If you are looking for a reliable 125cc commuter bike at an attractive price tag, one name is always at the top of the list – TVS Raider 125. It’s not wrong to say that TVS has hit the right key with the TVS Raider 125, a bike for a new generation of riders.
Suppose you’re an individual who places importance on both style and substance, all while seeking excellent value in the commuter motorcycle category. In that case, the Raider is a bike that should definitely be on your radar. TVS Motors has noted outstanding sales growth for Raider 125 in year 2022 as compared to 2021.
Raider 125’s Refreshing Design and Features
Design: The TVS Raider 125 bike features a striking and serene LED headlight setup that immediately grabs your attention. The visual highlights continue with a naked street design, LED tail lamps, a sporty, sculpted fuel tank, tasteful use of black accents, the Raider logo, and a body-coloured engine guard. From the side profile, the motorcycle looks equally impressive with its 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured fairing, and LED lights.
The handlebar also has a dedicated switch for toggling between ECO and Power modes. In ECO mode, the Auto-off technology activates when the engine is idling, known as “ETFI Powered IntelliGO.”
Instrument Cluster: The TVS Raider 125 comes with a fully digital instrument cluster that boasts a 5-inch TFT colour display. Within the digital instrument cluster, you’ll find a comprehensive set of data, including an RPM meter, speedometer, odometer, clock, average fuel consumption, trip meter, gear indicator, turn signal indicator, side-stand status indicator, helmet reminder, auto-off indicator, service indicator, and more.
How Powerful is the TVS Raider 125?
Engine and Performance: Powering the TVS Raider 125 is an air and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 124.8cc, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. The engine has a maximum power output of 11.2 hp (8.37 kW) at 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 11.2 Nm at 6000 rpm.
Ride and Handling: Don’t underestimate the TVS Raider 125 in India due to its lower engine capacity (125cc). The clutch and gear lever offers intuitive feedback, resulting in smooth gear shifts. It’s worth noting that you might encounter minor stalls when in lower gears, primarily due to throttle input. However, this is a matter of getting accustomed to riding in lower gear. The handlebars are well-placed for comfortable reach, and the footpegs are thoughtfully positioned, offering a sporty and enjoyable riding experience.
The TVS Raider comfortably cruises above 85 kmph in 5th gear, and it starts to resist beyond 105 kmph. One intelligent feature is the auto engine shut-off, activated when the motorcycle comes to a halt (works in ECO mode), contributing to improved fuel efficiency.
Dimensions: The Raider 125 is remarkably lightweight, tipping the scales at just 123 kg, making it one of the lightest motorcycles in the 125cc segment. With a length of 2070 mm, width of 785 mm, and wheelbase of 1326 mm, this bike offers a smooth ride in all terrains. The seat height is a comfortable 785 mm, catering to riders of varying heights.
A Look at Safety Standards
Braking and Suspension: The Raider features a reliable braking system for city and commuting needs, with a 240 mm petal-shaped disc brake in the front and a drum brake at the rear. While the setup is adequate for regular commuting scenarios, it’s advisable to exercise caution during aggressive acceleration, as the bike may not come to a halt as quickly as expected. The suspension system on the TVS Raider is commendable, with twin telescopic forks at the front and a 5-step adjustable, gas-charged, mono-shock suspension at the rear.
Pillion Comfort: The Raider 125 doesn’t compromise on pillion comfort. It has long and wider seats that can comfortably carry two people, even in long journeys. Additionally, there are grab rails and optimally positioned footrests for the pillion rider.
Conclusion – Should You Consider This Bike?
Commuter motorcycles have evolved significantly from their simple and utilitarian origins. With its inclusion of premium features and a remarkably smooth powertrain, it appears poised to dominate the premium commuter motorcycle segment.
The TVS Raider 125 price is very competitive in the market, with the drum brake variant starting at Rs 91,663 and the disc brake variant at Rs 96,179. So, if you’re in the market for a commuter motorcycle that combines style, substance, and affordability, the TVS Raider 125 is definitely worth considering.