TVS Raider Review: Much-Awaited FI Upgrade!

This is the full review of the TVS Raider 125 FI.

Since its debut, the TVS Raider 125 has changed the game for the 125cc segment.

It offered something different and unique, something that was unexpected in this traditional segment: style, performance, and features.

After nailing down these three important aspects of a motorcycle, the TVS Raider 125 has become one of the best-selling 125cc bikes in Nepal.

Following up on its success, TVS Nepal has finally been given a much-awaited upgrade.

It finally comes with a Fuel Injection along with FI-centric upgrades! However, these new upgrade comes with a Rs. 22,000 price increase, priced at Rs. 2.96 Lakhs.

Does the new TVS Raider 125 justify its new asking price?

This is the TVS Raider FI Review.

TVS Raider Review

Design

TVS Raider 125 sports one of the most unique styling for its segment. It might be a 125cc motorcycle on the spec sheet, but everything about it says otherwise.

While the 125cc segment is known for its reserved styling, Raider does a complete U-turn.

It combines numerous aggressive elements like a muscular fuel tank, sculpted undertones, and over-the-top styling. Moreover, it adds vibrant colors to match its futuristic appeal.

There is no “125” badging anywhere on the motorcycle.

Quite frankly, it does not feel like a 125cc machine. It has that X-factor, matched beautifully with the muscular feel and premium design.

Interestingly enough, these visual elements are nowhere close to the features it has on offer.

Additionally, the TVS Motor goes an extra step!

It comes with an Animalistic LED Headlamp with unique Signature LED DRLs. Compared to the front lamps, the rear LED tail lamp feels a bit toned down.

The performance for both High-Beam and Low-Beam is only decent. High-beam would have been a little wider and the low beam would have been a little brighter.

Similarly, there are other segment-leading features as well. It comes with 3 Tone Colors, Raider 3D-emblem, Engine Cowl, and Split-Seat!

That is the main charm behind the Raider.

It does not do a bare minimum, rather it goes well and beyond.

There are a few visual differences between the older Raider Carb and the newer Raider FI.

The Raider FI sports a minor TVS intelliGO Stickering, Catalytic Converter, and Ride Mode Switch. These visual changes are only noticeable on a closer inspection.

Performance

TVS Raider is powered by a 124.8cc, Single-Cylinder, 3-valve, Air-Oil-Cooled SI engine.

The new FI Engine generates a max power of 11.38 PS at 7500 rpm and a max torque of 11.2 Nm at 6000 rpm. Moreover, it is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a 10-liter fuel tank capacity.

Compared to the Carb engine, the FI Engine generates 1.52 PS less power and 0.3 Nm less torque. However, the overall FI engine feels more refined than the Carb version.

Additionally, the Raider 125 FI also comes with new features like Riding Modes, Intelligent Auto Start-Stop Technology, and Side Stand Engine Cut-Off.

Previous features like the 5-step adjustable Monoshock Suspension, USB Charging, and Wider Tyres come as before.

Additional Details

The dimensions are 2070mm in length, 767mm in width, and 1028mm in height. Moreover, the wheelbase sits at 1326mm.

TVS Raider gets a 180mm ground clearance. And, the kerb weight is 123kg.

Features

Braking Performance

Like before, the TVS Raider 125 comes with a Front Disc and Rear Drum configuration.

While there is no Single-Channel ABS, it gets a Synchronous Braking Technology (SBT).

The front brakes provide an excellent bite. Whereas, the rear brake leaves do not have enough. Nevertheless, both work together to offer good braking performance.

That being said, TVS should consider offering a Rear Disc Brake as an option to boost confidence at higher speeds.

Tyres

TVS Raider comes with an 80/100-17 front tyre and a 100/90-17 rear tyre.

There is no change in the overall tyre dimensions. However, TVS Motors has opted for slightly wider 17-inch tyres instead of 18-inch like in other popular 125cc commuters.

The on-road performance of the tyres is good.

It provides enough traction at higher speeds. Interestingly enough, the bike does offer cornering confidence, but the relatively thinner tyres fail to pull through.

Again, nobody expects a 125cc to do aggressive cornerings. Other than that, the tyre is a good performer in almost all other regards.

Suspension

TVS Raider comes with a Telescopic Fork and Adjustable Monoshock Suspension setup.

While the front comes with traditional Telescopic forks, the rear one is a Monoshock! It is quite rare to see Monoshock Absorbers in this segment, so this is a welcoming change.

That being said, the rear suspension is on a stiffer side. But, there is a hint of softness too.

It is done so to keep the motorcycle stable at a higher speed while making bumpy roads tolerable. It does so by providing a more jumpy experience around plot holes and rough terrains.

Seat Comfort and Pillion

TVS Raider comes with a Split-Seat Setup.

It shares the seating material with the TVS NTorq, so it is comfortable during long rides. Plus, the same can be said about the pillion seat.

Interestingly enough, the seating material helps absorb some of the bumps. While the bumps are felt, the impact of those bumps is slightly reduced.

TVS has boosted its practicality by offering storage space underneath the rear pillion seat. It is decent-sized for important documents (including smartphones).

Fuel Tank Capacity and Mileage

TVS Raider sports a 10-liter fuel tank capacity.

Being a 125cc engine, it achieved a 45-50 kmpl average mileage during our testing. So, a full tank will give a 450km-500km range.

Digital Meter

TVS Raider features the information-loaded LCD Color Display!

It provides plenty of information including an Odometer, Speedometer, Tripmeter, Service Due Indicator, Clock, Gear Indicator, Side Stand Indicator, Top-Speed Indicator, and more.

Raider tops it off by including USB Charging Port as standard.

Unfortunately, it lacks support for Smartphone Connectivity and Turn-by-Turn Navigation. However, the included display is still informative and functional.

TVS Raider 125 Features Highlight

• 125cc 3-Valve Engine
• Uniquely Sporty Styling with 3-Tone Colors
• Animalistic LED Headlamp with Unique LED Taillamp
• Full Digital LCD Meter with Multi-Information Display
• TVS One-Touch Start
• TVS IntelliGo Auto Start-Stop Technology (in FI)
• Eco and Power Riding Modes (in FI)
• USB Charging Port
• Wider Split Seat
• Under Seat Storage
• MonoShock Suspension
• Front Disc and Rear Drum Braking

My Experience with the TVS Raider FI

Refined FI Performance

The switch to Fuel Injection has been the most-awaited one.

After experiencing the magic behind the TVS Raider 125 Carb, I am happy to report that the overall experience remains enjoyable today as well.

While there is a slight decrease in powertrain figures, it has resulted in more refined performance.

The overall vibrations are well-contained within the rev range.

Nevertheless, the engine still preserves its perkier nature, where the smooth gearshifts help add to that fun experience.

There are no vibrations at 4000-5000rpm. However, the vibrations start to creep in at higher revs. It means that the engine is super refined at the mid-range, with decent enough low-end performance.

Furthermore, the rev-happy nature helps the real-world performance feel a bit more sportier.

TVS has included Two Riding Modes: Eco and Power.

Does a 125cc need a riding mode? No.

Yet, there is a noticeable difference between the two riding modes. Eco mode has a more toned-down feel to it, whereas the Power mode has a punchier push.

The raw grunt is present in the Power mode, giving the ride quality an extra spice and character. However, that rawness never feels overpowering.

The choice of opting for either Eco or Power mode will depend on its priority.

If you are mileage-conscious, then Eco mode would be the go-to choice. Whereas, if you want perky performance, then Power mode would be the appropriate choice.

There isn’t a drastic difference between the Carb and FI iterations. However, the FI version comes equipped with practical quality-of-life improvements.

As an example, the Side Stand Cut-Off function one-ups safety whereas the IntelliGo function helps preserve mileage.

Again, TVS Raider delivers what nobody expects from a 125cc motorcycle.

It is super flexible in tight city traffic, enjoyable on highways, and functional on off-roads. The lightweight body makes it a good starting point for those starting in the world of motorcycles.

Conclusion

With a new FI upgrade, the TVS Raider 125 continues to be an inciting option in the 125cc category.

While the competition is finally catching up, the TVS Raider 125 enjoys good market dominance in the Nepali market.

It is a good example of putting customers first.

Raider ultimately does what it has to do, to be a practical and stylish commuter. It can be your very first naked sport or a good alternative to a scooter.

Rather than focusing on what it lacks, please focus on what it offers. And, quite frankly, it offers a lot.