TVS Raider 125: An impossible trinity for most in a nation that relies on two-wheelers for daily commute and where hardly anything provides a fine balance between affordability, fuel efficiency, and style.
However, the TVS Raider 125 is looking to change that, with impressive fuel efficiency that ensures that you no longer have to break the bank just to enjoy what is still the most affordable mode of transportation that is so beloved in India.
TVS Raider 125 Economic Excellence With No Compromise
One of the first things you notice about the TVS Raider 125 is its outstanding fuel economy. All this in a time where fuel prices are set to rise through the roof and this motorcycle gives excellent mileage stretching every rupee spent on gasoline.
Efficiency while riding is ARAI-certified at a pretty decent 67 kmpl, but real world tests glean a more average figure of anywhere between 55-60 kmpl in the city.
A lot of owners claim higher and there are a few getting 70+ kmpl on highway rides with a constant speed. This impressive economy isn’t the result of any corner cutting; instead it’s down to careful engineering choices, that include the relatively svelte 123kg curb weight – and that brilliant 124.8cc air-cooled engine which manages to balance performance with efficiency.
And the savings are not just for fuel. With a starting price of approximately ₹90,000 (ex-showroom), the Raider is also a budget friendly alternative for those on a tight budget. It’s not the least expensive in its category, but it is an amazing value for the features and performance it delivers.
Cost of ownership too is under control with well-spread service intervals and easy availability of spares and consumables through the vast TVS dealer network.
With its low cost of ownership, the Raider will certainly appeal to the masses, like students who have to use the bike as a commuter but are living from hand to mouth.
Daily Use Friendlyhnk
Where The Raider is especially advantageous for the captive-audience commuter is in how its design prioritizes practical considerations without seeming stripped down.
The plush ergos and 780mm seat height will enable most riders to plant their feet flat, and the 180mm of ground clearance should allow for you to roll over almost any urban obstacles without metal on metal.
Between weight control and range, its overall capacity of 10 liters sits in a nice sweet spot. You can get around 550-600 km before needing to fill up the that’s more than one week of commuting for many people.
Storage hasn’t gone unnoticed, either, and there’s a small, but useful, infill under the seat, complete with USB charging point – a nice touch for topping up your phone on longer trips. These small luxuries combine to make everyday life with the Raider a lot easier.
What jumps out at me the most is how thoughtful the choice of both the Eco and the Power riding modes is. Eco mode is ideal when the focus is on fuel efficiency. Power mode adds a bit more oomph when you need it…for passing or for maintaining speed up hills, for example, albeit at a bit of a hit on mileage.
Surpassing All Expectations
And anyone thinking this economy-driven bike offers a second-rate ride will be in for a nice surprise. The engine, which has a displacement of 124.8cc, pushes out 11.2bhp and 11.2Nm of torque and will get the bike to 0-60 kmph in about 5.9 seconds.
Peak power comes in at 7,500 rpm, with maximum torque available from 6,000, making for a power band that feels broad enough for everyday riding.
The engine pulls out cleanly across the revband and although there are some vibes to be felt past 65 km/h – though nothing that is not expected from this class.
The ride quality is much enhanced by the monoshock at the rear (five-way adjustable) and front telescopic forks. This pairing of suspension also provides a ride that is superior to many of its competitors, soaking up the usual lumps and bumps without transmitting too much harshness to the rider.
Deceleration is managed by a 240mm front disc brake in the top-spec trims, combined with a 130mm rear drum along with the Synchronized Braking Technology.
It’s not top-end braking, but it does a fine job of slowing the machine to a halt for the performance of the bike and the way it’s been designed to be ridden.
Features That Challenge the Price Point
“One of the things I like about the Raider, and something you will not be expecting, is its list of features that they add that you know would cost thousands more on other bikes.
It even consumes less power from the electrical system of your vehicle with LED headlamp that lights up the road fairly well. LCD reverse white instrument cluster provides complete information such as gear position indicator, fuel efficiency, trip meters and more.
Up the chain, TVS offers its SmartXonnect technology with Blueto os -linked features such as call alerts, navigation on-the-go and voice support – luxuries unheard of in the segment till now.
Even the new “boost mode” of the iGO will provide additional torque if needed with the push of a button for an added level of responsiveness when you’re in jam.
It’s those tech additions that will likely attract younger buyers who are used to modern connectivity even in more wallet-friendly purchases. Far from being a stopgap for budget reasons the bike is genuinely both loved and a matter of pride.
TVS Raider 125 The People’s Champion
What really makes the TVS Raider 125 so great is that it changes the way you look at budget commuting. Instead of using value or economy as an excuse for ordinariness, TVS has created a motorcycle that glorifies the latter two points and offers an actually pleasing ownership experience to go with it.
This being a car for students making their first automotive purchase, working adults with limited wages, or families looking for a secondary thrifty commuting option, transportation that doesn’t drive like it lives in poverty.
It’s an admission that value-conscious buyers deserve good design, contemporary accoutrements and unembarassing performance as much as people who can afford to spend more.
The fact that the Raider has been a hit–with strong sales and enthusiastic owner feedback–shows that motorcycles which also address the needs of the pocketbook still can fulfill others needs in transportation by way of riding two wheels.
In the process, it celebrates the importance of motorcycles in providing mobility, opportunity and freedom to millions of Indians, irrespective of income or social status.
In a space where customers usually have to settle for less, the TVS Raider 125 sends out a strong message – value-on-wheels need not necessarily feel it too. It’s that blend of everyday virtue and solid character that makes it very much the people’s champ of the 125cc class.