Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 vs TVS Raider 125: Mind vs Heart!

The Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 and the TVS Raider 125 are both feature-loaded 125cc bikes with starting prices in the same ballpark as well. That said, that’s pretty much where the similarities end and if we talk about the riding experience, they’re both quite different. And that’s a good thing, because that means you’ve more flavours of motorcycling to choose from and them being so different makes your buying decision a lot more clear too. 

So if you’ve been wanting a 125cc bike in this price range, here we’ll help you decide which bike you should go for between these two: 

Price & Variants

• Yes, the TVS Raider 125 has a lower starting price but that’s for the drum brake variant. We recommend disc brakes especially with such performance-oriented bikes. So that ticks out the bottom 2 variants. And if you must have ABS as well, which we think you should, only the top 2 variants have that. 

• That means that the Raider isn’t exactly as affordable as its base variant’s price may suggest, if you want more safety. 

• The Super Splendor Xtec 2.0’s variant list is a lot simpler. If you’re on a tight budget, get the drum variant. If not, you should make the stretch to the disc variant, for it’s still more affordable than the Raider’s disc variants. 

• So even though the Raider has a lower starting price, we think the Super Splendor comes out as having a slight edge over the 125cc TVS bike. 

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Dimensions & Design 

• As the spec sheet suggests, the TVS Raider 125 is the wider and longer bike of the two and it will feel that way too. While it’s a narrow and lean motorcycle, it still has more of a presence than the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0. 

• While the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 received a slight aesthetic update recently and it does look better, it’s still a skinny-looking motorcycle with not a lot of presence. It’s the kind which will blend into the sea of commuters. 

• And that has a lot to do with the dimensions as well as designs. The Super Splendor’s design cues from its smaller Splendor sibling are visible and that means it’s function over form. The bike looks simple and functional. And while that’s good, it doesn’t exactly draw attention. 

• The Raider, on the other hand, with its Bumblebee-like headlight, bright colourways and sharp, aggressive design looks smashing. Almost 5 years after its launch, the Raider still looks fresh and grabs more attention than even some bigger bikes. That’s complemented with excellent finish levels, making you feel like you’ve bought something bigger than just a 125cc bike. 

Features & Safety

• The Super Splendor’s Xtec 2.0 version is feature-loaded, for sure. There’s an LCD console which packs call & SMS alerts, service reminders, real-time mileage indicators and a lot more. To sum things up, there are a lot more features in there than you’d expect from a humble ‘Splendor’. 

• That said, it’s hard to match TVS’ ability to absolutely cram features into pretty much all of its bikes. Apart from what you’ve seen on the Super Splendor, there’s voice assistance, cricket scores, wide statistics, weather reports and a lot more. This is to the point that you start wondering if the bike even needs all of that.

• These are questions you will have to answer, according to how much you value such features. In terms of usability, the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 has more than enough. But if you really want those bragging rights, the Raider 125’s fat brochure is hard to beat. 

Engines

• Their engines are where the gap between the 2 bikes widens, for they both feel quite different. 

• The Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 is all about taking it easy. It has a reasonable amount of torque and that means the drive off the line is its strength. But then if you try riding it hard, you will realise it runs out of steam pretty quickly. What the bike wants is for you to ride it at a gentle pace and that’s when it’s the smoothest and most fuel efficient. 

• On the other hand, the TVS Raider 125 has quite some torque too, and it feels punchier off the line. But if you’re in the mood to ride it a bit more spiritedly, the Raider is always down for some fun. And the best part is that the Raider continues to be fairly fuel efficient even when ridden hard. 

• In fact, when we first took the Raider out on the highway, we were surprised by how smooth it felt even at 80-90kmph, when usually 125cc bikes start struggling. 

• To sum it up, the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 will feel like a workhorse of the two. If you want something just to go from one place to the other, the Super Splendor might be the better choice. 

• But if you want even a bit of fun in your everyday commutes, if you like riding your bikes spiritedly, the Raider 125’s zestiness is extremely charming. 

Verdict 

The verdict is nice and clear. If you want a basic, simple commuter, one that’ll take you from one place to the other without complaints, the Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 might be the one for you. It comes with Hero’s reliability and inexpensive upkeep costs. 

However, if this is going to be your first bike and you expect some fun and excitement out of it, just get the TVS Raider 125. There’s no other bike quite like it in this segment and for a 125cc bike, it feels like a very polished, well-rounded and refined product. 

Comparisons With Other Rivals: 

Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 vs Honda Shine 125 - If you want your bike to be feature-loaded and don’t mind paying for it, get the Super Splendor. Otherwise, the Shine 125 will cost you less too. 

Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 vs Honda SP125 - If you’re looking for a more premium experience, the SP125’s better looks and TFT console will attract you. If you want a workhorse, you can just get the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0. 

Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 vs Bajaj Pulsar 125 -  The Pulsar 125 needs a major overhaul, for it hasn’t been properly updated in quite some time now, especially when other 125s around it have been. So if you want something more contemporary, the Super Splendor should be your pick.