Hero Maestro Edge 125 Review
Bike Tested: Hero Maestro Edge 125; Road Test No. 1097; Test Location: Delhi
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 77,059; (Carb Variant) Rs. 74,010/-
The Maestro Edge 125 is a premium 125cc scooter from Hero MotoCorp
Hero MotoCorp launched the Destini 125 last year and but did not utter a word about the Maestro. This year, however, they have launched the Maestro Edge 125 along with the Pleasure Plus. We were able to spend some time with India’s first scooter with FI, so let’s find out what the Maestro Edge 125 FI is all about.
Motor Quest: Hero MotoCorp showcased the Destini 125 and the Maestro Edge 125 at the 2018 Auto Expo. However, they launched the Maestro Edge 125 this year which is an elder sibling to the Maestro Edge.
The edgy styling has been continued from the Maestro 110
Styling – The Maestro Edge 125 looks very similar to the ongoing Maestro, however, there are a few bits which make it stand out. Like the front apron, the design is the same but the 125 gets an LED DRL. However, there is no LED headlight or indicator but the tail light has always been LED. This time around it is a split unit which differs from the regular Maestro. The overall graphics are now subtle on the 125 while the FI variant also gets dual-tone colours. The FI variant gets 2 colour options while the carb variant gets 4 colour options which are all matte.
Analogue-digital console looks fresh yet it’s the same unit
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The instrument cluster on the Maestro Edge 125 has been carried over from the older Maestro. However, the analogue-digital unit looks fresh and has a different background to it too. The speedometer is analogue while the trip meter, odometer, fuel gauge and a clock are placed in the digital LCD. It also gets a small set of tell-tale lights which has a side-stand indicator. The switchgear, on the other hand, is new and feels quite premium than before. There is no i3s switch here but the carb variant gets one just like the Destini 125.
The seat cushioning is quite plush and comfortable
Ergonomics – The key knob on the Maestro is a convenient unit as with the ignition section itself, the rider can open the seat or the fuel tank. The ergonomics of the 125 are carried over from the older Maestro and it has a seat height of 775 mm which makes it quite accessible. The footboard area is also wide while the handlebar is short yet it feels a little stubby and heavy to operate. The riding posture is upright and the seat cushioning is quite good making it a comfortable scooter to sit on, even for the pillion. The mirrors are wide enough and give a good view of what’s behind.
FI aids in better NVH and improves the throttle response
Performance – The 124.6cc motor is shared with the Destini and the power delivery is linear while it has a decent mid-range and a good top-end. The main difference here is the inclusion of FI which has resulted in 0.4 more BHP from the engine. The throttle response is little sharper now while the delivery feels linear throughout. This motor still misses out on a strong low-end but the strong mid-range with FI makes up for it. The motor has a happy spot at 70 km/hr while it will top-out at 90 km/hr without any trouble. The older Maestro had a lot of vibrations which have been rectified in the 125 thanks to the FI. This also helps in a better fuel economy and the Maestro Edge 125 will return close to 50 km/l.
Suspension setup is well engineered for Indian road conditions
Riding Dynamics – The Maestro always had a telescopic suspension at the front which resulted in very confident feel and feedback. Even though the handlebar might feel heavy, manoeuvring through traffic is a piece of cake. The suspension setup absorbs bumps pretty well and while the scooter feels agile, tipping it into corners is also confidence inspiring. The off-size tyres from MRF grip well while as an addition the Maestro now gets a 190 mm disc brake at the front. The feedback from the brakes is very good and the integrated braking system performs pretty well too. The overall dynamics are enjoyable and with the extra power, the Maestro is quite a capable scooter.
It is simply the most VFM 125cc scooter
Verdict – The Hero Maestro Edge 125 is the most premium scooter right now in the Hero line-up. It covers almost all the drawbacks which the Destini 125 has and yet it gives a premium and fresh appeal. The biggest USP has to be the FI system which makes the Maestro India’s first scooter to ever get it. The Maestro rides well and has a very punchy performance, this coupled with the competitive pricing makes it a very attractive package. The Maestro does miss out on an LED headlight and a few more bits but makes a lot of sense for anyone upgrading to the 125cc segment.
The DRL is integrated pretty well in the front apron
What’s Cool
* Engine with FI has a strong mid-range and a good top-end
* Riding dynamics are on-point, the scooter feels very agile
* Braking feedback is just brilliant, the disc brake does the job well
What’s Not So Cool
* Does not get a fully digital console yet
* Misses out on an LED headlight, gets only a new DRL
* Under-seat storage isn’t big enough to hold a full-size helmet
Telescopic suspension with a disc brake, the hardware is quite premium
Hero Maestro Edge 125 Specifications
* Engine: 124.6cc, Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder, SOHC
* Power: 9.1 BHP @ 7000 RPM (FI)
* Power: 8.7 BHP @ 6750 RPM (Carb)
* Torque: 10.2 Nm @ 5000 RPM
* Transmission: CVT
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Fuel Consumption: 50 km/l
* Frame: Under-Bone Frame
* Tyres: 90/90/12 (Front), 90/100/10 (Rear), MRF
* Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), Single-Sided Mono Shock (Rear)
* Brakes: 190 mm Disc (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear)
Hero Maestro Edge 125 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 1843 mm x 718 mm x 1188 mm
* Seat Height: 775 mm
* Ground Clearance: 155 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.0-litres
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.5-litres (Carb)
* Kerb weight: 110 kgs
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