The TVS recently launched a new bike in the segment of 125 cc motorcycles-"TVS RAIDER 125".
This model will go up against the likes of Hero Glamour, Bajaj Pulsar NS 125, and most importantly, the segment-leading Honda Shine and SP 125.
Design:-
During the last few years, TVS has been making quite great products in terms of design and the Raider 125 is no different. Upfront, the bike gets an all-LED headlamp with cross-styled LED DRLs and these should look good in the dark. The fuel tank of the bike is well chiseled (thanks to the sharp character lines and a dual-tone treatment) The Raider 125 gets a split step-up seat set up and the only other bikes to offer this in the segment are the Pulsar NS125 and Duke 125.
The fit and finish and the attention to detail are great.
Now, the most interesting feature TVS has offered in its Raider 125 is the reverse LCD display which is not only a segment-first feature but in typical TVS fashion, the cluster shows information in plenty. In order to be precise, apart from the usual bits, the display gets a side stand indicator, distance to the empty range, twin trip meters, top and average speed recorder, gear shift indicator, and also, the 2 ride modes indication i.e, eco and power respectively.
NOTE:-TVS says that it will soon launch a new variant of the Raider that will feature a 5-inch colored TFT cluster with Smart Xconnect comprising Bluetooth connectivity, Voice Assist, and Turn-by-Turn Navigation.
Engine Specs and Performance:-
TVS Raider 125 gets a 125cc single-cylinder engine
Powering the TVS Raider 125 is a 124.8cc, three-valve, single-cylinder engine that is good for developing 11 hp of power and 11.2 Nm of torque and gets a five-speed gearbox. The Raider 125 also features the company intelligo tech, which is basically the silent engine start system.
Ride modes:-
Moreover, the bike gets two ride modes namely Eco and Power and these can be toggled on the go with the help of a switch. When toggled to eco, the engine on the motorcycle gets turned off automatically after a few seconds during idling. This is quite beneficial in terms of fuel-saving and in order to start the engine again, all you need to do is just twist the throttle. While there is hardly any difference in terms of the throttle response in both these modes, the rev limiter kicks in a bit early in the Eco mode resulting in a 10 percent decrease in the top speed.
Fuel efficiency and gearbox:-
The gearshifts on this motorcycle are buttery smooth and this is certainly one of the best gearbox setups on a 125cc motorcycle to date. TVS claims a fuel efficiency of 67 kmpl for this motorcycle. While this is an oil-cooled engine, you won’t see an external oil cooler and the reason for that is that TVS has employed a mechanism in which the oil is cooled via exposed fins behind the clutch cover.
Ride and Handling:-
The TVS Raider 125 has a seat height of 780 mm and hence, even shorter riders can ride it without much difficulty.
The comfortable yet slightly sporty riding position is all thanks to the handlebar that is set a bit lower and the foot pegs are considerably rear set too. Coming to the ride and handling, the TVS Raider 125 feels super manageable as well, especially at low speeds. The suspension is set on a softer side but the 5-step adjustable mono-shock at the rear gives an option for a stiffer ride as well, which means more fun around corners whenever you are in a mood for that. The only limiting factor here is the grip from the tires, which is just satisfactory and not great.
The brakes do a decent job of bringing this bike to a halt and both the front and the rear offer good feedback and bite. Overall, the TVS Raider 125 feels like a great city bike and with a super smooth engine and spot-on riding dynamics, it has got all the essential ingredients to be your humble yet entertaining daily commuter.
Colors:-
The Raider will be offered in 4 colors:-
Rating Parameters
(out of 5)
About the Reviewer
| Daily Commute |
| 6 months-1 yr |
| 10000-15000 kms |