If you are looking out for a 125cc motorcycle in 2024, you don’t need to stick to the old, regular and boring commuters available here in the Indian market. While Bajaj has the Pulsar 125, Honda has SP 125, Hero MotoCorp has Glamour and Xtreme 125R, TVS has the Raider in the 125cc premium-commuter segment, and this segment is now fast gaining popularity. In this video, we bring you the TVS Raider, informing you why Raider is the best motorcycle in the segment, so stay tuned.
Not only does the TVS Raider bring premium features in the 125cc commuter segment, but also offers class leading performance. Imitation is the best form of flattery they say, and when we first rode the Raider, the bike impressed us a lot. This is especially because of the value for money quotient and price to performance ratio, that the TVS Raider offers.
Now, the new competition has emerged, overcompensating with extra features, and trying to match the TVS Raider pricing in all zones of our country. So clearly, this is the motorcycle to beat. TVS Raider prices start from INR 95,219 ex-showroom and the brand is offering four variants. The TVS Raider comes with a split-seat with under seat storage, SmartXonnect & Super Squad Editions that offer radical livery such as Iron Man & Black Panther. In addition to this, TVS also offers the Raider with Black, Red, Yellow and 2 Blue paint schemes.
We sampled all of the competition on the same day in the same situation, and the overall quality on the TVS Raider was superlative. And not just quality, the Raider, in its segment, is the most advanced motorcycle. Using TVS Connect App riders can use 99 connected features which includes, navigation, voice assist, news, SMS & Call notifications, weather update, social notifications, etc. Not just this, all the information is displayed on a 5-inch TFT speedometer cluster, is a segment first & the segment best feature.
Powering the TVS Raider is a 124.8cc, single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled engine that produces 8.37 kW of power @ 7500 RPM and 11.2 Nm of peak torque @ 6000 RPM matched to a 5-speed gearbox. TVS claims that this bike can sprint from 0-60 kmph in 5.9 seconds, and in commuting situations, a quick 0-60 kmph dash is what matters the most.
The motorcycle also offer the best Torque, which makes in-gear acceleration a breeze. The air-oil-cooled engine also offers an stress-free ride even during peak hour traffic. In addition to this, the cooling efficiency also makes the engine more durable. The 3-valve engine, offers peppy performance for the city as well as, out on the highway. Furthermore, the TVS Raider also features Power and Eco riding mode options.
TVS also offers the Raider with an intelligent auto Start/Stop function which helps save precious fuel and also improve the mileage of the vehicle. Also, the EF-FI-EcoThrust technology claims to offer 15% more mileage as well as smooth engine performance. Its low kerb weight of just 123 kg makes it easy to handle and new rider’s can also make this bike their first commuter motorcycle.
In addition to this, the bike’s 180mm unladen ground clearance will allow you to glide over rough roads with ease. In fact you need not even slow down on broken patches. Against its competition, the Raider’s handling characteristic is more agile and nimble. The motorcycle also comes with a 780mm seat height and even if you are 5’4’’ tall you can easily ride the motorcycle.
However, a commuter motorcycle’s special ability is in its seat. TVS offers the Raider with a single or a split seat option, to better suit your riding requirements. Thus, it offers you the option between a stylish and sporty split seat, or a longer practical single seat. No other motorcycle in the segment gives you this option. However, even the split seat is not uncomfortable at all. This is the widest split seat in the class and therefore, comfortable and suitable for all age groups.
The motorcycle rides on a mono tube cradle frame and makes use of a telescopic front fork and an adjustable rear mono shock. Once you swing a leg and start riding, you will be surprised, how well this motorcycle handles. In fact, the Raider is better than a few 150cc motorcycles that are priced much higher than the Raider. The chassis balance is great, and the motorcycle is confidence inspiring in all situations.
TVS also offers a front disc and rear drum with sync braking technology. Thanks to this, you will be able to ride the Raider confidently and without worrying about its ability to put the anchors down. This segment does not warrant an ABS setup, and TVS is offering you the best combination possible to deliver a value champion at the given price. And to safely traverse over all kinds of terrain, you get wider tyres too.
Of course, the TVS Raider also comes with modern features such as an LED headlamp, LED DRLs, LED tail lamp, sporty tank shrouds, 3-tone colour scheme, USB charger, under-seat storage, side-stand indicator with engine cut off function, petal disc brake and also, helmet attention indication. If you opt for the top variant of the TVS Raider the motorcycle comes with a price tag of INR 1.02 lakh ex-showroom. At this price you will not be able to find a better motorcycle in this segment.
And if you don’t trust us, one test ride will change your opinion. So do watch the video on our YouTube Channel and let us know what you think about the TVS Raider, always ride safe, and don’t forget to follow Shifting-Gears.