The first two motorcycles that come into one’s mind when one talks about motorcycles in the 125cc segment are the Bajaj Pulsar 125 and the TVS Raider 125. Both these bikes appeal perfectly to riders looking for style, performance, and affordability. They are designed to give a good riding experience at an affordable price. Let’s compare these bikes to know which one better fits your needs.
Design and Looks
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 sticks to its classic Pulsar look many riders love. This means it has a muscular body and sharp lines, giving it an overall sporty look. The tank is pretty bulky and gives a good, tough, and strong presence on the road. It features a split seat setup, which adds to the sporty feel. So, all those looking at a strong, solid-looking bike might prefer the Pulsar 125.
On the other hand, the TVS Raider 125 is a very much modern-styling bike. A sleek and aggressive look attracts younger customers. A sharp headlamp gives that bike a futuristic feel. It comes with a digital instrument cluster that stands out in terms of technology. Slim and trendy, this body of the TVS Raider will appeal to those in search of a new and modern design. For added comfort and sporty vibes, it has a split seat.
Engine Performance
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 has a single-cylinder air-cooled engine with approximately 11.8 horsepower. So it has smooth riding, good low-end torque, and is great for city traffic. With a 5-speed gearbox, it keeps the engine calm at high speeds so it’s a great bike for both city and short highway rides.
The 125cc air-cooled engine, churning out 11.4 bhp, is available in the TVS Raider 125. Two modes: ECO for that some extra saving at the fuel pump and Power for a dash of excitement while riding-a perfect combination of both worlds. The Raider feels a little more modern and more tech-savvy.
Comfort and Riding Experience
The Pulsar 125 has a comfortable seating position. The split seat setup is soft, and the overall riding posture is upright. This makes it a good bike for daily commutes. You won’t feel too much pressure on your back or wrists, which is ideal if you ride in traffic often. The suspension on the Pulsar 125 is also tuned for comfort. It easily absorbs bumps and potholes, making your ride smooth even on rough roads.
The TVS Raider 125 focuses on a sportier riding experience. The seating position is slightly more aggressive but not uncomfortable. It gives you a sense of control, and the bike feels nimble. The suspension on the Raider is also well-balanced. It offers good handling and keeps the bike stable when you are taking sharp turns or riding at higher speeds. The Raider 125 also comes with a feature called SmartXonnect which allows you to pair your phone with the bike’s instrument cluster. This adds a layer of convenience for riders who like to stay connected while riding.
Fuel Efficiency
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is a fuel-efficient two-wheeler, which would bring you approximately 50 to 55 kmpl, depending on the riding style. If there’s a smooth and easy ride going around the city, then there will be efficient mileage. Even the 5-gear box contributes toward keeping the engine soundless, making it even more fuel-efficient. For those who are on the lookout for a bike that may help in making one’s daily commute without piling up the savings, here comes the Pulsar 125 as a decent option.
TVS Raider 125 is another fuel-efficient bike, with a catch: it does come with an ECO mode that will help save some amount of fuel. But in this mode, the Raider can give you around 55 to 60 kmpl, which puts it at one of the tops among its peers in this department. Now, if you switch on the power mode, then you will lose some of the mileage, but the bike becomes that much more fun to ride. So, the Raider 125 gives you flexibility between performance and mileage so you can choose at your will.
Features and Technology
You can’t ride a bike nowadays without technology, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 steers clear of giving too many features. It still comes with a semi-digital instrument cluster that shows just information like speed, fuel, and an odometer. The Pulsar 125 also comes with backlit switchgear, although it is a small gesture in terms of helping while riding at night. In a nutshell, it has kept things simple and made it more performance-based than a piece of fancy gear.
The TVS Raider 125 is a feature-packed bike. It sports a fully digital instrument cluster with gear position, fuel range, and even time. SmartXonnect lets you Bluetooth-connect your phone with the motorcycle, and call and message alerts pop up on the screen itself. The Raider also comes with an under-seat storage area, rather small but very practical. For those modern technology lovers, the Raider 125 offers more of this gadgetry.
The Ending Thoughts
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 and TVS Raider 125 are both awesome bikes in their category. If a thing is classy and strong, with smooth riding, then it is for you. Good enough for daily commutes, it offers solid fuel efficiency. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 has more of a modern, sporty aspect- more features and fun riding. It also has better technology, such as SmartXonnect and riding modes.
