TVS Raider 125 vs Honda CB125 Hornet: Styling, Features, Colours And More

TVS launched a new top-end variant of the Raider 125. It is called the ‘TVS Raider 125 TFT DD’ and is priced at Rs 95,600 (ex-showroom, Delhi). It now gets single-channel ABS and a rear disc brake, the first in the 125cc sporty commuter segment. With the price tag it carries, it directly rivals the CB125 Hornet, Honda’s 125cc sporty commuter. We compare both the bikes in images:

Design

With the update, the TVS Raider 125’s design remains unchanged.  It gets a broad, flat headlight cowl with a twin-pod headlamp that looks like a bee. The front fender, the dual-tone tank extensions and the short muscular fuel tank give the bike a sporty look. The silver graphics on the bike’s fuel tank, headlight cowl and underbelly look subtle yet beautiful. The bike’s metal-finished grab rail is a nice touch to the design. 

The only downside is that the TVS Raider 125 TFT DD is only available in a single ‘Striking Red’ colour scheme, in which the front wheel is red, while the rear is black. Also, one small detail you might miss out on is the red brake callipers on the bike, which are a nice touch.

The Honda CB125 Hornet’s looks might not be for everyone, but then again, looks are subjective. The split-headlight design with LED DRLs gives the bike a properly sporty look. The body panels are sharp and creased, which brings out the bike’s streetfighter-inspired design. The contrasting graphics on the fuel tank extension and side panels look subtle.

Also, in the case of the Honda CB125 Hornet, you have four colour schemes to choose from: Pearl Siren Blue with Lemon Ice Yellow, Pearl Siren Blue with Sports Red, Pearl Siren Blue with Athletic Blue Metallic, and Pearl Igneous Black. With all of these (except the black), the bike has body-coloured alloy wheels.  The black has wheels finished in a light shade of copper.

Engine

The TVS Raider 125 is powered by a 124.8cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It has a black finish with white TVS branding on its clutch cover; that is a nice touch. Along with this, the bike also has an underbelly, mounted right below the engine, that complements the bike’s colour scheme well.

The Hornet CB125 is powered by a 123.94cc engine that produces 11.14PS and 11.2Nm, and comes with a 5-speed gearbox. The Hornet’s engine is black as well, however, without any colour accents, it looks a bit simple. Both of these bikes get metal-finished exhaust covers that look quite premium.

That said, the Honda CB125 Hornet shares its engine with the Honda SP125. In case you want to know more about these bikes, we compare them in images to help you understand  what suits you the best.

Underpinnings

Both the bikes have black  chassis , which look quite good. The Raider 125 comes with a black telescopic fork, while the Hornet has a golden-coloured inverted fork, which looks quite premium. Both the bikes have a red monoshock, however the one on the Raider matches its red paint scheme.

That said, with a disc brake on the front as well as the rear wheel, the Raider looks more expensive than it is. In comparison, the Hornet only has a disc brake at front – a drum at the rear. Both the bikes roll on 17-inch alloy wheels. The differently painted wheels on the Raider look unique, while the neon coloured wheels on the Hornet look quite bold.

Features

Visually, the Raider’s headlamp looks simpler than the Hornet’s. It’s also easier to like, while the Hornet’s headlight design could be disliked by some. Also, the 5-inch TFT on the Raider 125 is quite modern-looking, as opposed to the 4.2-inch TFT unit of the Honda, which looks a bit simple. 

Price Comparison 

While the TVS Raider 125 is the cheaper of the two bikes, its rear disc brake improves its safety quotient. Also, in terms of looks, I like the Hornet more for its aggressive design, while, to me, the TVS Raider feels a bit too understated for my liking.  All said, the Raider is easier to like visually, while the Hornet stands out. It's important to note again that looks are subjective, and you might like how something looks, while someone else won’t. 

For a clearer perspective on the Honda CB125 Hornet's real-world performance, you can check out this story where we have laid out what we liked and didn't like about the bike.