The Indian two-wheeler space is never a dull moment, and there are dozens of bikemakers constantly fighting for headlines in this booming country. One such addition to this segment is the recently launched TVS Raider 125 a bike that has managed to divert all of us from our everyday tasks. It is specifically targeted at youthful riders who use their vehicles for regular commuting. The Raider 125 combines contemporary aesthetics with advanced features, and an efficient engine configuration creating both performance and fuel efficiency.
In a country like ours, where it’s constantly an effort to strike the balance between good looks and tank full miles, this bike comes as a very much needed happily ever after from tvs. It’s not just a daily commuter but also has little bit of premium feel which attracts enthusiast generation. Whether it be the radical sporty appearance, economical engine, or comfortable seating position – Riader 125 has been launched to be seen on a congested city roads and yet not set your pocket back by that much.
Bold and Striking Design
A major highlight of the TVS Raider 125 has to be its contemporary design language. It is not your traditional looking commuter bike at first. Instead, it reads as athletic and fine. It gets a sporty LED headlamp with shaped DRLs (daytime running lights) that focus the eyes on its front fascia. The edgy tank design, beefy body panels and minimalist tail lamp add to the overall muscular look of the motorcycle.
The rear too looks stylish with a sharp tail lamp and well-integrated grab rails. The mixing of contrasting colors add freshness to the Bikes character. ~Is it a bike for young riders who want a machine that can compete with their hyperactive lifestyle? definitly TVS has aimed at them.Setting aside everything, the RAIDER 125 -EPIC does make your heart say WHOA!? It certainly feels a segment above unlike most of the plain 125cc bikes.
Engine Performance and Mileage
But when it comes to the commuter motorcycles in India fuel efficiency is a very big deal. TVS Raider 125 has been conceived keeping the same in mind, get a 124.8cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine good for around 11.2 bhp of power and 11.2 Nm of torque here as well. These numbers might seem paltry, but you certainly don’t need much more for a city commute and the very occasional visit to the highway.
On the transmissions front, the Elite i20 N Line gets a 5-speed gearbox that gives it better acceleration and top-end performance than other 125cc bikes mated to a 4-speed transmission. Riders are able to take it for long distance rides at high speeds without an excessive load on the motor.
TVS has also worked on providing the impressive fuel economy. The Raider 125 can comfortably return a real-world mileage figure of about 55–60 kmpl, which would make it quite an economical commuter for the folks who are used to covering long distances throughout the day. This bike provides the optimum balance of performance and economy so that you don’t have to choose between them.
Rider Comfort and Ergonomics
Aside from the design and mileage, its comfort is something that really stands out in the Raider 125. TVS’ focus has also been on the bike’s ergonomics – it offers a relaxed, yet slightly sporty riding posture. The seat is comfortable and provides nice support for rider and pillion.
The seating position is a nice compromise between being straight up for comfort and slightly crouched down sportiness that allows you to lane split through traffic in the city, as well as getting out on freeway for longer commutes. The bike is offered with telescopic front forks and a mono-shock rear suspension that ensures comfortable ride also on bumpy roads. In this segment, there is not much competition who have mono-shock as it s disadvantage for other bikes.
What’s more, with its wide tyres and robust braking system that consists of front disc with rear drum options, it ensures a sure and secure handling even at high speeds. The bike feels balanced as you slice through the city or hit speeds on the highway.
Advanced Features and Technology
And one of the main reasons why the TVS Raider 125 feels premium is its feature list. Unlike a lot of city bikes that are designed to be simple, the Raider is tricked out with modern equipment. The bike gets an all-digital LCD display unit and you get to see speed, gear indicator, fuel gauge, distance-to-empty and the riding modes.
Yes, you will get two riding modes in the Raider 125 such as Eco and Power. The Eco mode maximizes fuel efficiency, while the Power mode delivers more responsive acceleration and enhanced performance. This is a feature we expect on bigger bikes and TVS has wisely put it into a 125cc commuter to make the bike stand out in its category.
What’s more, the bike is also equipped with stuff such as a side-stand engine cut-off, USB charging port and optional connected tech (such as navigation and call alerts inputs), which riders can view on its screen. These smart additions lend the Raider 125 an air of sophistication that far supersedes its regular commuter motorcycle feel.
Affordable Pricing and Variants
The Raider 125 has been quite aggressively priced by TVS, bearing in mind Indian commuter’s requirements. It comes in several models, ranging from a standard drum brake model to the higher end disc brake and connected features. This makes there Raider 125 variant for everyone, depending on their pocket and preference.
Compared to its rivals such as Honda Shine, Bajaj Pulsar 125 and the Hero Glamour, the Raider becomes special thanks to its sporty design and modern elements alongside good fuel efficiency. The Raider 125 takes a dynamic head first leap into the fierce initial 125cc market that any other offering would love to have one or two of its features.
Who Is It For: TVS Raider 125?
The Raider 125 is not only for teenagers, it is also a popular choice for middle-aged men who are looking for a comfortable and practical commuter bike that can still be styled. If you are a college student or young professional, the sporty look and aerodynamic features of the Raider will definitely catch your eye. If you’re the type who will be commuting long miles on a daily basis, however, the stellar fuel economy and nice ergos will certainly help make your ride much more pleasant.
It also emerges as an excellent product for customers who wish to jump on to a more powerful motorcycle category from a 100cc/110cc capable motorcycle, sans shelling out the extra moolah for a premium segment bike. The Raider 125 is the middle ground between city scooters and sporty motorcycles.
Conclusion
The introduction of the new TVS Raider 125 represents a significant milestone in India’s commuter motorcycle segment.” It shows that you can make a motorcycle in this category that isn’t dull or dated. No, it can be fashionable, contemporary, feature-packed and yet practical to own and cheap to purchase.
A sporty looking, fuel efficient yet peppy engine and comfortable ride coupled with loads of features has helped the Raider 125 find a place for itself. It is not just another bike in the 125 cc segment but a revolutionary product that sets new benchmarks. Aside from that, for those in the market for an everyday city commuter which offers both fun and utility, the Raider 125 are easily some of the best options available on two wheels today.