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

Sep 16, 2021
Views : 34215
4 min read

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.