I never thought I’d get this attached to a 125cc motorcycle. But after six months and 5,200 km of riding my TVS Raider 125 through Pune’s traffic, weekend getaways to Lavasa, and even a monsoon-drenched ride to Mumbai, this bike has surprised me. If you’re eyeing the Raider 125, here’s my unfiltered ownership story—the highs, the lows, and why I’d still recommend it to fellow riders.

Why I Chose the Raider 125 Over the Honda SP 125 & Bajaj Pulsar 125

Let’s rewind to January 2023. I was confused between the Honda SP 125 and the Raider. The SP 125 promised reliability, but the Raider’s aggressive streetfighter design—those sharp LED headlights, split seats, and angled exhaust—stole my heart. What sealed the deal? Features like ride modes, a fully digital console, and USB charging. For ₹95,000 (ex-showroom), it felt like a mini Apache, not a commuter bike.

First Impressions:

  • Showroom Experience: Smooth, but the dealer pushed for unnecessary accessories. I stuck with the base model.
  • Day 1 Ride Home: The 3-valve engine’s refinement shocked me. Zero vibrations at 60 kmph and the ISG silent start felt premium.

TVS Raider Engine

The Good:

  • Power Mode = Mini Thrills: On empty Pune-Bangalore Highway stretches, switching to Power mode transforms the Raider. The throttle sharpens, and hitting 90 kmph feels effortless. I’ve overtaken 150cc bikes on inclines—no joke!
  • Eco Mode for Survival: In daily traffic, Eco mode is a savior. Mileage stays consistent (55–58 kmpl), and the engine doesn’t feel strained.

The Annoying:

  • Heat Issues: After 30 minutes in traffic, heat near the legs is noticeable. It’s not unbearable, but I’ve started wearing thicker jeans.
  • Vibrations Post 75 kmph: The handlebar tingles at top speeds, but it’s manageable for short bursts.

Mileage Wars

I track every liter via the TVS app. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Best: 63.2 kmpl (Pune to Kolad highway ride, Eco mode, 65 kmph avg).
  • Worst: 42 kmpl (Rush-hour traffic, AC office bag, and thoda rash riding).
  • Average: 52–55 kmpl (City + Highway mix).

Pro Tips from My Garage:

  • Tyre Pressure: Stick to 30 psi (front) and 32 psi (rear). A 2 psi drop cost me 4 kmpl once!
  • Fuel Quality: BPCL Speed 97 reduced engine knocking in summer.

Comfort

For Me (Rider):

  • Seat: The cushioning is Goldilocks-approved—not too hard, not too soft. Even after a 3-hour ride, no numb bum!
  • Suspension: The adjustable mono-shock (set to medium stiffness) handles Pune’s potholes better than my friend’s Pulsar 150.

For My Pillion (Usually My Wife):

  • Her Verdict: “It’s like sitting on a wooden bench at a village bus stop.” The seat is too slim, and the footpegs are awkwardly high. We now use my dad’s Splendor for couple rides.

Maintenance Costs

  • 1st Service (500 km): ₹380 (Oil change + chain lube).
  • 3rd Service (5,000 km): ₹1,200 (Air filter + brake cleaning).
  • Unexpected Costs: ₹600 for a scratched leg guard after a stray dog collision (my fault!).

Service Center Woes: TVS service in Pune is a mixed bag. The first two services were quick, but during the monsoon, they blamed “water in the fuel tank” for starting issues (turned out to be a faulty spark plug). Persistence paid off—no charges for the fix.

6 Months, 4 Annoyances: The Not-So-Good

  1. Ground Clearance Drama: With my 75 kg weight + a 65 kg pillion, the center stand scrapes on every speed breaker. I’ve learned to crawl over them at 5 kmph.
  2. TVS Connect App: Great for tracking trips, but the Bluetooth disconnects randomly. TVS needs software updates ASAP.
  3. Plastic Panels: The rear cowl developed a rattle after 4 months. Fixed with DIY rubber padding (₹20 from Amazon).
  4. Headlight Throw: Weak on unlit highways. I upgraded to a Philips LED bulb (₹1,500)—worth every rupee.

Would I Buy It Again?

Despite the quirks, yes. Here’s why:

  • Zero Breakdowns: Even after riding through knee-deep Pune rains.
  • Resale Value: My friend sold his 1-year-old Raider for ₹78,000—only ₹17k depreciation!
  • Street Cred: College kids at traffic lights still ask, “Bhaiya, Apache hai kya?”

Check out TVS Raider 125 Variants Explained: Which One’s the Best?

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Raider 125

Buy It If:

  • You want a sporty commuter for solo rides.
  • Tech features (ride modes, app connectivity) excite you.
  • Your budget is ₹1 lakh, but you crave a “big bike” feel.

Skip It If:

  • You frequently ride with a pillion.
  • Low maintenance costs are non-negotiable (the SP 125 is cheaper to maintain).
  • You’re a highway junkie (opt for the 150cc segment).