TVS Raider 125 – Full Review, Mileage, Price & Performance Explained

In the Indian two-wheeler market, the 125cc segment has always been the battleground for balancing two things: Style and Savings. For decades, bikes in this space were either boring, mileage-focused commuters or slightly sporty, fuel-guzzling alternatives.

Then came the TVS Raider 125.

When TVS launched the Raider, it wasn’t just another bike; it was a wake-up call to the competition. It was the first time an Indian buyer could get a motorcycle that looked genuinely sporty—with a muscular tank, futuristic LED headlamp, and a proper split seat—while still promising the low running costs of a 125cc engine. It’s what TVS calls the ‘Uncaged’ feeling, and honestly, the hype is real.

But is it just good looks and marketing, or does the Raider genuinely deliver on performance and efficiency where it matters? After extensive testing in city traffic and on the open highway, I can tell you exactly where this bike shines and where it needs a bit more work.

The TVS Raider 125 starts at an approximate Ex-showroom price of ₹83,720 for the base Drum variant and goes up to about ₹96,717 for the top-end SmartXonnect (SX) Dual Disc model (prices are indicative for Delhi). This competitive pricing makes it a direct threat to the established players right out of the gate.

QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

Specification	Detail
Engine	124.8 cc, Air and Oil Cooled, Single Cylinder, 3-Valve
Max Power	11.38 PS @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque	11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm (11.75 Nm with iGO)
Transmission	5-Speed Manual
Fuel Tank Capacity	10 Litres
Kerb Weight	123 kg (Split Seat/iGO) – 125 kg (Disc)
Ground Clearance	180 mm
Front Brake	240 mm Disc (Disc Variant) / 130 mm Drum (Base Variant)
Braking Tech	SBT (Synchronized Braking Technology) / Single-Channel ABS (SX Variant)
Top Features	Riding Modes (Eco/Power), Fully Digital Console, USB Charging Port, SmartXonnect (Top Variant)

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EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The first thing that hits you about the Raider 125 is that it looks like a bike from a segment above. It does not carry the typical conservative, utilitarian look of a 125cc commuter.

The Aggressive Stance

TVS has done a phenomenal job in the styling department. The bike has a sharp, muscular feel to it, thanks to the:

• Distinctive Headlamp: The low-slung, futuristic LED headlamp unit gives it a signature look that is instantly recognizable and very different from the round or simple halogen units on rivals. It certainly helps you stand out in the crowded city streets.
• Muscular Tank: The sharply sculpted fuel tank and the aggressive cowl design contribute heavily to its ‘naked street fighter’ aesthetic.
• Split Seat & Tail: The split-seat setup (available on higher variants) and the sleek LED taillamp further cement its sporty appeal.
• Road Presence: For a 125cc bike, the Raider genuinely turns heads on the road. Its broad-shouldered look makes it appear bigger than its displacement suggests. The high ground clearance of 180 mm is fantastic for handling bad roads and tall speed breakers without scraping the underbelly.

The alloy wheels and wide tubeless tyres (100/90-17 at the rear on disc variants) add to the robust stance. Honestly, TVS nailed the look.

INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

This is where the Raider truly pulls ahead of most of its competition—the sheer number of features it packs in for the price.

The Feature-Packed Cockpit

The instrument cluster is a fully digital affair, offering more information than you’d typically find in this segment.

• Digital Console: The console is bright and easy to read, even in harsh sunlight. It shows everything from a gear position indicator, top speed recorder, average speed, and a very crucial Real-Time Mileage Indicator.
• SmartXonnect (SX Variant): The top variant features the TVS SmartXonnect system with a TFT display, allowing Bluetooth connectivity for call/SMS alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, and voice assistance. This is a segment-first and a massive value addition for the young, tech-savvy buyer.

Comfort and Practicality

• Seating Comfort: The split-seat setup on the higher variants is quite comfortable for both the rider and the pillion. The seat height is a manageable 780 mm, making it accessible for a wide range of riders.
• Space: It’s a 125cc motorcycle, so expecting huge space is unreasonable, but the ergonomics are spot on. The upright riding posture is perfect for long commutes and avoids wrist and back pain. The pillion space is decent, and the single-seat option provides a slightly longer seating area for a slightly older, more conservative buyer.
• Missing Features: While it is feature-loaded, it’s worth noting the basics: there is no slipper clutch (which is expected in this segment) and the lower variants lack the advanced TFT display and navigation. The under-seat storage is minimal, designed primarily for first-aid or documents, but a handy inclusion nonetheless.

The inclusion of a USB charging port near the handlebar is a practical touch that is extremely helpful for daily riders and one less thing to worry about on a long journey.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

Powering the Raider is a 124.8 cc, air and oil-cooled, 3-valve engine that produces 11.38 PS of power and 11.2 Nm of torque. These numbers might seem modest, but the bike’s light kerb weight (around 123-125 kg) makes the power delivery feel quite punchy for the segment.

City Drive: Effortless Commuting

• Clutch & Gearbox: The 5-speed gearbox is slick and smooth. The clutch action is light, which is a blessing in heavy, stop-and-go city traffic.
• GTT (Glide Through Technology): This is a standout feature for the city. GTT allows you to roll along at very slow speeds in higher gears without engaging the clutch or stalling the engine. This feature makes weaving through dense traffic much less tiring, a huge advantage over rivals.
• Riding Modes: Yes, a 125cc bike with riding modes! The ‘Eco’ mode dulls the throttle response slightly to maximize fuel efficiency, while the ‘Power’ mode gives you the full surge of the engine, making quick overtakes easier. I found myself using the Power mode mostly in the city for better low-end acceleration.

Highway Drive: Stable at Speed

While no 125cc is a highway mile-muncher, the Raider is surprisingly capable.

• Stability: Cruising at 70-80 kmph is very comfortable, and the bike feels stable thanks to its relatively longer wheelbase (1326 mm) compared to other commuters. You can push it to an indicated 90-95 kmph, but anything above that feels strained, and vibrations start creeping into the footpegs and handlebar. Its top speed is officially rated at 99 kmph.
• Suspension: This is a crucial area. The Telescopic Forks at the front and the Monoshock (Gas Charged, 5-step adjustable) at the rear do an excellent job. The suspension is tuned to be slightly on the firmer side to aid high-speed stability and cornering, which is a sporty trait. However, it still absorbs potholes easily and deals with the typical broken patches of Indian roads without jarring the rider too much.

SAFETY (Crucial Section)

TVS has prioritised core safety features over getting an official NCAP rating (which is not available for this model as of now).

• Braking: The higher variants come with a petal-type front disc brake and a drum brake at the rear, coupled with Synchronized Braking Technology (SBT)—TVS’s version of Combi-Braking System (CBS). This system applies both front and rear brakes when the rear brake lever is pulled, which significantly improves stopping distance and control, especially for new riders.
• Build Quality: The overall fit and finish feel sturdy and well-built. The bike has a solid, planted feel, which is reassuring. It carries a decent 125 kg kerb weight, which aids stability.
• Other Features: The integrated starter-generator (ISG) provides a silent start—a feature TVS calls ‘IntelliGo’—which also functions as an engine stop/start system in traffic to save fuel. Safety is also enhanced by the side-stand engine cut-off, a non-negotiable feature today.

REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

This is the segment-defining question. In India, a 125cc bike must deliver mileage, or the styling is simply forgotten.

Metric	Figure	Notes
ARAI Claimed Mileage	56.7 kmpl (Varies slightly by source) / 71.94 kmpl (Older claim)	The official, lab-tested number.
Real World City Mileage	55 – 57 kmpl	Achievable with GTT in Eco mode; slightly lower if ridden aggressively.
Real World Highway Mileage	60 – 65 kmpl	Best figures achieved by maintaining 70-80 kmph steady cruising speed.

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The Raider 125 is highly fuel-efficient, but here’s the truth: the real-world mileage in city traffic, where you are constantly accelerating and braking, is closer to the 55-57 kmpl mark. On the highway, when ridden gently, the figure shoots up to a very impressive 60-65 kmpl.

The Power and Eco modes genuinely affect the real mileage. If you keep it in Eco mode and utilise the IntelliGo start-stop feature, you can easily get over the 58 kmpl mark, making it one of the most efficient bikes in its sporty sub-segment.

Read more : Hero Glamour X 125

THE COMPETITION (Auto-Selected Rivals)

In the Indian 125cc sporty commuter segment, the direct and strongest rivals to the TVS Raider 125 are the Honda SP 125 and the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125.

TVS Raider 125 vs Honda SP 125 vs Bajaj Pulsar NS 125

Feature	TVS Raider 125 (Disc)	Honda SP 125 (Disc)	Bajaj Pulsar NS 125
Approx. Ex-Showroom Price	₹90,750	₹89,235	₹99,571
Engine (cc)	124.8 cc (3-Valve, Oil/Air-cooled)	123.94 cc (2-Valve, Air-cooled)	124.45 cc (4-Valve, Air-cooled)
Max Power (PS)	11.38 PS @ 7500 rpm	10.87 PS @ 7500 rpm	12 PS @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque (Nm)	11.2 Nm @ 6000 rpm	10.9 Nm @ 6000 rpm	11 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Real World Mileage (kmpl)	55-60 kmpl	60-65 kmpl (Slightly higher)	48-52 kmpl (Lowest)
Rear Suspension	Monoshock	Hydraulic Type (Twin Shock)	Monoshock
Key Features	Riding Modes, Digital Console (TFT/Bluetooth optional)	Silent Start, Digital Console	Perimeter Frame, Wolf-Eye Headlamp

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Winner: Which one provides better Value For Money (VFM)?

1. If Performance is Priority: The Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 with its 12 PS and the aggressive ‘NS’ DNA is the fastest and most powerful, but it comes at the highest price and delivers the lowest mileage.
2. If Mileage is Priority: The Honda SP 125 is the refined, reliable, and slightly more mileage-focused choice. Its engine is buttery smooth, but its design is significantly more conservative than the Raider.
3. If Features & Style are Priority: The TVS Raider 125 is the clear winner for Value For Money (VFM). It is priced competitively, offers better power and torque than the SP 125, gives excellent mileage, and is absolutely packed with features (Monoshock, Riding Modes, Under-seat storage, optional TFT/Nav) that the others miss. It perfectly captures the spirit of a stylish, tech-savvy, and fuel-efficient urban commuter.

FINAL VERDICT: The King of the 125cc Segment?

The TVS Raider 125 is a brilliant product. TVS has taken the basic commuter formula, injected it with the DNA of their sporty Apache series, and given it a dose of segment-first technology. It is a bike that appeals equally to the college student wanting style and the working professional needing economy. It’s refined, quick on its feet in the city, looks fantastic, and is loaded with practical tech. For an Indian buyer under the ₹1 lakh mark (ex-showroom), this package is hard to beat.

Buy it if:

• You want the sportiest-looking bike in the 125cc segment that truly stands out.
• You prioritize features like a full digital cluster, riding modes, and optional Bluetooth navigation (SX variant).
• You need excellent real-world mileage (55+ kmpl) but don’t want to compromise on a punchy mid-range performance.

Skip it if:

• You are an old-school loyalist who only trusts the Honda/Hero name for bomb-proof reliability, no-frills commuting.
• You frequently carry very heavy loads or a pillion, as the twin-shock setup of some rivals might handle load slightly better than the Monoshock.
• Your budget is absolutely limited to the bottom-most entry-level 125cc variants.

The Raider has successfully bridged the gap between a commuter and a performance bike, setting a new, high benchmark for the entire 125cc category.

FAQs (People Also Ask)