Xoom 125 for a spin around Mumbai’s chaotic streets last weekend, and it left me with mixed feelings. The scooter undeniably turns heads with its sharp LED projector headlights, floating LED taillights, and those segment-first sequential turn indicators that remind me of high-end cars. The angular bodywork with its numerous creases and cuts gives it a distinctly modern vibe that stands apart from the rounded designs dominating the segment.

“We wanted something that would appeal to younger riders looking for a premium experience,” explained Rahul Khanna, Hero’s regional sales manager, as he walked me through the features at a dealership in Andheri. “The 14-inch wheels aren’t just for show – they significantly improve stability and handling over our competitors.”

He’s not wrong. Those larger wheels (most rivals use 12-inch units) make a noticeable difference when navigating Mumbai’s infamous potholes. The telescopic front forks and rear monoshock do feel a bit firm at lower speeds, but they come into their own when you’re moving faster, soaking up imperfections without bottoming out.

Power Package Lacks Punch?

Under that stylish bodywork sits a 124.6cc air-cooled engine producing 9.8 bhp at 7,250rpm and 10.4Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. On paper, these numbers seem competitive, but real-world performance feels somewhat restrained compared to the class-leading TVS Ntorq.

During my test ride, initial acceleration was peppy enough for city traffic, but the mid-range felt a tad flat. Highway cruising at 70-80 kmph is comfortable, though pushing beyond that makes the engine feel strained. Hero claims a mileage of 52.8 kmpl, which should translate to roughly 48 kmpl in real-world conditions – decent but not class-leading.

“The engine has been tuned for optimal balance between performance and efficiency,” defended Khanna when I mentioned this. “Most Indian riders prioritize everyday usability over outright performance.”

Premium Features at Competitive Prices

Where the Xoom 125 truly shines is its feature list. The fully digital instrument cluster supports Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The full-LED lighting setup includes projector headlamps and those eye-catching sequential indicators. Higher variants add a front disc brake, though all models come with combined braking system as standard.

Priced at ₹86,900 for the base VX variant and ₹92,900 for the top-spec ZX (ex-showroom), the Xoom 125 undercuts competitors like the TVS Ntorq Race XP by around ₹4,000 while offering more premium features. That’s impressive value on paper, but it hasn’t translated to sales success yet.

“Hero’s late entry into the 125cc scooter segment means they’re fighting against established names with loyal customer bases,” explained Sunil Mittal, a two-wheeler dealer who sells multiple brands in Mumbai’s western suburbs. “TVS and Suzuki have spent years building their reputation in this segment.”

Customer Feedback: Mixed Signals

Customers who’ve taken the plunge seem generally positive. Akshay Iqbal, who purchased a Xoom 125 ZX three months ago, praised its stability: “I love its large wheelbase; it’s really impressive. The speed is great, and it picks up quickly.”

Another owner, Biswanath Karmakar, highlighted the scooter’s efficiency: “With a mileage of 50+ km, I’m super happy. The killer looks and excellent performance make it my dream bike.”

But these positive experiences haven’t translated to volume sales. Hero’s traditional strength in rural markets doesn’t necessarily carry over to the premium scooter segment, which is dominated by urban buyers with different priorities.

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Market Strategy: Expanding the Xoom Family

Hero seems aware of the challenges, expanding the Xoom lineup to cover multiple segments. The family now includes the entry-level Xoom 110, the mid-range Xoom 125, and the flagship Xoom 160 maxi-scooter priced at ₹1.49 lakh. This strategy aims to establish Xoom as a premium sub-brand with offerings across price points.

Industry analysts suggest Hero needs time to establish its credibility in the premium scooter segment. “Hero has dominated the motorcycle market for decades, but scooters – especially premium ones – require a different approach,” noted automotive journalist Pankaj Sharma. “They’re building a good product, but changing consumer perception takes time.”

Hero xoom 125 : The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

With the 125cc scooter segment growing faster than any other two-wheeler category in India, Hero can’t afford to give up. The company’s reputation for reliability and extensive service network gives them advantages that newer entrants lack.

What they need now is patience and perhaps some tactical marketing to highlight the Xoom 125’s unique selling points – those larger wheels, premium features, and competitive pricing. The product has potential; the challenge lies in convincing buyers to look beyond established names.

As Hero continues refining its premium scooter strategy, the Xoom 125 remains an intriguing option for riders seeking something different in the increasingly crowded 125cc segment. Whether it can reverse its sales slump in the coming months will depend on Hero’s ability to communicate its strengths more effectively to a skeptical market.