When TVS Motor Company introduced the original Raider 125 in 2021, it successfully carved out a distinct position in India’s fiercely competitive 125cc segment. Positioned as a “sporty commuter,” it offered a compelling blend of everyday practicality with just enough performance and visual flair to appeal to younger riders seeking something beyond basic transportation. Now, with the 2025 model year, TVS has unveiled the second generation of their successful formula—an evolutionary yet comprehensive update that builds on established strengths while addressing user feedback and market trends.
During the launch event at TVS’s Hosur facility last week, Joint Managing Director Sudarshan Venu characterized the new Raider as “the culmination of extensive customer research across urban and rural markets.” After spending two days with the motorcycle on roads ranging from Bengaluru’s congested streets to the scenic highways around Nandi Hills, I can affirm that TVS has created a thoughtfully refined package that should strengthen the Raider’s appeal across diverse rider demographics.
Design: Sharpened Identity
The 2025 Raider maintains its predecessor’s recognizable silhouette while incorporating more angular, defined surfacing throughout. The overall aesthetic remains distinctly sporty for the commuter segment, but with a more sophisticated execution that gives the motorcycle a more premium appearance.
“We wanted to evolve the design language rather than completely reinvent it,” explains Chief Designer Mohanraj Ramanujam. “The first-generation Raider established a strong visual identity. Our challenge was to sharpen and refine that identity while ensuring existing Raider owners would still recognize it as part of the same family.”
This approach is evident in the front fascia, where the distinctive LED headlamp shape has been preserved but with a more intricate internal structure featuring a segmented DRL signature. The fuel tank maintains its muscular contours but now incorporates sharper character lines and more pronounced knee recesses for improved ergonomics.
Side panels have been completely redesigned with more aggressive surfacing that better directs airflow around the rider while creating a more dynamic visual impression. The tail section features a sleeker profile with a new LED taillight that incorporates sequential turn signals—a premium touch previously unseen in this segment.
Color options show greater creativity than the previous generation, with the traditional red, blue, and black options joined by a striking Copper Bronze with matte finish and a distinctive Racing Green that shifts hue depending on viewing angle. Graphics have been reduced and refined, lending a more mature appearance without abandoning the sporty character that defines the Raider identity.
Ergonomics: Comfort Meets Control
Rider ergonomics have received thoughtful attention in the new generation. The seat has been completely redesigned with a more supportive shape and dual-density foam that provides better comfort during longer journeys while maintaining the relatively low 800mm height that makes the Raider accessible to riders of various statures.
The handlebar position has been minutely adjusted—raised by 5mm and brought 8mm closer to the rider—creating a more upright, commanding posture that reduces wrist strain during urban commuting while maintaining enough forward lean for engaged riding on open roads. Footpeg position remains sporty yet comfortable, set slightly rearward compared to pure commuters but without creating the cramped knee angle of more aggressive sport models.
“We conducted extensive ergonomic studies with riders of different heights and builds,” notes Karthik Srinivasan, head of product development. “The goal was to find that sweet spot where daily comfort meets engaged control—a position that doesn’t fatigue during the daily commute but still allows the rider to actively participate when the road opens up and becomes interesting.”
This balanced approach extends to passenger accommodation as well. The pillion portion of the seat is now 15mm longer and features improved padding, while grab handles have been redesigned for a more secure grip. Small but meaningful touches like these reflect TVS’s understanding that in the Indian market, motorcycles frequently carry two occupants even in the sporty commuter segment.
Powertrain: Refined Performance
Under the sharper bodywork, the Raider’s heart has received meaningful refinements. The 124.8cc single-cylinder engine, while maintaining the same displacement, incorporates numerous improvements aimed at enhancing both performance and refinement.
Power output sees a modest increase to 12.9 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 11.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm—gains of approximately 5% and 3% respectively over the outgoing model. More significant than the raw numbers is how this power is delivered, with a torque curve that’s been flattened and extended through the midrange where commuters spend most of their time.
“The focus wasn’t on peak figures but on usable performance,” explains powertrain engineer Rajesh Chandran. “We’ve reworked the intake and exhaust flow characteristics, optimized valve timing, and reduced internal friction throughout the engine. The result is an engine that feels more responsive and refined across the entire rev range, particularly in the 4,000 to 6,000 rpm band where most real-world riding occurs.”
These claims held true during our test ride. The engine pulls cleanly from low revs with minimal vibration, building power in a linear, predictable fashion that makes the motorcycle easy to modulate in traffic. When opened up on open roads, there’s enough top-end performance to make highway overtakes confident without venturing into intimidating territory for newer riders.
The transmission remains a slick-shifting 5-speed unit, but with improved shift mechanism featuring revised detents that provide more positive gear engagement. The clutch incorporates a new assist function that reduces lever effort by approximately 30%—a particularly welcome feature in stop-and-go urban conditions.
Perhaps most impressive is the refinement level throughout the rev range. Engine vibration, always well-controlled in the previous generation, has been further reduced through a redesigned balancer shaft and improved engine mounting system. Even when pushing toward the 9,500 rpm redline, the Raider maintains a smooth character that belies its commuter classification and price point.
Technology: Segment-Leading Features
The 2025 Raider introduces several technology features previously unseen in the 125cc segment, reflecting TVS’s understanding that today’s younger riders increasingly expect modern conveniences regardless of engine displacement.
Most visible is the new 5-inch TFT display that replaces the previous LCD unit. This full-color screen offers exceptional brightness and clarity even in direct sunlight, with multiple display themes that can be selected according to rider preference. The interface is logically organized and controlled via a five-way joystick on the left switchgear, providing access to various functions without requiring the rider to remove hands from the grips.
The SmartXonnect connectivity suite has been expanded with new functionality. Beyond the basic call and message notifications of the previous generation, the system now offers turn-by-turn navigation, music controls, and ride telemetry that tracks and analyzes riding patterns. A dedicated smartphone application enables remote features including vehicle location, service reminders, and riding statistics.
On the top-spec variant, TVS has introduced ride modes—a first for the segment. The three available modes (Eco, City, and Sport) adjust throttle response and ABS intervention to suit different riding scenarios. While the power difference between modes is subtle, the character change is noticeable, particularly the sharper initial throttle response in Sport mode compared to the more progressive delivery in Eco.
Safety technology has also been enhanced with dual-channel ABS now standard across the range—another segment first. The system has been calibrated specifically for Indian road conditions, providing confident stopping power on various surfaces without excessive intervention during normal braking. A particularly thoughtful feature is the new Emergency Stop Signal, which automatically activates the hazard lights during hard braking to alert following traffic.
Chassis and Dynamics: Balanced Capability
The 2025 Raider rides on a revised chassis that maintains the same basic architecture but with specific reinforcements to enhance torsional rigidity and rider feedback. Suspension components have been upgraded, with the front telescopic fork featuring larger 37mm stanchions (up from 30mm) and the rear monoshock receiving a more progressive spring rate and improved damping characteristics.
“We’ve completely retuned the suspension with a focus on balancing ride comfort with sporting capability,” explains chassis engineer Vikram Mathur. “The larger diameter fork provides more precise steering feedback, while the revised rear suspension delivers better bump absorption without sacrificing control during more spirited cornering.”
These improvements were immediately apparent during our varied test route. The new Raider absorbs urban road imperfections with noticeably less harshness than its predecessor, yet maintains excellent body control when pushed through twisting sections. The handling character remains accessible and forgiving—perfect for developing riders—while offering enough capability to satisfy more experienced enthusiasts within the constraints of the commuter platform.
Braking performance has been enhanced with a larger 240mm front disc (up from 220mm) and a 130mm rear drum. The front brake offers improved power and modulation, with a progressive feel that inspires confidence without being overly sensitive for newer riders. The integrated braking system ensures that even riders who habitually use only the rear brake receive some front braking force for safer stopping.
Wheel and tire specifications remain unchanged with 17-inch alloys at both ends wrapped in 80/100 front and 100/90 rear tubeless tires, but TVS has worked with their tire supplier to develop a new compound that offers improved grip in both wet and dry conditions without sacrificing the longevity that commuter customers demand.
Efficiency and Practicality: Daily Value
Despite the performance and feature enhancements, the 2025 Raider maintains excellent fuel efficiency—a critical factor for the target market. TVS claims 67 kilometers per liter under standardized testing conditions, with real-world expectations of 55-60 km/l in mixed riding—figures that position it among the most efficient motorcycles in the sporty commuter segment.
Practical details have received thoughtful attention throughout. The fuel tank capacity has been increased to 11 liters (up from 10), extending range to approximately 650 kilometers between fill-ups. Storage options include a small but useful 10-liter underseat compartment that can accommodate essential items, while a USB-C charging port positioned near the instrument cluster provides power for devices during daily use.
The lighting system has been completely overhauled, with LED technology standard throughout. Beyond the style and efficiency benefits, the new lighting provides significantly improved nighttime visibility—a crucial safety enhancement given India’s challenging road conditions and frequent after-dark commuting requirements.
Market Positioning: Value with Distinction
Despite the comprehensive upgrades, TVS has maintained competitive pricing for the 2025 Raider. The range starts at ₹95,500 (ex-showroom) for the drum brake variant, rising to ₹1,05,900 for the fully-equipped disc brake model with TFT display and connectivity features—positioning that reflects TVS’s determination to offer class-leading features while remaining accessible to their target demographic.
“The Raider customer typically seeks something beyond basic transportation but remains value-conscious,” states Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice President of Marketing. “Our research shows they’re willing to pay a modest premium for meaningful features and distinctive style, but the motorcycle must still deliver on the fundamental requirements of efficiency, reliability, and low maintenance costs.”
TVS projects monthly sales of approximately 30,000-35,000 units domestically, with additional volumes from export markets across South Asia and Africa where the Raider has established a growing presence alongside other TVS models.
TVS Raider 125 Evolution Done Right
The 2025 TVS Raider 125 exemplifies thoughtful product evolution—building on established strengths while incorporating meaningful improvements that enhance the ownership experience without fundamentally altering the motorcycle’s character or value proposition.
It delivers tangible advancements in areas that matter to the target demographic: more refined performance, enhanced comfort, improved technology integration, and distinctive styling that stands out in a crowded segment. Yet it maintains the core virtues of efficiency, accessibility, and value that are essential in the highly competitive Indian motorcycle market.
During our two days with the motorcycle, its balanced approach to the sporty commuter formula became increasingly apparent and appreciated. It handles daily commuting duties with ease, delivers impressive efficiency during extended rides, yet provides enough performance and character to make weekend leisure rides genuinely enjoyable rather than merely tolerable.