Deciding on your first motorcycle? Choosing the right 125cc bike can be a tricky affair. Two of the hottest contenders in this segment are the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 and the TVS Raider 125. Both offer a compelling mix of style, performance, and fuel efficiency. But which one reigns supreme? We delve deep into a comprehensive comparison to help you pick the perfect match for your riding needs.
Looks: Classic vs Edgy
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Bajaj Pulsar NS125: Borrowing design cues from its bigger siblings, the NS125 boasts a sporty, aggressive look. The sharp inverted triangle headlight, a muscular fuel tank, and a sleek tail section exude a streetfighter vibe. While the design might not be the newest, it still manages to turn heads.
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TVS Raider 125: The Raider adopts a more contemporary approach. It features a sharp LED headlight, sculpted fuel tank extensions, and a well-integrated tail section. The bike’s youthful appeal is accentuated by its vibrant color options.
Features: Keeping You Connected
Both the NS125 and the Raider are well-equipped for the modern rider. They share features like a digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to pair your phone with the bike’s app and view information like incoming calls, SMS notifications, and more, right on the instrument cluster. However, the Raider gets a slight edge here with its full-color TFT display compared to the Pulsar’s simpler LCD unit.
Engine Performance: A Close Fight
Under the hood, things get interesting.
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Bajaj Pulsar NS125: This bike packs a 125cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that delivers 11.8bhp of peak power at 8,500rpm and 11Nm of torque at 7,000rpm. The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting five-speed gearbox.
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TVS Raider 125: The Raider counters with a slightly smaller 124.8cc, air-cooled engine. However, it produces a comparable 11.2bhp of power at a lower 7,500rpm and matches the Pulsar’s 11.2Nm of torque, but at a lower 6,000rpm. This translates to a slightly less high-revving nature for the Raider.
In real-world riding conditions, both engines offer good responsiveness and decent fuel economy, making them ideal for daily commutes.
Built to Handle: Frame and Suspension
When it comes to underpinnings, the two bikes take slightly different approaches.
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Bajaj Pulsar NS125: The NS125 utilizes a perimeter frame for increased rigidity. The suspension setup consists of a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by a disc brake upfront and a drum brake at the back.
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TVS Raider 125: The Raider employs a simpler single cradle tubular frame. However, it compensates with a gas-charged monoshock for improved ride quality. Both bikes use a telescopic fork at the front, but the Raider’s gas-charged unit offers a plusher ride, especially on uneven surfaces. Braking duties are handled by a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear on the base variant, with a disc brake option available on higher trims.
Price Point: Value for Money
Price is a crucial factor for many 125cc bike buyers. Here’s a quick comparison:
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Bajaj Pulsar NS125: The base variant of the NS125 starts at an attractive Rs 99,571 (ex-showroom, Delhi), making it a budget-friendly option. The top-end variant with Bluetooth connectivity goes for Rs 1.04 lakh.
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TVS Raider 125: The TVS Raider is slightly more affordable, with the base variant starting at Rs 95,219 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The top-spec model with Bluetooth connectivity is priced at Rs 1.02 lakh.
The Verdict: Picking Your Winner
Choosing between the Pulsar NS125 and the Raider 125 boils down to your priorities.
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Looking for a stylish, aggressive bike with a slightly more powerful engine and a perimeter frame? The Pulsar NS125 might be your perfect match.
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Do you prioritize a comfortable ride, a slightly more affordable price tag, and a modern TFT display? Then the TVS Raider 125 could be your ideal commuting companion.
