TVS Raider 125 vs Honda SP125: Picture Perfect Aesthetics

TVS recently launched an updated top-end variant of the Raider 125 called the ‘TVS Raider 125 TFT DD’ and it is priced at Rs 95,600 (ex-showroom Delhi). The Raider 125 now gets a single-channel ABS and a rear disc brake, which is a segment first. One of its rivals is the Honda SP125. While the Raider is a sporty commuter, the SP125 is a premium commuter. Here’s how these two bikes compare visually

Design 

Even with the new update, TVS has kept the design of the Raider 125 unchanged, however it gets an all-new Striking Red paint scheme, which  looks quite bold. The gloss black tank shrouds and side panels makes the bike look muscular, while the red paint job gives it a sporty vibe along with the neatly finished silver graphics. 

The Honda SP125 comes with a more conventional and mature  styling which looks elegant. To make it look slightly more stylish, Honda has given the SP125 extender tank shrouds and a sharp looking headlight. The SP125 is available in five colour options: Pearl Siren Blue, Imperial Red, Grey Metallic, Marvel Blue Metallic and Gloss Black. All of which suits this bike's overall appearance but we prefer the Imperial Red paint scheme over the others.

Engine

The TVS Raider 125 comes with a 124.8cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes 11.4PS and 11.75Nm. The engine comes finished in gloss black along with a white TVS branding on its clutch cover. Along with this, the Raider 125 also gets an underbelly bodywork that goes well with its overall colour scheme.

The Honda SP125 is powered by a 123.94cc engine that makes 11.14PS and 11.2Nm, and comes with a 5-speed gearbox. The engine in the SP125 is finished in black as well, but with no colour accents, it looks a lot simpler than that on the Raider 125. Other than this, both bikes get metal-finished exhaust covers that look quite premium.

The Honda SP125 gets the same engine as in the Honda CB125 Hornet, and if you want to know more about these Honda bikes, we have compared them in images.

Underpinnings

Both of these 125cc bikes come with blacked-out frames and conventional telescopic forks which look quite good. The TVS Raider 125 gets a sporty looking red monoshock, however the SP125 gets twin shock absorbers finished in gloss red paint scheme.

To make the Raider 125 look even more sporty, TVS has given it red  calipers at both ends. While the Honda SP125 only gets a black front caliper along with a rear drum brake setup. Both of these bikes run on 17-inch alloy wheels, the Raider 125 gets a red coloured front alloy, while the ones on the SP125 are finished in Black. 

Features

The TVS Raider 125 gets an LED headlight and tail light, both of which look a lot more stylish than that on the SP125. The ones on the SP125 are a lot easier to like, while the Raider’s headlight and tail light design could be a bit too aggressive for some. Other than this, both bikes get halogen indicators. But the 5-inch TFT console on the Raider 125 looks a lot more modern when compared to the Honda’s 4.2-inch console.

Price Comparison

While the Honda SP125 is the cheaper of these two 125cc commuter bikes by Rs 2,448. However, that extra sum is justified on the Raider because of all the features it gets, as well as the safety from the rear disc brake and single-channel ABS. In terms of the looks, the Raider 125 gets a more aggressive design, while the SP125 feels a bit too understated.

All said, the SP125 is easier to like visually, while the Raider stands out. It's important to note again that looks are subjective, and you might like how something looks, while someone else won’t.