TVS Raider 125 BS6: In a bold move set to shake up the Indian two-wheeler market, TVS Motor Company has unveiled the latest iteration of its popular Raider 125 motorcycle. The 2025 TVS Raider 125 BS6 promises to elevate the riding experience in the fiercely competitive 125cc segment, blending cutting-edge technology with TVS’s renowned engineering prowess.
Design Evolution: A Head-Turner on Two Wheels
The 2025 Raider 125 BS6 retains the sporty DNA of its predecessor but introduces a host of design updates that give it a more premium and aggressive appearance. The front fascia now features a sleeker LED headlamp with distinctive daytime running lights, creating a unique light signature that sets it apart on the road. The fuel tank has been resculpted to offer better ergonomics for the rider, while also enhancing the bike’s muscular profile.
Moving to the side, the Raider sports sharper body panels with new graphics that emphasize its dynamic character. The rear section has been redesigned with a new LED taillight assembly and a redesigned grab rail, completing the bike’s modern look. TVS has also introduced three new color schemes – Blazing Blue, Fiery Red, and Stealth Black – each accentuating the Raider’s sporty appeal.
K.N. Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO of TVS Motor Company, commented on the design philosophy: “With the 2025 Raider 125 BS6, we aimed to create a motorcycle that not only meets the performance expectations of today’s young riders but also appeals to their sense of style. Every line and curve has been carefully considered to make the Raider a true head-turner on Indian roads.”
Powerhouse Performance: Heart of a Champion
Under the sculpted bodywork lies the heart of the Raider’s appeal – its engine. TVS has further refined the 124.8cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine to meet the stringent BS6 Phase 2 emission norms without compromising on performance. The motor now churns out 12.9 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 11.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, offering a perfect balance of power and efficiency.
The engine is mated to a slick-shifting 5-speed gearbox, which now features an assist and slipper clutch – a segment-first feature that ensures smoother downshifts and reduces wheel hop during aggressive deceleration. TVS claims a top speed of 99 km/h for the new Raider, making it one of the quickest bikes in its class.
Fuel efficiency hasn’t been overlooked, with TVS incorporating its patented ETFi (Eco Thrust Fuel injection) technology. This system optimizes fuel delivery across the rev range, resulting in a claimed mileage of 67 km/l under standard test conditions – a figure that’s sure to appeal to cost-conscious Indian consumers.
Ride and Handling: Precision Engineering Meets Comfort
The 2025 Raider 125 BS6 is built on a refined version of TVS’s signature single-cradle tubular frame, which offers an optimal balance of rigidity and flex. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, both tuned to provide a plush ride without compromising on handling prowess.
Braking duties are handled by a 240mm petal disc at the front and a 130mm drum at the rear, with the safety net of a single-channel ABS system. TVS has also introduced a new Integrated Braking System (IBS) on the drum brake variant, which distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels for more balanced deceleration.
The Raider rides on newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels shod with wider tubeless tires, offering improved grip and stability across various road conditions. These enhancements result in a motorcycle that’s equally at home navigating crowded city streets or carving through twisty mountain roads.
Tech-Savvy Features: Riding into the Future
TVS has loaded the 2025 Raider 125 BS6 with a host of features that are typically found in higher segments. The piece de resistance is the new 5-inch TFT instrument cluster, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. Riders can pair their smartphones to access features like call and message notifications, voice commands, and even control music playback.
The Raider also introduces TVS’s new iQube Connect technology, which allows riders to access vehicle diagnostics, set up geo-fencing alerts, and track their ride statistics through a dedicated smartphone app. This level of connectivity is unprecedented in the 125cc segment and is sure to appeal to tech-savvy young riders.
Other notable features include an all-LED lighting setup, a USB charging port, and a side-stand engine cut-off function. The higher variants also offer ride modes – Eco and Power – allowing riders to prioritize either fuel efficiency or performance based on their riding conditions.
Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy
Despite the significant upgrades, TVS has managed to price the 2025 Raider 125 BS6 competitively. The base drum brake variant starts at ₹89,990 (ex-showroom), while the top-spec disc brake variant with the TFT display is priced at ₹1,02,990. This pricing strategy positions the Raider as a value-for-money proposition in the premium 125cc segment.
Aniruddha Haldar, Vice President of Marketing at TVS Motor Company, elaborated on the pricing strategy: “With the 2025 Raider 125 BS6, we’ve created a product that offers premium features and advanced technology at a price point that remains accessible to aspiring young riders. We believe this approach will not only appeal to existing TVS fans but also attract new buyers who are looking for a modern, feature-rich 125cc motorcycle.”
Industry Impact and Future Outlook
The launch of the 2025 TVS Raider 125 BS6 is expected to shake up the 125cc segment in India. Its combination of sporty design, powerful performance, advanced features, and competitive pricing is likely to put pressure on competitors like the Honda SP 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125, and Yamaha MT 15 V2.
Moreover, the introduction of connected features and advanced technology in this segment could accelerate the adoption of such features across the industry, potentially leading to more tech-savvy and feature-rich offerings for Indian two-wheeler consumers.
As the Raider 125 BS6 hits the roads in early 2025, all eyes will be on how it performs in the real world and whether it can carve out a significant market share in the highly competitive 125cc segment. With its blend of style, performance, and technology, the 2025 Raider seems well-positioned to become a benchmark in its class.
Conclusion: A New Era for 125cc Motorcycles
The 2025 TVS Raider 125 BS6 represents more than just an update to an existing model; it’s a bold statement from TVS about the future of the 125cc segment. By introducing advanced technologies, improved performance, and premium features in a traditionally commuter-oriented category, TVS is setting new standards for what riders can expect from a 125cc motorcycle.
As India’s two-wheeler market continues to evolve, with consumers demanding more from their vehicles in terms of style, performance, and features, models like the 2025 Raider will play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s direction. The success of this model could very well influence how other manufacturers approach the 125cc segment in the coming years.
With its combination of sporty aesthetics, peppy performance, advanced features, and value-for-money proposition, the 2025 TVS Raider 125 BS6 is poised to redefine the 125cc motorcycle experience. As it rolls out to dealerships across the country, it carries with it the potential to transform the way India thinks about and interacts with 125cc motorcycles, promising an exciting future for both TVS and its customers