In the ever-evolving world of commuter motorcycles, TVS has redefined expectations with the Raider 125 – a stylish, powerful, and feature-packed motorcycle designed especially for the young and spirited. With bold looks, sporty performance, and smart tech, the TVS Raider 125 is not just a ride – it’s a statement.
In this article, we’ll explore every aspect of the TVS Raider 125 — from its performance and design to features, ride quality, pricing, and why it’s quickly becoming a top choice for India’s Gen Z and millennials. So, whether you’re a college-goer or a young professional looking for a perfect daily companion that oozes confidence, this might just be your dream bike.
1. Engine and Performance: Where Power Meets Precision
At the heart of the TVS Raider lies a 124.8cc, air and oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine that delivers 11.2 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. The bike comes paired with a 5-speed gearbox for smooth shifts, making it a perfect balance between power and efficiency.
Key Performance Highlights:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 124.8cc, 3-valve, air+oil cooled |
| Max Power | 11.2 bhp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Top Speed | Approx. 99 km/h |
| 0–60 km/h | ~5.9 seconds |
This bike isn’t just about performance on paper – it feels lively and responsive on the road. The throttle is crisp, overtakes are smooth, and even high-rev cruising feels controlled. Whether in city traffic or on open stretches, the Raider delivers a fun yet refined riding experience.
2. Bold Design: Made to Turn Heads
The TVS Raider 125 is a visual treat. From its aggressive headlamp setup to the muscular fuel tank and split-seat design, this bike looks straight out of a premium segment.
Design Highlights:
- LED Headlamp with DRLs – A sleek, modern design with great visibility.
- Sporty Fuel Tank – Bold contours with Raider badging.
- Split Seat – Adds sportiness and comfort.
- Underbelly Exhaust – Compact and stylish with a throaty note.
- Tail Lamp Design – Signature “robot face” look.
It is available in multiple vibrant colours like Striking Red, Wicked Black, Fiery Yellow, and Blazing Blue – all of which amplify its street appeal.
3. Features That Lead the Segment
TVS Raider doesn’t stop at just looks and performance. It is one of the most feature-rich bikes in the 125cc segment. The bike is loaded with tech usually seen in higher-end motorcycles.
Key Features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fully Digital LCD Display | Displays gear position, fuel level, trip meter, distance to empty, average speed, and more |
| Voice Assist (optional) | Available in SmartXonnect variant |
| USB Charging Port | Handy for charging on the go |
| Two Ride Modes | Eco and Power – tailor your ride according to mood or traffic |
| Side Stand Engine Cut-off | Safety feature to prevent accidental starts |
| LED Lighting | Headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators |
| Under-seat Storage | Small but useful for toolkit and papers |
If you go for the SmartXonnect variant, you also get Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, call alerts, and ride analytics through the TVS app.
4. Ride Quality and Handling: Built for Indian Roads
The Raider 125 offers an excellent balance between comfort and sportiness. Thanks to its telescopic front forks and monoshock rear suspension, it handles potholes, speed breakers, and corners with ease.
Suspension & Handling Details:
| Component | Type |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Gas-Charged Monoshock |
| Front Brake | 240mm Disc / 130mm Drum (variant dependent) |
| Rear Brake | 130mm Drum |
| Tyres | 17-inch tubeless, wider rear tyre for stability |
| Kerb Weight | ~123 kg |
The seating triangle is comfortable, and the split seats are spacious and supportive even for longer rides. The handlebar is wide, offering excellent control. Whether you’re zipping through narrow city lanes or cruising on a highway, the Raider maintains great composure.
5. Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
One of the biggest selling points of the TVS Raider is its impressive fuel efficiency. Despite being peppy and fun to ride, it delivers a real-world mileage of around 55-60 km/l in mixed conditions.
Mileage Overview:
| Condition | Mileage |
|---|---|
| City | 55–58 km/l |
| Highway | 60+ km/l |
| Claimed ARAI Mileage | 67 km/l |
This makes it an ideal bike for daily commutes, college rides, or long city errands without constantly worrying about fuel costs.
6. Variants and Pricing
TVS Raider is available in three main variants, each offering a different set of features and price points.
| Variant | Features | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Drum | Basic features, drum brakes | ₹95,219 |
| Disc | Front disc brake, LCD cluster | ₹99,419 |
| SmartXonnect | Bluetooth, Voice Assist, Navigation, Ride Modes | ₹1,03,570 |
Prices may vary slightly depending on location and dealer offers.
7. Safety and Technology
TVS Raider might be a 125cc bike, but it doesn’t skip on safety. Apart from the side stand cut-off, the bike also comes with Combined Braking System (CBS) for safer braking.
Safety Features:
- Side stand engine cut-off
- CBS (Combined Braking System)
- Wider rear tyre for better grip
- Bright LED illumination for night visibility
For a bike in this segment, Raider offers superior safety and control, giving the rider peace of mind, especially for younger or first-time riders.
8. Who Should Buy TVS Raider 125?
TVS Raider 125 is a versatile commuter that fits multiple user profiles:
- College Students – Wanting a cool, efficient, and tech-loaded bike.
- Young Professionals – Seeking a comfortable daily ride with stylish looks.
- First-Time Riders – Looking for manageable power and good mileage.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers – Want premium features without breaking the bank.
The Raider is ideal for anyone looking for a perfect mix of sportiness, comfort, mileage, and modern features.
9. Pros and Cons
Let’s quickly summarize the advantages and areas of improvement for the TVS Raider 125.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Punchy and refined engine | No ABS even as an option |
| Stylish and premium design | Rear brake could be stronger |
| Fully digital instrument cluster | Bluetooth only in top variant |
| Two ride modes and great fuel efficiency | No gear shift indicator in base variant |
| Good suspension and ride quality | Slightly higher price in top variant |
10. Competitors in the Market
TVS Raider 125 faces competition from several bikes in the 125cc segment:
| Competitor | Comparison |
|---|---|
| Honda SP 125 | Raider offers more power and better looks |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS125 | Pulsar is sportier, but Raider has more features |
| Hero Glamour XTEC | Glamour has connectivity, but lacks performance |
| Hero Xtreme 125R | Strong rival, but Raider wins on style and digital tech |
Still, Raider stands out with its unique styling, ride modes, and connectivity — a rare combo in this price bracket.
Conclusion: Is the TVS Raider 125 Worth It?
Absolutely, YES.
The TVS Raider 125 has redefined what a 125cc commuter can be. It blends performance, efficiency, style, and technology in a package that feels much more premium than its segment rivals. With bold design, modern features like ride modes and Bluetooth, great ride quality, and solid mileage — Raider ticks almost every box for a young Indian rider.
Whether you’re looking for your first motorcycle or just a stylish and sensible everyday ride, the TVS Raider 125 is one of the best options out there today. It’s more than just a commuter — it’s a companion for the youth, built for style, speed, and smart riding.