TVS Motor Company has introduced an all-new 125 cc motorcycle, which claims to offer the best of both worlds; sporty performance and frugal running costs. The TVS Raider, as it's called, marks TVS Motor Company's comeback into the 125 cc motorcycle segment. The all-new TVS Raider, based on a completely new ground up platform, which will be sold in domestic markets, but will also be an important product for TVS Motor Company's exports, particularly in South East Asia and Latin American markets.
Also Read: TVS Raider First Ride Review
The headlamp on the TVS Raider looks quirky and may get a polarising opinion, but the rest of the design is quite likeable especially the bulging fuel tank
The TVS Raider is a good-looking motorcycle. And considering the segment it sits on, it's perhaps one of the more stylish, premium and sporty looking products in its class. The new headlight with the rather noticeable LED DRL (daytime running light) remains the highlight; a little over-the-top, but definitely worth noticing.
Also Read: TVS Raider Launched; Prices Start At Rs. 77,500
The 17-inch alloy wheels look nice, while the swanky LED taillight add a touch too
The overall design, with a sculpted fuel tank with sharp creases, add muscle to the design, and looks more in line with the styling of 150 cc motorcycles than a 125. A LED taillight, with a more toned down tail section completes the design. It's a handsome looking bike, and certainly looks upmarket. The Raider is available in a choice of four colours, Fiery Yellow, Striking Red, Blazing Blue and Wicked Black.
The Raider is powered by an all-new 124.8 cc, air and oil-cooled, three-valve engine, which produces 11.2 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm, and comes with a 5-speed gearbox. Acceleration from 0 to 60 kmph is at a claimed 5.9 seconds.
The TVS Raider 125 gets the LCD screen as standard, while the SmartXonnect feature will be available on a higher variant
The bike also gets two riding modes, Eco and Power, with Power mode said to offer 10 per cent more power at the top-end. The instrument console is a negative LCD screen, with a long list of read-outs, including three trip meters, distance to empty indicator, Integrated Starter Generator indicator, and average speed recorder. The bike also gets a side-stand cut-off switch as a safety feature. Bluetooth connectivity with the TVS SmartXonnect system is offered on the top-spec variant, which will get a TFT screen.
The TVS Raider 125 comes across a well packaged offering that will pleasantly surprise buyers with its performance. Ergonomics are comfortable, yet sporty, with slightly rear-set footpegs.
The TVS Raider gets a fairly upright riding posture, but the footpegs are slightly rear-set, offering a sporty, but comfortable riding position. The split seat design offers a wide surface area, and looks good, while offering good comfort, both for rider and pillion. The wide handlebar offers comfort as well as good leverage in handling.
The TVS Raider 125 gets telescopic forks up front and a 5-step adjustable rear monoshock, and runs on 17-inch wheels shod with tubeless tyres.
The Raider runs on 17-inch cast alloy wheels shod with tubeless tyres, with a telescopic front fork, and 5-step preload adjustable gas-charged rear monoshock. Braking is the choice of either a 130 mm front drum, or 240 mm front disc, with a 130 mm rear drum, with synchronised braking technology, which is basically a combined braking system with both brakes activated with either the press of the rear pedal, or the front brake lever.
Power delivery is progressive and the Raider builds speeds quickly without any notable vibrations from the engine
Currently, the TVS Raider is available at Rs. 77,500 (Ex-showroom) for the drum brake variant and goes up to Rs. 85,469 (Ex-showroom) for the disc brake variant. The top-spec Raider with the TFT instrument console with SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity is yet to be introduced, but will cost even more, possibly around Rs. 90,000 (Ex-showroom).
