The TVS Raider 125 has essentially “disrupted” the boring commuter segment. It doesn’t look like a bike meant for carrying milk cans; it looks like a baby streetfighter. But behind the fancy LED eyes and the “Wicked Black” paint, is it actually a good bike to live with?
After scanning through hundreds of reviews online and talking with few owners, here is the honest, no-nonsense truth about the Raider.
Quick Specs Snapshot – TVS Raider 125 (India)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine & Power | 124.8 cc, ~11.2 bhp & ~11.2 Nm torque |
| Mileage (claimed) | ~67 kmpl |
| Real Mileage (owners) | ~50–65 kmpl |
| Weight | ~123 kg |
| Seat Height | ~780 mm |
| Fuel Tank | ~10 L |
| Brakes & Tyres | Front Disc (240mm) / Rear Drum (130mm) |
| Warranty | Standard TVS warranty (~5 yrs/60 000 km) |
| On-road Price (India) | ~₹95 000–₹1.10 L (varies by state & variant) |
What’s New in the Latest Raider (2025)
The 2025 Raider range gets meaningful upgrades vs older models:
• TVS expanded variants with dual-disc brakes and CBS for better stopping.
• Newer models offer SmartXonnect with TFT display, Bluetooth, navigation & voice assist.
• Some styling and feature updates to stay fresh in the 125 cc segment.
What stayed the same:
• Engine architecture (~125 cc).
• Fuel tank & core dimensions.
The Verdict: If you are coming from an older 125cc bike, the upgrade is massive because of the refinement and tech. If you already own a 2022 Raider, the new screen isn’t worth a trade-in.
Real Benefits Owners Talk About: TVS Raider 125
Here’s what real users repeatedly mention online:
- Excellent mileage for city + highway: Many owners report ~55–65 kmpl in everyday riding.
- Sporty looks & modern features for the price: TFT/Bluetooth & ride modes give a premium feel.
- Lightweight & easy to ride in city traffic: Works well in tight spaces.
- Low maintenance cost reported by some owners: Routine services are affordable (~₹1.8k–2.5k/yr).
- Decent engine performance for segment: 0–60 km/h is quick for a 125 cc commuter.
- Comfortable ride quality for daily use: Majority find it pleasant on regular roads.
- Hidden Storage: There is a tiny storage space under the seat. Enough for a phone, wallet, or papers.
Issues people facing
- Battery Drain Nightmare: Few owners report the battery dying suddenly within 3–6 months..
- Brake & lever quality: Some report weak brake levers; brakes are decent but not outstanding.
- Poor Pillion Comfort: The split-seat looks cool but the rear seat is tiny and hard. Your partner or parents will hate long rides on this.
- Rusting Issues: Some owners complain about the exhaust pipe and frame bolts catching rust within the first rainy season.
- Average Service Centers: While TVS sells a lot of bikes, their service quality is “hit or miss.” T
- Flimsy Body Panels: The fiber body feels a bit thin. You’ll notice rattles from the headlight area after 5,000–8,000 kms.
- Thin Tyres: The rear tyre is skinny. It’s great for mileage but feels “twitchy” on wet roads.
Daily Driving Experience
City Driving
The Raider is light and agile – ,./ perfect for stop-go traffic. The power delivery and torque feel good for city speeds. Riders find it easy to flick between lanes.
Tilt telescopic front forks & mono-shock rear absorb everyday bumps well enough. However, harsh speed breakers can scrape the bottom.
Highway Riding
At steady speeds of ~55–65 km/h, the Raider is comfortable — real mileage often stays ~60 kmpl on highways.
Top speed near ~100 km/h is possible, but above that engine feels strained.
Comfort & Handling
Seat is comfortable for daily 20–40 km rides, but taller riders may feel it small. Handling is nimble, making parking and weaving through traffic easy.
Noise & Vibrations
Engine noise and vibrations are acceptable for a 125 cc bike. Only at high RPMs (>7 500) do vibrations creep in.
Final Verdict
Buy it if:
✅ You want a stylish, feature-rich 125 cc bike with good real-world mileage.
✅ You value modern tech (Bluetooth, ride modes) at this price point.
✅ You’ll use it mainly for city ride + weekend highways.
✅ You like sporty looks and light handling.
Skip it if:
❌ You need best-in-class build quality or dealer support.
❌ You expect top resale value.
❌ You aren’t okay dealing with occasional minor issues.
❌ You want a hardcore long-distance tourer out of the box.
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