TVS Raider

125cc commuters have always been simple, fuel-efficient machines and were never sporty bikes packed with features. All of that changed with the introduction of the TVS Raider 125, a motorcycle that shook up the segment with its sporty looks, extensive feature list, and a good level of performance. It is a sporty commuter that is aimed to appeal to young riders on a budget and to bring excitement back to daily commuting.

I did spend around three weeks with the Raider 125 and in that time, used it as my daily commuter and also for a couple of longer rides to properly analyse what it was like to live with.

TVS Raider: Design

The Raider has a youthful and aggressive design language. The LED headlamp has a robotic, Transformer-like face and is flanked by edgy DRLs. The tank shrouds and the body panels flow sharply and the rear section of the bike is slightly raised. I think that the exhaust, finished in black with the brushed metal tip, adds a nice premium touch. 

There are a bunch of colour options available across the variants including Wicked Black, Striking Red, Blazing Blue, Fiery Yellow, Forza Blue, and Nardo Grey. From these colours, I personally like the bright shade of Forza Blue as well as the Nardo Grey option with red wheels which is only available in the iGo variant. The two top end variants also get a new red colour scheme with a red front wheel and a black rear wheel. If I had to nitpick, I would say that the rear section could have been sleeker, keeping the sporty theme in mind. Additionally, there are also some Superhero liveries from the Marvel universe including a Black Panther and an Iron Man edition to further enhance the bikes appeal among younger riders. To sum it up, the Raider is surely a bike that does look more expensive than it is. If you want to know how these colours look, we have a detailed explainer.

TVS Raider: Build Quality

TVS has done a really good job in the quality department, especially when considering the price of the product. The plastics feel solid, and there’s hardly any panel gaps visible. The overall fit and finish levels are top notch for this segment. Other small components like switchgear, levers and footpegs are also well-finished. 

TVS Raider: Convenience Features

The Raider’s biggest USP is its feature list. The base and mid variants come with a reverse LCD instrument cluster that displays gear position, fuel economy, trip meter, range, and more. The top-spec SmartXonnect variant takes things further with a 5-inch TFT screen offering Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts, and voice assist. There's also idle start/stop, two ride modes (Eco and Power), a USB charging port, and a side-stand engine cut-off. For a 125cc bike, this is not just generous, it’s the best in segment. If you are looking for a feature-loaded motorcycle, the Hero Glamour X 125 is also one of the good options to choose as well. We compare both the bikes to find out which one is better equipped.

TVS Raider: Safety Features

You get a single-channel ABS on the top two variants, and the side-stand engine cut-off adds another layer of safety. The bright LED headlamp manages to provide decent night-time visibility. The Raider 125 now also has a rear disc brake – a segment-first feature – but only on the top-end SXC DD and TFT DD variants. The new variants were launched on October 6, 2025. In case you missed it, here’s everything about the newly-launched variants. 

TVS Raider: Ride Quality

TVS has struck a good balance between sportiness and comfort. The telescopic front forks and 5-step adjustable rear monoshock do a commendable job of soaking up potholes, speed breakers, and road undulations. At higher speeds, the Raider maintains composure, and the suspension doesn’t bottom out easily. 

TVS Raider: Engine

The Raider gets a 124.8cc, air- and oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 11.4PS at 7500 rpm, a peak torque of 11.2Nm at 6000 rpm and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. This motor is tuned to offer peppy acceleration. It is surely a refined engine, especially in the lower revs, and vibrations are minimal even at higher speeds.

TVS Raider: City Performance

This is where the Raider feels right at home. In Eco mode, the acceleration is calm and the bike feels efficient, making it perfect for navigating bumper-to-bumper traffic. Switch to Power mode, and it becomes a little more zippy and is eager to rev quickly off the line. The 0–60kmph sprint takes just over 6 seconds, which is impressive for a 125cc commuter. Gear shifts are smooth, the clutch is light, and overtakes are easy within city limits. It feels almost like a 150cc bike in terms of in-gear punch. Here is how it stacks up against one of its main competitors, the Hero Xtreme 125R: 

TVS Raider: Highway Performance

While not built for highway touring, the Raider can hold speeds of around 80 to 90kmph comfortably. It started to feel strained above 95 km/h, so only short stints on the highway are possible. With a 5-speed gearbox, the engine doesn’t feel stressed at 70–80 km/h. Overall, if your commute includes stretches of open roads or highway flyovers, the Raider should handle them without breaking a sweat.

TVS Raider: Mileage

Mileage is where the Raider keeps its commuter heart intact. In the city, we were able to get  a mileage of 71.94kmpl which is really impressive. Out on the highway, we were able to get 65.44kmpl. With a 10-litre fuel tank, I was able to get a real-world range of over 500km, making it a budget friendly daily commuter. If you are looking for a fuel-efficient motorcycle and the Raider 125 doesn’t make the cut for you, we have compiled a list of top 5 sporty bikes with good mileage.

TVS Raider: Handling

The Raider feels nimble and light. It is perfect for darting through traffic but also stable enough for occasional spirited riding. With a kerb weight of 123 kg, it feels agile without being twitchy. Cornering confidence is decent thanks to a good weight distribution, and the tyres offer enough grip for most scenarios.

TVS Raider: Brakes

Braking is handled by a 240mm front disc and a rear disc brake, with single-channel ABS. The brake feel is progressive, and stopping distances are safe for city speeds. That said, the rear brake lacks some bite, especially under panic/emergency braking.

TVS Raider: Verdict

The TVS Raider is a sporty, 125cc commuter that redefines what a daily bike can be. It is able to be fun, stylish, loaded with features, and efficient all at once. For its price, it offers a good mix of style, performance, and tech. Whether you're a student, a young professional, or someone planning on upgrading from a 100cc bike, the Raider delivers well beyond expectations.

TVS Raider: Competition

The Raider 125 sits in a unique sporty commuter segment which is upcoming. Its main rivals include the Bajaj Pulsar N125, Honda CB125 Hornet, and the Hero Xtreme 125R. The Pulsar does offer sporty looks and good handling, but isn’t as refined or feature packed. The Xtreme 125R is also a really good looking motorcycle with commendable levels of performance but nothing is able to come close to the features that TVS are able to offer at this price point. Here’s an in-depth comparison between the TVS Raider 125 and the Honda CB125 Hornet, in case you want to know the important  differences between the bikes.

Price Analysis

TVS Raider: Price

Priced between Rs 87,010 and Rs 1,02,300 (ex-showroom prices), the Raider really offers good value for money when you consider the performance, build quality and features on offer. Here is the detailed pricing of all of the variants on offer: