The 2025 TVS Raider 125 redefines India’s 125cc motorcycle segment with its bold design, advanced technology, and thrilling performance. Priced from ₹87,375 to ₹1.15 lakh (ex-showroom), it sold 27,481 units in June 2025, capturing a significant share of the sporty commuter market. With over 300,000 units sold since its 2021 debut, the Raider 2025 introduces a connected TFT console, Level 2 rider aids, and a new Super Squad Edition, taking on rivals like the Honda Shine 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125, and Hero Glamour X 125. This comprehensive review explores why the TVS Raider 125 2025 is the ultimate choice for young riders, commuters, and enthusiasts seeking style and performance.
Revolutionary Design: Sporty and Futuristic
The 2025 TVS Raider 125 sports a striking, aggressive design that blends streetfighter aesthetics with commuter practicality. The front features a robotic LED headlamp with edgy DRLs, a muscular 10-liter fuel tank, and sharp tank shrouds. The rear showcases a sleek LED taillight and split-seat design for a sporty vibe. Measuring 2,070 mm long, 785 mm wide, and 1,028 mm tall, with a 1,326 mm wheelbase, it’s agile yet commanding. The 180 mm ground clearance tackles urban roads, and 11 vibrant colors—Striking Red, Blazing Blue, Wicked Black, Fiery Yellow, and more—include a Super Squad Edition with superhero-inspired graphics.
Key Exterior Highlights:
- Robotic LED headlamp with edgy DRLs
- Muscular 10-liter tank with bold graphics
- Sleek LED taillight with split-seat design
- 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres
- 11 colors, including Super Squad Edition
Interior Comfort: Rider-Centric and Modern
While motorcycles lack traditional interiors, the Raider 125’s cockpit is designed for sporty comfort. The split-seat, at 780 mm high, offers a cushioned ride for 20–50 km commutes, with decent pillion comfort. The upright handlebar and centrally placed footpegs ensure an ergonomic yet aggressive posture. The 5-inch TFT console (SmartXonnect variant) provides turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and ride analytics via TVS SmartXonnect, while base variants use a reverse LCD cluster. A USB charger and side-stand engine cut-off add practicality, though some riders miss a quick-shifter on lower trims.
Comfort Features:
- 780 mm cushioned split-seat
- Ergonomic handlebar and footpeg layout
- 5-inch TFT console with SmartXonnect
- USB charging port
- Side-stand engine cut-off
Powertrain: Thrilling and Efficient
The 2025 Raider 125 is powered by a 124.8cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, 3-valve engine, producing 11.38 PS at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, it delivers a 0-60 km/h sprint in ~5.9 seconds and a top speed of 99 km/h, ideal for city and highway rides. The engine features Eco and Power modes, with real-world mileage of 56–65 kmpl (71.94 kmpl ARAI). The 10-liter tank offers a 560–650 km range, perfect for trips like Mumbai to Pune. Some users note minor vibrations at high revs, but the engine’s refinement shines.
Engine Specifications:
- Engine: 124.8cc, air-cooled, 3-valve
- Power: 11.38 PS @ 7,500 rpm
- Torque: 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Fuel Economy: 56–65 kmpl (real-world)
Safety: Confidence on Every Ride
The 2025 Raider 125 prioritizes safety with a Combi Brake System (CBS) across all variants, with a 240 mm front disc and 130 mm rear drum on higher trims (Drum variant uses 130 mm front/rear). Dual-channel ABS is available on the SmartXonnect variant. Telescopic front forks and a 5-step adjustable monoshock rear suspension ensure stability, though heavy pillion loads can feel firm. Tubeless tyres (80/100-17 front, 100/90-17 rear) reduce puncture risks, and the 180 mm ground clearance handles rough roads. While not NCAP-rated, the robust frame suggests a 3–4-star potential.
Safety Features:
- Combi Brake System with dual-channel ABS
- 240 mm front disc brake option
- Tubeless tyres for puncture resistance
- 180 mm ground clearance
- Side-stand engine cut-off
Pricing and Variants: Premium Value
The 2025 Raider 125 offers six variants—Drum, Single Seat, Split Seat, iGO, Super Squad Edition, and SmartXonnect—catering to commuters and enthusiasts. Prices range from ₹87,375 (Drum) to ₹1.15 lakh (SmartXonnect) ex-showroom, with on-road prices in Delhi hitting ₹1.30 lakh. Financing includes EMIs of ₹2,972–₹3,500/month at 9% interest, with a ₹10,000–₹20,000 down payment and cashback up to ₹12,345 via TVS’s festive offers. The Raider undercuts the Bajaj Pulsar 125 (₹94,451) but is pricier than the Honda Shine 125 (₹89,245).
India Pricing Structure:
- Drum: ₹87,375 – Reverse LCD, CBS
- Single Seat: ₹93,865 – Disc brake, single seat
- Split Seat: ₹98,215 – Split seat, disc brake
- iGO: ₹98,215 – iGO Assist, disc brake
- Super Squad Edition: ₹99,465 – Superhero graphics
- SmartXonnect: ₹1.15 lakh – TFT console, navigation
- On-Road (Delhi): ₹97,000–₹1.30 lakh
- Financing: ₹10,000–₹20,000 down, ₹2,972–₹3,500/month EMI
Global Pricing (Indonesia, Sample):
- SmartXonnect:
IDR 25 million (₹1.35 lakh)
Technology: Connected and Cutting-Edge
The Raider 125’s tech suite, powered by TVS SmartXonnect, elevates its appeal. The 5-inch TFT console (SmartXonnect) offers navigation, call/SMS alerts, voice assist, and ride analytics, while base variants use a reverse LCD cluster for speed, fuel, and gear position. LED lighting enhances visibility, and a USB charger keeps devices powered. Eco and Power modes optimize efficiency or performance, and the SmartXonnect app enables service scheduling. Some users report app connectivity glitches with older smartphones, but over-the-air updates keep the system fresh.
Technology Highlights:
- 5-inch TFT console with SmartXonnect
- LED headlamp and taillight
- Eco and Power ride modes
- USB charging port
- SmartXonnect app for connectivity
Riding Dynamics: Agile and Thrilling
The Raider 125 delivers a sporty ride, with a lightweight 123 kg frame and agile handling. The 124.8cc engine’s torque ensures quick overtakes at 30–60 km/h, hitting 0-60 km/h in ~5.9 seconds. Telescopic forks and a monoshock suspension balance comfort and dynamics, though rural potholes with a pillion can feel firm. The bike’s 35-degree lean angle and 99 km/h top speed make it a corner-carving thrill, with braking (60-0 km/h in ~35 meters) offering confidence, especially with ABS.
Performance Metrics:
- 0-60 km/h: ~5.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 99 km/h
- Braking (60-0 km/h): ~35 meters
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm
- Kerb Weight: 123 kg
Fuel Efficiency: Wallet-Friendly Champion
The Raider 125’s 56–65 kmpl real-world mileage (71.94 kmpl ARAI) leads the 125cc segment, outpacing the Bajaj Pulsar 125 (50 kmpl) and matching the Honda Shine 125 (55 kmpl). The 10-liter tank offers a 560–650 km range, ideal for daily commutes or trips like Delhi to Chandigarh. At ₹100/liter, a full tank costs ₹1,000, keeping costs low. Heavy traffic may drop mileage to 50–55 kmpl, but Eco mode ensures efficiency.
Fuel Economy:
- Real-World: 56–65 kmpl
- City: 50–55 kmpl
- Highway: 60–65 kmpl
- Tank Capacity: 10 liters
- Range: 560–650 km
Practicality: Built for Urban and Rural
The Raider 125’s compact dimensions and lightweight frame make it a breeze to navigate city traffic or park in tight spaces. The 10-liter tank suits weekly refills, and under-seat storage holds essentials like documents. The 180 mm ground clearance and sturdy chassis handle rural roads, while the split-seat design offers decent pillion comfort for short trips. Its sporty stance appeals to young riders, though family utility trails commuters like the Honda Shine 125.
Practicality Features:
- 10-liter fuel tank for long range
- Compact dimensions: 2,070 mm x 785 mm x 1,028 mm
- Under-seat storage for essentials
- Split-seat for pillion comfort
- 180 mm ground clearance
Competitive Edge: Standing Out
The Raider 125 competes in India’s 125cc segment, which held a 15% market share in 2024. Key rivals include:
- Honda Shine 125: ₹84,493–₹89,245, 10.63 bhp, 55 kmpl
- Bajaj Pulsar 125: ₹85,178–₹94,451, 11.64 bhp, 50 kmpl
- Hero Glamour X 125: ₹89,999, 10.7 bhp, 60.5 kmpl
- Hero Super Splendor: ₹89,999, 10.7 bhp, 60.5 kmpl
The Raider’s TFT console, ABS, and sporty design give it an edge, though its price premium trails the Shine’s affordability.
Unique Selling Points:
- Class-leading 56–65 kmpl mileage
- 5-inch TFT console with navigation
- Dual-channel ABS and ride modes
- Sporty streetfighter design
- TVS’s reliable engineering
Awards and Recognition
The 2025 Raider 125 has earned accolades:
- Bike India: Best 125cc Motorcycle 2025
- ZigWheels: Top Sporty Commuter
- AutoX: Design Excellence Award
- Overdrive: Performance Bike of the Year
Customer and Expert Feedback
Riders love the Raider’s style and tech. A user said, “The TFT screen and sporty look make every ride exciting!” Another noted, “Mileage is fantastic, but high-speed vibes could improve.” Experts praised its “thrilling performance and modern features,” though some flagged the firm pillion seat. Social media buzz calls it “India’s sportiest 125cc bike.”
Color Options and Styling
The Raider 125 offers vibrant personalization:
- Standard: Striking Red, Blazing Blue
- Premium: Wicked Black, Fiery Yellow
- Super Squad Edition: Superhero-inspired graphics
Ownership Experience: Hassle-Free
TVS’s warranty is robust:
- Basic: 5 years/60,000 km
- Roadside Assistance: 1 year
- Service Intervals: 6,000 km
- Annual Maintenance: ₹3,000–₹4,000
With 2,000+ service centers, parts are affordable, and insurance costs ₹6,000–₹8,000/year. The Raider’s resale value is strong.
Sustainability: Eco-Conscious Design
The BS6 Phase 2 engine reduces emissions by ~10%, and TVS’s green manufacturing aligns with eco goals. An electric variant is rumored for 2027.
Booking and Delivery
Bookings opened in July 2025, with a ₹10,000 token at TVS dealerships or online. Deliveries began in August, with 12–30 day waits due to 30,000 bookings in Q1 2025. Test rides showcase the TFT console and ride modes.
Verdict: The Sporty Commuter to Beat
The 2025 TVS Raider 125 redefines 125cc biking with its sporty design, class-leading mileage, and advanced tech. Its TFT console, ABS, and thrilling performance make it a top pick for young riders. Minor drawbacks like a firm pillion seat don’t dim its shine. Book a test ride and discover why the Raider is India’s sportiest commuter!
