The Indian commuter motorcycle scene is a fierce battleground, with numerous players vying for dominance. In 2021, TVS Motor Company entered the fray with a bold new contender: the Raider 125. This isn’t your average commuter bike; it’s a head-turning, feature-packed machine designed to appeal to young riders seeking style, performance, and technology in a compact package. Let’s delve into what makes the Raider 125 such a compelling proposition.
Striking Design and Wicked Aesthetics:
First impressions matter, and the Raider 125 makes a statement right from the start. Its aggressive, shark-inspired design language, with sharp lines and muscular proportions, exudes a raw street presence. The LED headlight with its signature DRL, the sculpted fuel tank, and the split-seat profile all contribute to a sporty and dynamic appeal. The Raider isn’t just about looks, though; it’s built for agility and maneuverability, thanks to its lightweight construction and well-balanced chassis.
Performance Packed with a Punch:
Underneath the stylish exterior lies a capable 124.8cc, single-cylinder, air & oil-cooled engine. This BS6-compliant unit, equipped with a 3-valve setup, pumps out a respectable 11.2 bhp of power and 11.2 Nm of torque. While the numbers might not scream performance, the Raider’s true strength lies in its responsiveness and peppy acceleration, making it ideal for navigating city traffic. Additionally, the 5-speed gearbox offers smooth gear shifts and contributes to the bike’s overall rideability.
Technology at Your Fingertips:
The Raider 125 isn’t just a pretty face; it boasts impressive technology features, particularly in the top-spec SX variant. The highlight is the TVS SmartXonnect system, a Bluetooth-enabled platform that connects the bike to your smartphone via the TVS Connect app. This unlocks a plethora of features like turn-by-turn navigation, voice assist, call management, and even social media sharing of your rides. The fully digital instrument cluster displays a range of information, including speed, fuel level, trip meters, and even call notifications.
Comfort and Safety:
While the Raider’s focus is on style and performance, it doesn’t compromise on comfort. The split-seat variant offers a comfortable riding position, and the suspension setup effectively absorbs road irregularities. Additionally, the lightweight design contributes to a comfortable ride experience. Safety is paramount, and the Raider comes equipped with a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear, along with a synchronized braking system for added stopping power.
Variants and Pricing:
The TVS Raider 125 is available in four distinct variants: Single Seat, Drum, Split Seat, Disc, SuperSquad Edition (Black Panther and Iron Man themes), and SmartXonnect. This variety caters to different budgets and preferences. Prices start from ₹86,771 (ex-showroom) for the base Single Seat variant and go up to ₹1,19,691 (ex-showroom) for the top-spec SmartXonnect variant.
The Verdict:
The TVS Raider 125 is a bold and innovative challenger in the 125cc commuter segment. It’s a motorcycle that combines aggressive styling with decent performance, packed with modern technology features that cater to the tech-savvy generation. While the higher-end variants might push the budget, the base model offers good value for money. If you’re looking for a stylish, feature-rich, and capable commuter motorcycle that stands out from the crowd, the TVS Raider 125 deserves a serious look.
