Bajaj CT125X Review: Minimalism Taken To A New Level

Bajaj aims to give the audience rugged commuters with its CT series of bikes. Let’s see how well the older CT, the CT125X does its job. 

• The CT125X’s 124.4cc motor makes a decent 10.9PS and 11Nm. 
• This means it’s the same one as we have previously seen on the Discover 125. 
• It goes up against the likes of the TVS Radeon, Honda Shine 125 and the Hero Glamour.

The 125cc motorcycle segment is rapidly evolving as an entry point into stylish and slightly sporty commuters. Motorcycles such as the TVS Raider not only provide performance comparable to a 150cc bike, but also entice you with features such as LED lighting, riding modes, and Bluetooth connectivity. 

Besides, the Honda Shine has long been the segment leader, and it, too, is loaded with fancy features. And now, Bajaj wants a piece of the action, despite the fact that its contender, the CT 125X, lacks modern features and even trendy styling. Having said that, it does have an ace up its sleeve. But will that be enough to persuade buyers? Let’s find out: 

Bajaj CT125X: Design & Features

The Bajaj CT 125X has an analogue instrument cluster with USB charging capability. On the front cowl, there is also a V-shaped LED DRL unit. The bike is outfitted with halogen headlights, taillights, and indicators, as well as CBS for increased safety.

The Bajaj CT125X has a straightforward but functional design. It has a retro vibe with its round headlight and bikini fairing, and a scrambler vibe with its headlight guard, braced handlebars, and gaitered fork. A commuter vehicle has a thick cushioned seat and simple body panels.

It has a guarded halogen headlight and a braced, easily accessible handlebar. There are also tank grips, a large crash guard, a metal bash plate, semi-knobbly tyres, and a rear luggage rack. The headlight cowl now has LED DRLs, as well as blacked-out mechanicals and a new set of graphics that give the bike a sporty look. The bike seat has better cushioning and higher-quality stitching.

Bajaj CT125X: Engine & Gearbox

Despite having basic specifications that are on par with the rest of the segment, the CT125X is a joy to ride in the city. Bajaj has reduced the length of the third, fourth, and fifth gears. While the outright acceleration isn't particularly impressive, the in-gear acceleration is simply outstanding.

Bajaj has ensured that 90 percent of the engine's torque is available between 3500 and 8000rpm to help with this. So you can twist the throttle at any speed or gear and the CT will just go. In fact, you can ride the bike at speeds as low as 25kmph in fifth gear. It is most likely the most tractable motor in this category that we have tested.

Bajaj CT125X: Chassis

The front suspension on the CT 110X is a little soft, but the rear damping is quite sophisticated thanks to the spring-in-spring setup, which allows you to choose between three different spring rates. However, if you're a lighter rider, you might find the back end a little stiff. When you add a load, such as a passenger or luggage, the ride improves dramatically - after all, it is designed to be a true weight hauler.

Now, because the bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with road-biased tyres, it is not intended for off-road use. However, with its adequate ground clearance of 170mm and all the tough bits, it can handle the country's worst broken roads.

Bajaj CT125X: Dimensions

The seat height of the CT 125X is 810mm, which is on the higher side for a 125cc commuter bike. This may appear excessively tall to extremely short riders. However, due to the narrowness of the bike, anyone taller than 5'6" should have no trouble getting their feet on the ground.

However, the foot peg position is very nice - it's not fully forward-set like most commuters, but it's more centre-set, which, when combined with the rubber pads on the tank, allows you to grip the bike better and ride with more control.

Bajaj CT125X: Variants & Price

The CT 125X is available in two models: the drum brake model costs Rs 72,077 and the disc brake model costs Rs 75,277. Both are available in Ebony Black paint with a choice of Red, Green, or Blue decals.

Verdict

The Bajaj CT 125X proves to be an excellent value proposition. Its tough design and tractable engine are ideal for the real Indian riding conditions. The bike lacks flashy features in favour of more practical ones, such as a USB charger, which is ideal for someone who spends the majority of his day riding (delivery personnel or handymen). To summarise, if you're looking for something practical at an affordable price, the Bajaj CT 125X is the bike for you.