TVS Raider 125: The Indian two-wheeler market has always been a battleground for manufacturers looking to capture the hearts and wallets of the country’s vast commuter base. In this fiercely competitive landscape, TVS Motor Company has struck gold with their latest offering – the 2025 TVS Raider 125.
Having spent a week putting this machine through its paces across Mumbai’s chaotic streets and some open highway stretches, I can confidently say this: TVS has redefined what an affordable 125cc motorcycle can be.
When the first Raider was launched back in 2021, it created quite a stir for bringing premium features to the 125cc segment. Now, with the 2025 model, TVS has taken things up several notches, creating what might be the perfect blend of sporty styling, practical performance, and wallet-friendly pricing.
At a starting price of just Rs. 87,010 (ex-showroom), the Raider 125 punches well above its weight class, offering features and performance that would make even 150cc motorcycle owners take notice.
TVS Raider 125 Head-Turning Design That Breaks the Mold
Let’s address the elephant in the room right away – this is one good-looking motorcycle. In a segment where ‘boring’ and ‘functional’ are often the design philosophies, the Raider 125 stands out like a sports car in a parking lot full of hatchbacks.
The first thing that caught my eye was the sharp LED headlamp with those distinctive daytime running lights (DRLs). It’s not just a fancy lighting setup; it gives the bike a predatory, aggressive face that turns heads wherever you go.
During my week-long test ride, I lost count of how many people stopped to ask about the bike at traffic signals – that’s the kind of attention this design commands.
The muscular fuel tank with its sharp extensions flows beautifully into the split seat design (on higher variants), creating a cohesive sporty profile that’s rare in this segment.
Those split grab rails add to the racing aesthetic without compromising pillion comfort – something I confirmed when I took my rather picky brother for a 30-minute ride around the city.
At the rear, the sleek LED taillight completes the modern look, while the short, stubby exhaust with its black and silver finish adds just the right amount of sportiness without going overboard.
TVS has also introduced new color schemes for 2025, and I got to test the Atomic Orange with black accents, which looks absolutely stunning in person, especially in sunlight. The other color options – Wicked Black, Striking Red, Blazing Blue, and Fiery Yellow – are equally eye-catching, each with its own character.
What’s impressive is how TVS has managed to create this premium-looking package at this price point. The fit and finish levels are excellent, with no visible panel gaps or cheap-looking plastic parts.
The quality of switchgear feels a notch above what you’d expect in this segment, and even after a week of rough usage, nothing rattled or felt loose.
Feature-Packed: Premium Tech on a Budget
If the design is the first thing that grabs your attention, the features list is what seals the deal. The 2025 Raider 125 comes loaded with technology that was unheard of in this segment just a few years ago.
The star of the show has to be the digital instrument cluster, which varies depending on the variant you choose. I tested the top-end SmartXonnect variant, which comes with a 5-inch TFT display that’s bright, colorful, and surprisingly easy to read even under direct sunlight.
It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and offers features like navigation assistance, call notifications, and voice commands – features you’d typically expect on motorcycles costing twice as much.
Even the base variant gets a decent LCD display that shows all essential information, including gear position indicator and real-time mileage – practical features that everyday riders will appreciate.
The display also lets you toggle between two riding modes: Eco and Power. I found myself using Eco mode for my daily commute through Mumbai’s congested roads, where it delivered excellent fuel efficiency, and switching to Power mode when hitting open roads for that extra punch.
Another standout feature is the under-seat storage space – small but extremely useful for storing documents, a small water bottle, or even a compact raincoat. It’s these thoughtful touches that enhance the everyday usability of the Raider.
The LED lighting all around isn’t just for show either. The headlamp provides excellent illumination during night rides, with a wide and far-reaching beam pattern that inspired confidence on dark, unlit roads.
Add to this the USB charging port (standard on higher variants, optional on base models), and you’ve got a motorcycle that understands the needs of today’s tech-savvy riders.
One feature that particularly impressed me during my test ride was the Idle Stop-Start system. In stop-and-go traffic, the engine automatically shuts off when idling for more than a few seconds and restarts instantly with a slight twist of the throttle.
Initially, I was skeptical about its practicality, but after using it in Mumbai’s notorious traffic jams, I found it genuinely useful for saving fuel and reducing unnecessary emissions.
Performance That Excites Without Intimidating
Underneath that sporty exterior lies the heart of the Raider 125 – a 124.8cc, three-valve, air-cooled engine that produces 11.38 PS of power and 11.2 Nm of torque. Numbers on paper rarely tell the full story, and that’s certainly the case here.
The engine feels remarkably refined for a 125cc unit, with vibrations well controlled even when pushing near the redline. There’s a satisfying surge of acceleration when you twist the throttle, particularly in the mid-range, making overtaking in city traffic a breeze.
TVS claims a 0-60 km/h time of 5.9 seconds, and from my seat-of-the-pants feel, that seems about right. It’s quick enough to be fun but not intimidating for less experienced riders.
The five-speed gearbox deserves special mention. Shifts are precise and smooth, with a satisfying click as each gear engages. The clutch action is light too, making stop-and-go traffic less of a wrist workout.
On the open road, the Raider 125 cruises comfortably at 70-80 km/h, with enough in reserve for overtaking when needed. Push it further, and you’ll see close to 100 km/h on the speedometer, though the bike feels most comfortable at slightly lower speeds.
What really sets the Raider apart from its competitors is its handling. The chassis feels well-engineered, providing a level of stability and confidence in corners that’s usually associated with larger motorcycles.
The telescopic front forks and monoshock rear suspension (with 5-step adjustable preload) strike a good balance between comfort and sportiness. On smooth roads, the setup feels firm and responsive, allowing you to flick the bike into corners with minimal effort.
Yet when you encounter the inevitable potholes and rough patches, there’s enough compliance to soak up the bumps without unsettling the rider.
Braking performance varies by variant, with higher models getting a 240mm front disc and 130mm rear drum setup. The braking is progressive and confidence-inspiring, with good bite and feel at the lever.
Lower variants make do with drum brakes all around, which are adequate for city speeds but lack the outright stopping power of the disc brake variants.
Throughout my testing, the Raider 125 consistently returned a fuel efficiency of around 55-60 km/l in mixed riding conditions – impressive figures that translate to significant savings at the pump, especially given today’s fuel prices.
With its 10-liter fuel tank, that gives you a theoretical range of over 500 kilometers between fill-ups, though real-world range will be slightly less.
Comfort and Ergonomics: Built for Indian Conditions
A sporty design often comes at the cost of comfort, but TVS has managed to strike an impressive balance with the Raider 125. The riding position is slightly forward-leaning but not aggressively so, placing minimal strain on the wrists and back even during longer rides.
The seat deserves special mention – it’s well contoured and has just the right amount of firmness to be comfortable for both short commutes and longer rides.
During my weekend trip that involved a 3-hour continuous ride, I experienced none of the usual saddle soreness that’s common on smaller motorcycles.
The split-seat variants offer slightly better cushioning for both rider and pillion, but even the single-piece seat on base models provides adequate comfort.
At 780mm, the seat height is accessible for riders of varying heights, and the narrow midsection of the bike allows shorter riders to place both feet firmly on the ground.
The footpeg position complements the overall ergonomics, allowing for a natural knee bend that doesn’t feel cramped even for taller riders.
One aspect where many 125cc motorcycles fall short is wind protection, especially at higher speeds. While the Raider doesn’t have a windscreen, the slight cowl around the headlamp does provide some deflection, making highway cruising less tiring than on completely naked motorcycles.
With a kerb weight of just 123 kg, the Raider is also easy to maneuver in tight spaces – a crucial consideration for navigating through congested Indian city traffic.
Despite its lightweight nature, it feels planted and stable even at highway speeds, without the skittishness that often plagues lighter motorcycles.
Ownership Experience: Bang for Your Buck
Beyond the motorcycle itself, prospective buyers should consider the overall ownership experience, and this is another area where the Raider 125 scores highly.
TVS has an extensive service network across India, making maintenance convenient regardless of where you live. Service intervals are set at every 3,000 kilometers or three months, whichever comes first, which is standard for motorcycles in this segment. The cost of regular maintenance is also reasonable, with service costs averaging around Rs. 1,000-1,500 for routine services.
Spare parts availability and pricing are competitive, reflecting TVS’s commitment to making ownership affordable in the long run. The company also offers a standard warranty of 5 years or 50,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, providing peace of mind for buyers.
Resale value is another important consideration, and TVS motorcycles generally maintain good resale value in the market. Given the Raider’s popularity and the brand’s reputation, it’s likely to hold its value better than some competitors in the segment.
Variant Strategy: Something for Everyone
TVS has adopted a smart approach with the Raider 125’s variant strategy, offering multiple versions to cater to different preferences and budgets:
Drum Brake Variant (Rs. 87,010): The entry-level option with drum brakes front and rear, basic LCD display, and single-piece seat. Perfect for budget-conscious buyers who want the Raider experience without all the bells and whistles.
Single Seat Variant (Rs. 93,500): Similar to the base model but with slightly different styling cues, catering to solo riders who prefer a sportier look.
Split Seat Variant (Rs. 97,850): Adds the sporty split seat design and some additional features, enhancing both aesthetics and comfort.
iGO Variant (Rs. 98,530): A newer addition to the lineup, focusing on enhanced connectivity features for tech-savvy riders.
Super Squad Edition (Rs. 1,00,000+): Special editions with themed graphics and color schemes, perfect for riders who want to stand out from the crowd.
SmartXonnect Variant (Rs. 1,02,300): The flagship model with all the premium features, including the TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice assist functionality.
This tiered approach ensures there’s a Raider 125 for every budget and preference, without diluting the core appeal of the motorcycle.
Competition Check: How Does It Stack Up?
The 125cc segment is fiercely competitive, with strong offerings from major manufacturers. The Honda SP 125, Bajaj Pulsar NS125, and Hero Glamour are the Raider’s primary competitors, each with their own strengths.
The Honda SP 125 offers legendary reliability and refinement but lacks the sporty appeal and feature set of the Raider. The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 comes close in terms of sporty styling but doesn’t match the Raider’s feature list or refinement levels. The Hero Glamour prioritizes comfort and fuel efficiency but falls short on performance and features.
Where the Raider truly stands out is in offering a complete package – sporty design, modern features, enjoyable performance, and good fuel efficiency – without commanding a significant premium over its competitors. It brings a level of desirability to the 125cc segment that’s often missing, making it an emotional purchase rather than just a practical one.
TVS Raider 125 Conclusion: Redefining Expectations
After spending quality time with the 2025 TVS Raider 125, I’m convinced that it represents a significant shift in what buyers can expect from an affordable 125cc motorcycle.
It successfully combines the practicality and efficiency that Indian commuters demand with the style and features that they desire, creating a package that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
The TVS Raider 125 isn’t just a commuter with some sporty touches; it’s a well-thought-out motorcycle that can genuinely excite enthusiasts while remaining accessible to everyday riders.
Its competitive pricing makes it even more compelling, offering features and performance that would typically require stepping up to the 150-160cc segment.
For young riders looking for their first motorcycle or experienced commuters wanting to upgrade from basic 100-110cc models, the Raider 125 represents excellent value.
It’s proof that “kifayti” (affordable) doesn’t have to mean boring or basic – you can have style, features, and performance without breaking the bank.
In a market where compromises are often necessary when shopping on a budget, the TVS Raider 125 stands as a refreshing exception – a motorcycle that excites without intimidating, that turns heads without emptying wallets, and that makes every ride feel special without sacrificing practicality. It’s not just raising the bar for the 125cc segment; it’s completely redefining what an affordable motorcycle can and should be.
Whether you’re crawling through city traffic on your daily commute or enjoying an occasional weekend ride, the Raider 125 proves that you don’t need a big engine or a big budget to enjoy motorcycling.
And in a country where motorcycles are often as much about necessity as they are about passion, that’s perhaps the highest praise one can give.