The 125cc commuter motorcycle segment is already crowded. You have to wonder if this space needs any more. Turns out, there is one. And TVS Motor Company is back here with a new offering. The brand’s latest 125cc motorcycle is called the Raider, and rather than being another “me-to” product, it is trendy and stylish, attracting a new and younger breed of customers. An affordable, efficient motorcycle that promises premium appeal and good maneuverability. and yes, TVS Raider 125 A global product designed not only for India but also for SAARC and Latin American markets.
Read also: TVS Raider 125 launched in India
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkFFo0vGAarg
The headlamp looks quirky and can elicit a polarizing opinion, but the rest of the design is quite likable especially the raised fuel tank.
design
At first glance, the TVS Raider 125 is an attractive motorcycle, more sporty than a commuter, and looks more premium than any other 125 cc motorcycle on sale right now. The new headlamp remains the highlight with in-your-face LED DRLs. Yes, it’s a bit loud, a bit over the top, but then the typical 125cc customer might prefer the full-LED unit. The overall design is also quite likeable.
The 17-inch alloy wheels look good, while the luxurious LED taillights also add a touch
The 10-litre fuel tank looks more in line with 150cc motorcycles than the 125, with bold and sculpted lines. And tank shrouds finished in black add more height and sharpness to the design. The rear gets a more commuter-like look. The single grab rail and plastic panel look functional. But you get 80/100 section tires and 100/90 section tires at the rear with LED taillights and 17-inch alloy wheels. In our opinion a thick rear tire would definitely add to the sporty look. But we understand that it was chosen in favor of fuel efficiency. Curb weight is equivalent to a competition of 123 kg.
The quality feels sturdy, if not the best, while the paint finish is certainly good. The exhaust muffler has deep bass and throat notes, which differentiate the Raider from its rivals. Something that will surely appeal to the consumers of this segment.
The quality of the plastic feels sturdy while the overall fit and finish is commendable
The design also becomes a strong selling point for the Raider 125, which differentiates itself from other 125 cc offerings on sale. This is TVS’s second foray in this area after the Phoenix 125 was launched nearly a decade ago. While he was a more direct rival to the top contenders, Raider would instead forge his own.
The LCD screen is loaded with information and TVS SmartXonect will offer a TFT screen with Bluetooth on a higher variant
Tech and Ergonomics
The Raider 125 sports a negative LCD instrument console, which is full of information. The small unit gets almost all the information it needs including three trip meters, distance to empty indicator, integrated starter generator indicator and average speed recorder. The bike also gets a side-stand cut-off switch as a safety feature. And keeping in mind the current trends, TVS will also offer SmartXconnect Bluetooth functionality on a higher variant with a TFT screen. This, in turn, will bring many new features including call and SMS alerts, navigation, Digi Locker and more app-based features, adding more value. Now, TVS says that the customer who actually actively uses the Bluetooth feature is different, and probably the minority in this segment, which is why the feature is not standard with the LCD unit.
Innovative features like a USB charger, Eco and Power modes, under-seat storage, and contoured split seats give the Raider the edge
The riding posture is straight enough to keep you comfortable but sporty enough to keep you engaged with the riding experience. The low seat height of 780mm makes it accessible to riders of all sizes, while 180mm of ground clearance will ensure you don’t scrape that underbelly. The 1326 mm long wheelbase makes the saddle large enough for the rider and rear occupants. Split seats are also designed to maximize comfort, especially when it comes to saddle width.
So while the design is sporty and the seats are comfortable, how’s the performance?
Power delivery is progressive and the Raider creates rapid acceleration without any noticeable vibration from the engine
Engine Specifications and Performance
TVS Raider 125 draws power from a newly developed 124.8 cc air- and oil-cooled engine. It is a three-valve motor and makes around 11.2 bhp and 11.2 Nm of peak torque. The bike offers one of the best performance figures in the segment, and the engine is very tractable. Power delivery is progressive and spreads evenly across 5 gears. The engine feels comfortable in fifth gear at 40kmph at just 4000rpm. Meanwhile, push it hard at 90 kmph at 7000 rpm and it still remains vibration-free. Speeds climb quickly and steadily, and overall performance feels fairly refined. TVS claims a top speed of 99 kmph and we have actually come close to that figure at the TVS test track at the Hosur plant.
The brand is known for its innovations of late and raiders too. Riding Mode – The first in the motorcycle segment to get Eco and Power. TVS says the Power Mode adds about 10 per cent more juice to the top end, while improving 0-60 kmph from the standard version’s time of 5.9 seconds by 0.4 seconds.
The TVS raider is agile and likes to be thrown into the corners. Even the suspension, though tuned for comfort, is confidence-inspiring around a turn
However, from behind the handlebars, we found similar performance in both modes with minor changes in throttle response. TVS also claims fuel efficiency of 67 kmpl and gets integrated starter generator to help in lower fuel consumption.
The chassis is flick-able and the bike stays agile when thrown into a corner. TVS strikes the right balance between a commuter and a sporty setup. And the bike gives you the thrill without compromising on the comfort. The clutch is light and the gear shifts feel comfortable. There’s also a gear-shift indicator to help you maximize performance and fuel efficiency.
The bike uses telescopic forks at the front while monoshock at the rear, which is a big step up on the twin shock absorbers offered by some rivals. Its suspension is not very soft but it leans towards ride quality. Has a lot of travel to absorb the ups and downs and has done well on the track. But we have to see how it performs on the open roads.
Braking performance seems to be perfect from the front discs with drum brakes for support at the rear. The Raider remains well controlled under heavy braking and the brake levers offer a sharp bite. It goes well with the sporty undertone on the motorcycle.
Except for Heo Glamor, TVS Raider underpins almost every 125 cc commuter motorcycle in the segment.
Pricing and Rivals
The TVS Raider 125 is priced at Rs 77,500 for the drum brake variant, while the prices go up to Rs 85,469 for the top-spec variant. And they are competitively priced. Only Hero Glamor underpins the raider, while the new TVS offering is more affordable than the Bajaj Pulsar 125, Pulsar NS125 and Honda Shine SP 125. When you think about the sheer value, TVS Raider definitely has a competitive edge. Huge number of features to be offered in the motorcycle.
TVS Raider 125 comes with a well-packaged offering that will pleasantly surprise the buyers with its performance
Decision
TVS has made a late but productive entry into the 125 cc segment. Its second innings looks well thought out and the company manages to bring some innovation to the crowded segment. There has been a need for a motorcycle that especially caters to young buyers at an attractive price point. And Raider 125 ticks the correct box on the checklist. It’s undoubtedly as practical as it gets for travelers. But it’s the fun-to-ride quotient that will attract buyers, which makes it an almost complete package.
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