TVS Raider Review: Urban Sport Bike under ₹1.5 L – Ride Experience & Benefits

The TVS Raider 125 is making waves in India’s commuter-bike segment with its unique mix of sporty design, modern features, and practical pricing — all under ₹1.5 L. In this review, we’ll explore what makes Raider a strong choice for urban riders: from performance and handling to real-world ride experience and key benefits.

Engine & Performance

TVS Raider runs on a 124.8 cc, air + oil-cooled, single-cylinder, 3-valve engine — a setup that delivers about 11.38 PS at 7,500 rpm and 11.2–11.75 Nm torque at 6,000 rpm (boost mode variant).
Paired with a 5-speed gearbox, Raider claims a brisk 0–60 km/h in ~5.8 seconds, giving it peppy off-the-line performance — rare for a 125 cc commuter.
For everyday commuting and city traffic, Raider’s engine feels responsive and light-footed. Thanks to the built-in iGO Assist with Boost Mode, riders get an extra surge in low-speed acceleration — useful while overtaking or merging.

Real-world fuel efficiency adds to its appeal. Official claims hover around 56.7 km/l, with many riders reporting 55–60 km/l in city use and 60–65 km/l on highways or smooth cruising — making it economical for daily commuting.

Chassis & Handling

Raider rides on a tubular frame with telescopic front forks and a 5-step preload-adjustable gas-charged mono-shock at rear.
The bike’s kerb weight is light, roughly 123–125 kg depending on variant.
Tyres are 90/90-17 (front) and 110/80-17 (rear) on disc variants, giving decent grip and stability — especially in city rides and occasional highway cruises.

On Indian roads, the setup strikes a good balance: the suspension absorbs typical potholes and bumps, while the light weight and nimble chassis make handling and maneuvering in traffic easy. For riders seeking a sportier ride than conventional commuter bikes, this chassis-engine mix delivers well.

Technology & Features

What sets Raider apart in the 125 cc commuter class is its long list of modern features. Higher variants offer a full-colour TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity (SmartXonnect), supporting features like turn-by-turn navigation, call/message alerts, ride analytics, and even voice assist.
Other useful touches include: under-seat storage, USB charging port, helmet-attention indicator, side-stand engine cut-off, and a “Follow Me” headlamp that stays on for some time after the ignition is switched off — handy in dark parking areas.
Safety-wise, the top-end variants now come with dual-disc brakes (front and rear) plus single-channel ABS — a segment-first move that adds serious value for urban riders.

Design & Practicality

Raider sports a street-fighter–inspired design with sporty tank shrouds, sharp LED headlamp and tail-lamp, split-seat layout, and a compact stance — making it look more aggressive than typical 125 cc bikes.
Fuel tank capacity is 10 litres, which along with good fuel efficiency, ensures that one refill lasts for a decent duration — practical for daily commuting.

Who Is It For

The TVS Raider 125 appeals most to urban commuters — especially younger riders or first-time buyers — who want more than just mileage from their bike. If you value sporty looks, a peppy ride, modern features like Bluetooth-enabled TFT instrument console, good fuel economy, and light, easy handling, Raider makes a strong case.

For those who commute daily in city traffic but occasionally want a fun ride on weekend highways, Raider balances practicality and performance well.

In short: TVS Raider gives you the spirit of a sport-bike, the practicality of a commuter, and the convenience of modern features — all in one balance sheet.

Verdict

TVS Raider 125 is one of the best “urban sport-style” bikes under ₹1.5 L — combining a responsive engine, sporty styling, modern tech, and practical fuel efficiency. Whether you're navigating city traffic or cruising on a highway, Raider offers a compelling value proposition. For riders seeking a fun yet sensible 125 cc commuter, Raider delivers.