Planning To Buy A TVS Raider? Here Are The Pros And Cons

TVS Motor Company made a comeback with the Raider in the 125 cc motorcycle segment. While the segment itself may not be exciting, it does see a lot of volumes and TVS aims to gain some volumes with the Raider. The all-new TVS Raider is based on a completely new platform and will be sold in domestic markets, but will also be an important product for TVS Motor Company's exports, particularly in South East Asia and Latin American markets. It is a good-looking machine that is filled with features and offers decent performance as well. We list down the pros and cons of the motorcycle, should the Raider be on your radar. Prices of the TVS Raider start at Rs. 77,500 and go up to Rs. 85,469 (ex-showroom).

Also Read: TVS Raider Review

(The headlamp on the TVS Raider looks quirky and may get a polarising opinion, but the rest of the design is quite likeable especially the bulging fuel tank)

Pros

1. The TVS Raider is a good-looking motorcycle. And considering the segment it sits on, it's perhaps one of the more stylish, premium and sporty looking products in its class. The overall design, with a sculpted fuel tank with sharp creases, add muscle to the design, and looks more in line with the styling of 150 cc motorcycles than a 125. The Raider is available in a choice of four colours, Fiery Yellow, Striking Red, Blazing Blue and Wicked Black.
2. The Raider is powered by an all-new 124.8 cc, air and oil-cooled, three-valve engine, which produces 11.2 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm, and comes with a 5-speed gearbox. Acceleration from 0 to 60 kmph is at a claimed 5.9 seconds.
   

   (The LCD screen is loaded on information and is well laid out too. TVS will also offer a TFT screen on a higher variant with SmartXonnect Bluetooth functionality)

3. The bike also gets two riding modes, Eco and Power, with Power mode said to offer 10 per cent more power at the top-end. The instrument console is a negative LCD screen, with a long list of read-outs, including three trip meters, distance to empty indicator, Integrated Starter Generator indicator, and average speed recorder. The bike also gets a side-stand cut-off switch as a safety feature. Bluetooth connectivity with the TVS SmartXonnect system is offered on the top-spec variant, which will get a TFT screen.
   

   (The TVS Raider 125 comes across a well packaged offering that will pleasantly surprise buyers with its performance)

4. The TVS Raider gets a fairly upright riding posture, but the footpegs are slightly rear-set, offering a sporty, but comfortable riding position. The split seat design offers a wide surface area, and looks good, while offering good comfort, both for rider and pillion. The wide handlebar offers comfort as well as good leverage in handling.

Cons

(The braking on the Raider is a little iffy and the rear suspension feels a little unsettled if one is carrying decent speed into a corner)

1. The quality of plastics on the TVS Raider leaves a little to be desired. While they are decent, they could have been even better.
2. The braking on the Raider is a little relaxed, with the requisite bite missing. The motorcycle also misses out on ABS although there is the combined braking system or CBS on offer. The rear suspension feels a little bouncy in case you carry enough speed into a corner, but that is more of nitpicking, really.
3. The design on the TVS Raider is really nice, but for few of the traditional 125 cc customers, it may seem to be a little too busy or over the top. Design of course, is based on individual perspective.