Bajaj CT 125X Road Test Review: Likes And Dislikes

In a segment that’s luring you with modern features, will Bajaj’s choice of going the opposite way work?

The 125cc motorcycle segment is rapidly evolving to be the entry point into stylish and somewhat sporty commuters. Motorcycles like the TVS Raider not only offer performance comparable to a 150cc bike, but also lure you in with the features like LED illumination, riding modes and Bluetooth connectivity. Besides, the Honda Shine  has been the segment leader for ages and it too comes loaded with fancy bits. And now, Bajaj wants a piece of this pie as well, though its contender, the  CT 125X, doesn’t flaunt modern features or even trendy styling. That said, it has an ace up its sleeve. But is that going to be enough to sway buyers? We have spent a few days with the bike, and here’s what we liked and disliked about it:

Likes

Price
Right off the bat, this is the ace card we were talking about. At Rs 74,554 (ex-showroom Delhi), the disc brake variant of the Bajaj CT 125X is not just the most affordable 125cc bike but also is more affordable than all the 125cc scooters, some 110cc motorcycles and even the Hero Splendor+ Xtec variant. 

(ex-showroom Delhi)

Tractability
The Bajaj CT 125X is one of the most tractable motorcycles in this segment. Bajaj claimed to have the best-in-class wheel torque in the third to fifth gear, and our VBox tests back up the claim.

You can ride through the city in fourth gear without the engine protesting, and even make quick overtakes without shifting. In the fifth gear, too, there is enough grunt for you to pick up the pace from as low as 25kmph.

Suspension
The CT 125X’ suspension works like a charm in any road conditions. From bad roads to even no roads, the suspension soaks just about everything. But the suspension isn’t really too mushy, so you won’t be robbed of confidence when going around corners.

Brakes
Bajaj has nailed the braking department with this motorcycle. The brakes aren’t too sharp but have enough stopping power. In fact, the CT 125X has the shortest stopping distance amongst its rivals.

And to top it off, Bajaj’s mechanical combined braking system works just as brilliantly. So, even under hard braking, there is no drama and you can seldom feel the rear locking up.

Dislikes

Fuel Economy
The Bajaj CT 125X’ mileage was slightly disappointing considering it is not the most performance-oriented motorcycle in the segment and has excellent city mannerisms. Though the numbers are decent, the TVS Raider and the Hero Glamour offer better efficiency figures.

Colour Options
The Bajaj CT 125X is available in three colours with Black being the primary one, paired with contrasting green, blue or red. It would have been good to see some brighter options, though.

Verdict

The Bajaj CT 125X turns out to be an excellent value for money proposition. Its rugged design and the tractable engine is perfect to take on the asli Indian riding conditions. The bike doesn’t focus on fancy features, but comes with more useful ones like a USB charger, which is great for someone who spends most of his day riding (delivery personnel or handymen). To sum it up, if you are looking for something utilitarian at a really affordable price point, the Bajaj CT 125X is the perfect bike for you.