How Does Newly Launched TVS Raider 125 Fare Against It Foes?

  • Published September 16, 2021
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Could it have an edge over its rivals on paper?

TVS has just launched its latest offering in the form of the Raider 125, which locks horns with premium models in the 125cc segment including the Honda SP125, Hero Glamour and the Bajaj Pulsar 125. We’ve compared the four bikes on paper and here’s how they stack up

Engine

Specification

Raider 125

SP125

Glamour

Pulsar 125

Engine

124.8cc single-cylinder 3-valve

123.94cc single-cylinder

124.7cc single-cylinder

124.4cc single-cylinder 2-valve

Power

11.38PS @ 7,500rpm

10.8PS @ 7,500rpm

10.8PS @ 7,500rpm

11.8PS @ 8,500rpm

Torque

11.2Nm @ 6,000rpm

10.9Nm @ 6,000rpm

10.6Nm @ 6,000rpm

10.8Nm @ 6,500rpm

Gearbox

5-speed

5-speed

5-speed

5-speed
 

All four bikes have more or less the same displacement, but the Pulsar 125 makes the most power owing to its sporty nature. However, the TVS Raider 125 benefits from its torquey motor which arrives lower down the rev range, making it a better commuter offering. Not to mention, it’s also 13kg lighter than the Pulsar 125.

While the SP125 and the Glamour make the same power and almost the same torque, the former weighs 5kg less and should practically have an edge over the Hero bike in terms of city performance. 

TVS also claims that the Raider 125 will return 67kmpl, which is the same as the Glamour’s figures that we found during our road test. Even though the Pulsar 125 does have a larger fuel tank, the motor isn’t exactly as frugal as the competition. So, fuel stops won’t be as few as you would expect. 

Underpinnings

Specification

Raider 125

SP125

Glamour

Pulsar 125

Frame

Split single downtube 

Diamond 

Diamond 

Dual cradle

Front suspension

30mm telescopic fork

Telescopic fork

Telescopic fork

Telescopic fork

Rear suspension

5-step adjustable gas-charged monoshock

5-step adjustable dual springs

5-step adjustable dual springs

5-step adjustable twin gas-charged springs

Front brake

240mm Disc/130mm Drum

240mm Disc/130mm Drum

240mm Disc/130mm Drum

240mm Disc/170mm Drum

Rear brake

130mm Drum

130mm Drum

130mm Drum

130mm Drum

Front tyre

80/100-17

80/100-18

80/100-18

80/100-17

Rear tyre

100/90-17

80/100-18

100/80-18

100/90-17

TVS has equipped the Raider 125 with a more sophisticated gas-charged monoshock. This should translate for a supple ride across the city. Moreover, the handling and steering of the bike should also be easier, thanks to the 17-inch alloys (same as the Pulsar 125). On the flip side, the SP125 and the Glamour’s 18-inch wheels offer more stability but would be a bit lazier to steer around. So, if you are looking for a sportier option, the TVS and Bajaj bikes are what you should be looking at.

The Raider 125’s wheels are wrapped in the TVS Remora rubber which offer decent grip and stability as well. 

Dimensions

Specification

Raider 125

SP125

Glamour

Pulsar 125

Wheelbase

1,326mm

1,285mm

1,273mm

1,320mm

Ground clearance

180mm

160mm

180mm

165mm

Fuel tank

10-litres

11-litres

10-litres

11.5-litres

Seat height

780mm

790mm

793mm

N/A

Weight

123kg

117kg

123kg

140kg

The Raider 125 should be the most stable, thanks to the 1326mm wheelbase. It also has the lowest seat height, which should make it convenient for shorter riders.

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The Hero Glamour should be more flickable with its short wheelbase and quite practical too, with the high ground clearance. These two factors are essential when considering Indian road and traffic conditions.

Feature

Feature

Raider 125

SP125

Glamour

Pulsar 125

Digital Console

Yes

Yes

Yes (X-tec)

No

Ride Modes

Yes

No

No

No

LED Lights

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Navigation

TBA

No

Yes (X-tec)

No

Real-Time Mileage

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Distance-to-empty

Yes

Yes

No

Yes
 

The TVS Raider 125 offers the most features. It also has a top-spec variant which will sport a 5-inch colour TFT screen and TVS’ SmartXonnect Bluetooth provision. The Glamour Xtex variant comes closest to it in terms of features. 

Price and Verdict

Variant

Raider 125

SP125

Glamour (X-tec)

Pulsar 125

Drum

Rs 77,500

Rs 78,381

Rs 78,900

Rs 77,843

Disc

Rs 85,469

Rs 82,677

Rs 83,500

Rs 84,173

Top-end

TBA

Same as above

Same as above

Split seat- Rs 80,698

While the TVS Raider 125’s drum brake variant undercuts the rivals, its disc brake variant (usually recommended) demands a slight premium. However, with LED illumination, gas-charged monoshock, a LCD screen and ride modes, it’s the most feature-packed compared to the remaining three and should make for a good value for money offering. Not just that, it looks more modern too. 

Nevertheless, if you want to know how it rides, we recommend you read our first ride review. 

 

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