New Delhi
Face-off for the best 125cc bike: TVS Raider vs Honda SP125 vs Bajaj Pulsar 125 vs Hero Glamour
Featured Stories by Team Drivio | 24 Apr 2023
The TVS Raider strikes an incredible balance between performance, styling and fuel efficiency.
- The Glamour 125 boasts of being quite a looker.
- The Pulsar 125, on the other hand, is a rev-happy little machine.
- Honda has designed the SP125 in a way that it not only attractive but very rider friendly too.
TVS has just released its latest product, the Raider 125, which competes with luxury models in the 125cc class like the Honda SP125, Hero Glamour, and Bajaj Pulsar 125. We compared the four bikes on paper, and this is how they fared.
Engines Specs
| Specifications | TVS Raider | Honda SP125 | Hero Glamour | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
| Engine | 124.8cc single-cylinder 3-valve | 123.94cc single-cylinder | 124.7cc single-cylinder | 124.4cc single-cylinder 2-valve |
| Maximum Power | 11.38PS @ 7,500rpm | 10.8PS @ 7,500rpm | 10.8PS @ 7,500rpm | 11.8PS @ 8,500rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 11.2Nm @ 6,000rpm | 10.9Nm @ 6,000rpm | 10.6Nm @ 6,000rpm | 10.8Nm @ 6,500rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed |
The displacement of all four bikes is roughly the same, however the Pulsar 125 produces the most power due to its sporty nature. The TVS Raider 125, on the other hand, benefits from a torquey engine that arrives lower down the rev range, making it a better commuter option. Not to mention that it weighs 13kg less than the Pulsar 125.
While the SP125 and Glamour produce almost the same power and torque, the former weighs 5kg lighter and should have a little advantage over the Hero bike in terms of city performance.
TVS also claims that the Raider 125 would get 67kmpl, which matches the Glamour's results from our road test. Even though the Pulsar 125 has a larger gasoline tank, the engine isn't as fuel efficient as the competition. As a result, fuel stops will be more frequent than expected.
Design & Features
| Features | TVS Raider | Honda SP125 | Hero Glamour | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
| LED Headlamp | Yes | No | No | No |
| Fully-digital Console | Yes | Yes | Yes (Xtec) | No |
| LED indicators | No | No | No | No |
| Riding modes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Alloy wheels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Yes | No | Yes (Xtec) | No |
The most features are available on the TVS Raider 125. It also includes a high-end edition with a 5-inch colour TFT screen and TVS' SmartXonnect Bluetooth capability. In terms of features, the Glamour Xtex variation comes closest.
The SmartXonnect variant has a 5-inch colour TFT screen, and the SmartXonnect Bluetooth module (when paired with a smartphone) provides features like turn-by-turn navigation, weather updates, music control, incoming/missed call alerts, voice assist, auto navigation to the nearest petrol pump in case of low fuel, cricket updates, social media updates, and SMS alerts.
The TVS Raider's LED visage looks very familiar, even Bumblebee-like. Its bikini fairing is consistent with TVS' sporty bare design language. The gasoline tank is substantial, with sharp tank extensions. The sharp side panels and split seat add to the sporty appearance. It also has a single seat option, which lends the bike a slightly commuter appeal.
Suspension, Brake & Tyres
| Specifications | TVS Raider | Honda SP125 | Hero Glamour | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
| Front suspension | 30mm telescopic fork | Telescopic fork | Telescopic fork | Telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | 5-step adjustable gas-charged monoshock | 5-step adjustable dual springs | 5-step adjustable dual springs | 5-step adjustable twin gas-charged springs |
| Front tyre | 80/100-17 | 80/100-18 | 80/100-18 | 80/100-17 |
| Rear tyre | 100/90-17 | 80/100-18 | 100/80-18 | 100/90-17 |
| Front brake | 240mm Disc/130mm Drum | 240mm Disc/130mm Drum | 240mm Disc/130mm Drum | 240mm Disc |
| Rear brake | 130mm Drum | 130mm Drum | 130mm Drum | 130mm Drum |
The Raider 125 now boasts a more advanced gas-charged monoshock. This should result in a smooth journey around town. Furthermore, the 17-inch alloy wheels (same as the Pulsar 125) should make handling and steering easier. On the other hand, the SP125 and Glamour's 18-inch wheels provide more stability but are more difficult to manoeuvre. So, if you're searching for a more sporty option, TVS and Bajaj bikes are the way to go.
The Raider 125's wheels are wrapped in TVS Remora rubber, which provides good grip and stability.
Dimensions
| Dimensions | TVS Raider | Honda SP125 | Hero Glamour | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
| Wheelbase | 1326mm | 1,285mm | 1273mm | 1320mm |
| Ground clearance | 180mm | 160mm | 180mm | 165mm |
| Kerb weight | 123kg | 117kg | 123kg | 140kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 10-litres | 11-litres | 10-litres | 11.5-litres |
| Seat height | 780mm | 790mm | 793mm | NA |
Because of its 1326mm wheelbase, the Raider 125 should be the most stable. It also has the lowest seat height, making it ideal for shorter riders.
With its short wheelbase and high ground clearance, the Hero Glamour should be more manoeuvrable and practical. When evaluating Indian road and traffic conditions, these two criteria are critical.
Price & Verdict
| Price | TVS Raider | Honda SP125 | Hero Glamour | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
| Ex-showroom Delhi | Rs 93,719 onwards | Rs 85,131 onwards | Rs 78,768 onwards | Rs 89,254 onwards |
While the TVS Raider 125's drum brake variant is less expensive than competitors, the disc brake variant (which is normally favoured) commands a little premium. However, with LED lighting, gas-charged monoshock, an LCD screen, and ride modes, it is the most feature-packed of the three and should provide good value for money. Not only that, but it appears more modern.
