TVS Raider Review In Images

In a bid to re-enter the 125cc commuter motorcycle space in India, TVS launched the Raider. While the said category is stacked with motorcycles following a conservative approach, the Raider gets a dash of sportiness. And it seems that the bikemaker has certainly hit a home run with the new model. Here’s why. 

Design

You seldom see a commuter bike that is not only purposefull but also looks equally youthful. The TVS Raider ticks that box. It seems well suited in the premium 125cc motorcycle category along with its foes like the Honda SP125 and the Hero Glamour. 

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We aren’t very fond of the headlight. It does look quite striking but that’s not necessarily appealing. However, its chunky cladding and overall finish comes off as impressive, especially with the bright yellow paint contrasted by the black finish. 

Features

TVS has equipped the Raider with a negatively lit LCD console and it provides ample information. You get a tachometer, fuel gauge, fuel efficiency readout, range, average and top speed display. Not just that, the Raider even gets two riding modes and we’ve explained those separately below. 

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TVS also offers an optional USB charger. In the coming months, the Raider will get a top-spec treatment where it'll be equipped with a 5-inch TFT display with the integrated SmartXonnect system for connectivity provisions. 

Engine

One of the most important aspects of the TVS Raider has to be its 124.8cc fuel injected single-cylinder motor. It pumps out 11.38PS at 7500rpm and 11.2Nm at 6000rpm. TVS claims the Raider is the quickest 0 to 60kmph accelerating bike in the segment with a timing of 5.9 seconds. 

If that wasn’t enough, the company also claims it has the highest top speed (99kmph) on the roster. We won’t doubt it as some of us managed to clock a speedo-indicated 107kmph at the Hosur test track. 

Riding Modes

Most of the TVS two-wheelers out there have riding modes and it was only right for the Raider to follow the suite. It gets Power and Eco modes, also a segment-first feature. The Power mode lets you ride the bike at full potential as mentioned on the spec sheet. But in the Eco mode, the performance is tamed by a bit as the redline is lowered to 8000 rpm instead of 9000 rpm. As per TVS, this makes the Raider a bit more fuel efficient, and claims to deliver 67kmpl. 

Ergonomics

Apart from the engine, this is where you realize that the Raider isn’t a plain-Jane commuter. Its rider’s triangle is quite sporty as you have to sit forward leaned to get a good hold of the handlebar. The footpegs too are a tad bit rear set and the fuel tank is well sculpted for you to grab on with the thighs. We aren’t complaining. 

The 780mm seat height is the lowest in the segment and should be convenient for riders of all heights. That said, the seats have enough room, so taller folks probably won’t feel cramped. This also translates to comfortable city rides and long hauls. 

Ride & Handling

While a real world test where the Raider will be put through its paces is impending, we had quite a bit of time at the smooth Hosur track, based on which we can say the bike turns quite quickly and stays stable even when leaned over. It’s pretty light at 123kg and reacts appropriately to the steering inputs. 

The TVS Remora tyres offer enough grip and we thoroughly enjoyed riding the bike spiritedly. As mentioned earlier, we are yet to test it on our pothole-ridden roads but we noticed that the suspension is quite soft and should make for a comfortable ride overall. 

The front and rear disc brakes offer enough stopping power but the brand has kept the costs in check and equipped the Raider with a CBS (combined braking system) instead of ABS. Moreover, the front brake lever barely has any travel. 

Verdict

At Rs 77,500 and Rs 85,469 for the drum and disc variant respectively, the TVS Raider is decently priced. It offers a good value for the money and has surely hit a home run as TVS’ re-entry in the segment.