TVS Raider 125: The new king of the roads, one that will fulfill all your expectations

Hey, the 125cc world on Indian roads has always been filled with "handy" and "mileage-efficient" bikes. We Indian riders have always been looking for a bike that's affordable, fuel-efficient, and looks so great that people turn their heads. But it often felt like we could only get two of the three. Then came TVS and introduced the Raider 125. And frankly, this bike changed my thinking, and probably the thinking of thousands of others.

I remember the first time I saw this bike on the road. The first question that came to my mind was, "Hey, what new sports bike is this?" And when I discovered it was a 125cc bike, I was surprised. That's its first victory. The TVS Raider 125 isn't just a bike, it's a feeling. This is the answer to all those young people who are tired of their old, boring commuters and want to add some color to their daily commute.

Let's discuss this bike's pros and cons, without any filters, and this article will tell you everything a typical buyer needs to know.

Design: When love happens at first sight

They say, first impressions are the last. The Raider 125's design proves this. Its appearance doesn't make it any less of a regular 125cc bike.

Muscular Look: The prominent and sharp lines on its body give it a powerful, sporty, and aggressive stance. Even when parked, the bike looks ready to race.

The Magic of LED Lights: Both the front headlight and rear taillight are LED. At night, this headlight illuminates the road with such a bright light that it makes traveling even safer. Furthermore, the LED daytime running lights (DRL) make it even more impressive.

Practical Thinking: The design isn't just for aesthetics. There's a small storage space under the seat where you can store a light rain jacket or some important documents. There's also a USB charging port, which is a boon in today's smartphone-driven era.

The Heart of the Engine: Small but Powerful

Now let's talk about the heart, the engine. This is where the Raider 125 surpasses all its competitors.

3-Valve Technology: Most bikes have a 2-valve engine. But the Raider 125 has a 3-valve engine. Simply put, this technology burns the air and fuel mixture more efficiently within the engine. This means better power, better mileage, and a smoother experience.

Power and Torque: This engine produces 11.2 bhp and 11.2 Nm of torque. These figures may not seem like much, but when you press the start button and turn the accelerator, you'll realize how fast and responsive this bike is. It gives you the confidence to easily navigate the crowded city traffic.

Enjoying Riding Modes: This bike offers two different modes: Eco and Power. In Eco mode, it strives to maximize fuel efficiency like a sensible bike. But once you switch to Power mode, the bike's behavior changes. The throttle becomes very responsive, and you feel like a small sports bike.

Real-World Experience: What Owners Say

Everything sounds good on paper, but it's more important to know how the bike performs in real life. I spoke with several owners, and here are their experiences:

Mileage: If you're a fuel-hungry bike, this bike won't disappoint. ARAI claims 56.7 kmpl, and in real life, people are getting between 50 and 65 kmpl. This means you won't have to put much strain on your pocket at the petrol pump.

A wealth of features: Digital console, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, riding modes... all of these features aren't available on other bikes in this segment. This bike delivers a feel-good factor.

Riding experience: Seating, handling, cornering... everything is incredibly easy and enjoyable. This bike obeys your every command instantly.

Slight flaws (let's be honest):

Rear brake weakness: Many owners are unhappy that the rear brakes (especially the drum brakes) lack the power they should. This problem is exacerbated during the rainy season. This is a serious safety issue.

Ground clearance: The bike has 180 mm of ground clearance. On roads like India, where there are high speed breakers every hundred steps, the bike's center stand often gets hit. This creates the risk of scratches on the bike's underbody.

Tire Grip: Some riders feel that the company's stock tires don't offer enough grip, especially on wet roads. If you want more safety, you may need to upgrade to better-quality tires later.

Compared to other bikes: Where does the Raider 125 stand?

It's biggest competitors in the market are the Bajaj Pulsar NS125, Honda SP 125, and Hero Xtreme 125R.

Pulsar NS125: The NS125 is also a very powerful bike. But the Raider 125 stands out because it's more modern and feature-packed. You'll find features like Bluetooth connectivity and a TFT display here.

Honda SP 125: Honda bikes have always been known for their reliability. The SP 125 is a very quiet and reliable bike. But if you're looking for style and thrills, the Raider 125 is a better choice.

Hero Xtreme 125R: This bike is just as stylish and feature-rich as the Raider 125. Deciding between the two can be difficult. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your budget and your preference for design.

In my opinion, the Raider 125 wins this battle because it offers all three: a powerful engine, powerful features, and a captivating design.

Which variant to choose? Price and convenience:

The Raider 125 comes in several variants. You can choose according to your budget and needs.

Basic Drum Variant: If you're on a budget and only need performance and basic features, this is the variant to consider. But my advice is, if possible, go for the disc brake variant.

Single Seat Disc: This variant is better than the base variant because it offers a front disc brake, which improves braking.

Split Seat Disc: This variant offers a split seat for a sportier look and also has a front disc brake.

iGO and SmartXonnect variants: If you're a technology enthusiast and want all the smart features we've discussed, these variants are for you. They offer features like Bluetooth connectivity, a TFT display, and navigation.

Final Word: Should you buy this bike?

Friends, every bike has its pros and cons. The TVS Raider 125 is no exception. But if you ask me, my answer would be yes.

The Raider 125 is perfect for you if:

You're a young person who finds fun in everyday riding.

You want excellent mileage, but also strong performance.

You want your bike equipped with modern features.

You want a bike that adds a stylish touch to your personality.

Yes, factors like its brakes and ground clearance are important to consider. But despite all this, the overall package this bike offers easily forgives its minor shortcomings.

So, the next time you're considering buying a bike, be sure to test ride the TVS Raider 125. This bike might just be the end of your search.

This article is based on the experiences of various owners, test rides, and extensive research. Experiences may vary depending on your riding style and local conditions. Be sure to take a test ride before purchasing.