TVS mounts attack on 125 bike market with new Raider

TVS Motor Co has entered India’s fast-growing 125cc motorcycle market with the new Raider 125 commuter. Pricing starts at Rs 77,500 for the drum brake variant and goes up to Rs 85,469 for the disc brake-equipped sibling (prices, ex-showroom Delhi).

The 125cc bike segment is where styling is seen as one of the key buyer parameters and the Raider does well on this front with its snazzy headlight, muscular tank, crisp belly plan and split seat. The

minimalist LED tail-light is also unique for motorcycles at this price point.

The Raider 125 is powered by a 124.8cc, three-valve, air-cooled engine which develops 11.4hp at 7500rpm and 11.2Nm of torque at 6000rpm. The fuel-injected powerplant is mated to a five-speed gearbox. TVS claims the Raider does the 0-60kph sprint in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 99kph. Fuel efficiency is a claimed 67 kilometres per litre on this bike which is shod with 17-inch tyres.

Suspension duties are handled by telescopic fork and a gas-charged monoshock, which has five preload adjustments. Braking is via a 240mm disc in front and a 130mm drum at the rear on the more expensive Raider. The Raider 125, which has a wheelbase of 1326mm and a seat height of 780mm, has a kerb weight of just 123kg and a 10-litre fuel tank.

A standout feature of the TVS Raider 125 is the fully digital instrument cluster which offers all the basic readouts as well as a gear position indicator. Coming up in a few months is an optional TFT screen featuring Bluetooth connectivity. The right-hand side switchgear allows you toggle between Eco and Power modes. The Raider also has storage space located under the pillion seat. The Raider 125 is available in four colours – Striking Red, Blazing Blue, Wicked Black and Fiery Yellow.

Commenting on the the company’s newest product, K N Radhakrishnan, director and CEO, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are happy to add a new global motorcycle platform to our portfolio with the TVS Raider, which is designed for the young, digitally native Gen Z. It is equipped with cutting-edge in vehicle and connected technology.”