In a bold move that has sent ripples through the Indian two-wheeler market, TVS Motor Company has unveiled the latest iteration of its popular 125cc motorcycle, the Raider.
This launch not only marks a significant milestone for the company but also sets new benchmarks in the fiercely competitive 125cc segment.
A Design That Turns Heads
The new TVS Raider is a visual treat, blending aggressive styling with practical ergonomics. The front fascia features a distinctive LED headlamp with horseshoe-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), giving the bike a premium and modern look.
The muscular fuel tank, with its sharp extensions, flows seamlessly into the sleek tail section, creating a cohesive and sporty silhouette.
K N Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO of TVS Motor Company, explains the design philosophy: “With the new Raider, we wanted to create a motorcycle that not only looks dynamic but also reflects the aspirations of today’s young riders.
Every line, every curve has been meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of speed and agility.”
Heart of the Beast
Under the sculpted bodywork lies a refined version of TVS’s 124.8cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine.
This powerplant now churns out an impressive 11.2 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, representing a modest but noticeable bump in performance over its predecessor.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, which has been refined for smoother shifts and better gear ratios. TVS claims a 0-60 km/h acceleration time of just 5.9 seconds, making it one of the quickest in its class.
Aniruddha Haldar, Vice President (Marketing) at TVS Motor Company, proudly states, “The heart of the new Raider is a testament to our engineering prowess.
We’ve not only focused on outright performance but also on refinement and efficiency, ensuring that the Raider delivers a riding experience that’s both exhilarating and economical.”
Cutting-Edge Technology
TVS has packed the Raider with features that are typically seen in higher segments.
The fully digital LCD instrument cluster now comes with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to access turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and message notifications through the TVS SmartXonnect app.
Other notable tech features include:
Ride modes (Eco and Power)
Idle Start-Stop System for improved fuel efficiency
USB charging port
LED lighting all around
Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director of TVS Motor Company, emphasizes the importance of these features: “With the new Raider, we’re not just introducing a motorcycle; we’re bringing premium features and technology to the 125cc segment.
Our goal is to offer young riders a taste of high-end motorcycling at an accessible price point.”
Handling and Dynamics
The Raider is built around a lightweight yet rigid frame, which contributes to its impressive handling characteristics.
The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, both tuned for a balance of comfort and sporty handling.
Braking duties are handled by a 240mm petal disc at the front and a 130mm drum at the rear, governed by a combined braking system (CBS).
The 17-inch alloy wheels are shod with wide tires, providing excellent grip and stability.
Safety First
TVS has not compromised on safety with the new Raider. Apart from the standard CBS, the motorcycle comes equipped with:
Side-stand engine cut-off
High-visibility LED tail lamp
Hazard lamp function (a segment-first feature)
Engine kill switch
The company is targeting high safety ratings in future two-wheeler safety assessments, showcasing its commitment to rider safety.
Market Positioning and Pricing
The Raider is positioned as a premium 125cc offering, competing with the likes of the Honda SP 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125, and Yamaha MT-15 V2.
Pricing is competitive, starting at ₹84,573 for the drum brake variant and going up to ₹91,754 for the disc brake variant with SmartXonnect features (ex-showroom, Delhi).
This pricing strategy has raised eyebrows in the industry. Automotive analyst Rajesh Kumar notes, “TVS has managed to pack features typically seen in 150-160cc motorcycles into the Raider. This aggressive pricing could potentially disrupt the entire 125cc segment in India.”
Production and Availability
To meet the anticipated high demand, TVS has ramped up production at its Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu. The company aims to produce 50,000 units per month initially, with plans to increase this based on market response.
Meghashyam Dighole, Head of (Marketing) Premium Motorcycles at TVS Motor Company, addresses the supply chain concerns: “We’ve optimized our production processes and secured a steady supply of components.
While global supply chain challenges persist, we’re confident in our ability to meet customer demand and ensure timely deliveries.”
Environmental Considerations
In line with global trends towards sustainability, TVS has incorporated several eco-friendly features in the Raider.
The Idle Start-Stop System helps reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency in urban traffic conditions. Additionally, the engine is BS6 Phase 2 compliant, with reduced emissions compared to its predecessor.
TVS has also hinted at plans for an electric version in the future, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
The Road Ahead
The launch of the new Raider is more than just a product update; it’s a statement of intent from TVS Motor Company.
The company is clearly positioning itself as a technology leader in the Indian two-wheeler space, capable of producing world-class motorcycles that cater to the evolving needs of young Indian riders.
Industry experts are watching closely to see how this move will impact the market.
Some speculate that it could force other manufacturers to up their game, potentially leading to a new era of innovation in the Indian motorcycle industry.
TVS Raider : A Game-Changer in the Making?
The TVS Raider represents a significant leap forward, not just for TVS, but for the Indian 125cc segment as a whole.
By offering a combination of striking design, peppy performance, advanced technology, and competitive pricing, TVS has thrown down the gauntlet to both domestic and international competitors.
As the Raider hits the roads, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of a company looking to dominate the 125cc segment.
Whether it will succeed in its ambitious goals remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the Raider has set a new benchmark for what Indian consumers can expect from a 125cc motorcycle.
In the words of Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company, “The Raider is not just a product; it’s a promise.
A promise that TVS can produce motorcycles that are world-class in every aspect, right here in India.”
As the two-wheeler world watches with bated breath, the TVS Raider stands poised to redefine the Indian 125cc landscape, potentially ushering in a new era of accessible performance and technology in the segment.