Hero Glamour 125 vs TVS Raider: Rivals Compared On Paper

These are the two best 125cc options for you in this rapidly growing segment. 

• The Glamour’s 125cc mill makes 11PS and 10.6Nm. 
• The Raider, on the other hand, makes slightly more: 11.38PS and 11.2Nm. 
• But it’s loaded to the brim with features. 

Some time back, TVS introduced a new, more affordable variant of the Raider to compete in the competitive 125cc commuter segment. Several new features are added to the bike, which should give it a competitive advantage in its segment. However, there has been no mechanical update. So, how does it compare to its chief 125cc rival, the Hero Glamour? Let’s find out: 

Hero Glamour 125 vs TVS Raider: Design & Features

While the Glamour BS6's body remains the same, it now comes in six new colour combinations: black with blue, black with grey, black with red, black with sports red, black with techno blue, and candy blazing red. The parts of the headlight are blacked out, and the mirror covers are now black rather than the prior two-tone appearance. In addition, the Xtec is available in two distinct colours: Glossy Black and Matte Axis Grey.

The Glamour BS6 still has a halogen headlamp, an LED taillight, and bulb turn indicators. It has a semi-digital instrument panel with a speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and real-time mileage indicator. The Xtec model includes an LED headlamp and a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity that offers turn-by-turn navigation and displays phone alerts, a first in this market.

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. The rear design, on the other hand, is a little lacklustre, with the tail looking out of place. Overall, the Raider appears to be a nice and sporty 125cc motorcycle.

Where the Raider makes up for any lost ground though, is with its slew of features. It has LED headlights and taillights, although the turn indicators are bulb-based. The single and split seat variants receive a negative LCD instrument cluster with the standard set of features such as a speedometer, tachometer, trip metre and a fuel gauge. It also features a low fuel, gear position, clock, fuel efficiency, and ride modes. 

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.

Hero Glamour 125 vs TVS Raider: Engine & Gearbox

A lot is expected of a 125cc commuter motorcycle. more purchasers are more concerned with performance. Despite this, TVS has paid close attention to it. While 11.4 horsepower and 11.2Nm of peak torque may not appear to be much, it is the manner in which it delivers its power that will put a smile on your face.

First and foremost, its burbly exhaust noise contributes significantly to the overall characterful experience. The bike has the fastest 0-60kph and 0-80kph times in the segment, and it shows. The Raider 125 seems fast and agile in comparison to its direct competitors. The refinement levels are likewise very high, with only a little sense of vibrations. 

The Hero Glamour BS6 now has a 125cc fuel-injected engine. It produces 11PS at 7,500rpm and 10.6Nm at 6,000rpm, respectively, which is 0.69PS and 0.4Nm less than the BS4 fuel-injected Glamour. The new motor also includes a crawl feature, which increases rpm at crawling speeds to keep the motor from stalling. It also now has i3S start-stop technology. While the BS4 Glamour had a 4-speed gearbox, the BS6 gets a new 5-speed gearbox. 

Hero Glamour 125 vs TVS Raider: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The Raider is supported by a split single-downtube frame, which is suspended by a telescopic fork in front and a monoshock in back. It is outfitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and grippy TVS Remora tyres. It has a 240mm front disc brake and a 130mm rear drum brake, and CBS is standard on all versions.

The Glamour's telescopic forks and twin shock absorbers have been modified to provide more suspension travel. Another change is a bigger rear tyre for improved stability. The Glamour BS6 retains 18-inch wheels on both ends.

Hero Glamour 125 vs TVS Raider: Dimensions

Both bikes feel quite compact and are a lot of fun in the city. The Glamour though, with its shorter wheelbase feels a bit more agile when switching directions. That said, it’s 798mm seat height is definitely on the higher side when you factor in other 125cc bikes. Other things like the ground clearance, weight and fuel tank capacity are both in the same ballpark for both the bikes. 

Spend enough time on the Raider 125 and you'll be grateful to the engineers who put it together. The ride is gentle and supple, with most undulations ironed out. Even massive potholes don't shake this lightweight bike since it's so cleverly designed.

Not only that, but it feels exceedingly light and agile, with virtually instantaneous flickability that may catch you off guard at first. However, you will quickly become accustomed to it. When it comes to braking, we discovered that using the front and rear brakes equally results in the optimal braking performance. Motorcycles with flat, single-piece seats dominate the commuter market. In contrast, the Raider has a more supportive and elegant split seat. The rider and passenger seats are also highly cushioned.

Under the pillion seat is a handy storage cubby that proved to be quite useful. 

Hero Glamour 125 vs TVS Raider: Price

The TVS Raider is available in three variants: Single Seat, Split Seat, and SmartXonnect, with pricing starting at Rs 93,719, Rs 94,719, and Rs 1,00,820 (all prices are ex-showroom Delhi). The Hero Glamour, meanwhile, has a ton of variants, the prices for which start from Rs 80,638. 

Verdict

The Raider's lively performance, segment-leading fuel efficiency, and remarkable dynamics combine to make it a more youthful, exciting, and enjoyable motorbike to ride than any of its competitors. And, at Rs 85,469 (Disc variant), it is roughly the same price as its competitors. If you want the cost, comfort, and practicality of a commuter, but also a youthful and enjoyable bike to ride, this is it.

But if you’re looking for an extremely frugal and do-it-all commuter, the Hero Glamour could be the one for you, with its lower price tag and more accessible, mellow performance.