Comparison of TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R
Two of the most talked-about contenders in India’s 125cc motorcycle segment are the TVS Raider 125 and the Hero Xtreme 125R. With both motorcycles, young, urban riders looking for a dash of sportiness without compromising daily usability will find a combination of style, performance, and value. Which one has the best specifications? In this head-to-head comparison, let’s compare the two.
Design & Styling
With their sharp and modern looks, the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R cater to the younger generation. However, each has its own distinctive personality.
Raider 125: Designed with an aggressive style, the Raider 125 captivates. The sharp headlamp design with LED DRLs gives it a premium look. The bike’s muscular fuel tank, split seat, and sleek rear section contribute to its sporty appeal. It comes in attractive color options like Fiery Yellow, Striking Red, Blazing Blue, and Wicked Black.
Hero Xtreme 125R: Hero has given the Xtreme 125R a dynamic design language inspired by its larger siblings. The angular tank shrouds, LED lighting, and sleek rear profile make the bike stand out. The Xtreme also gets a modern digital console that complements its youthful look. Its color options include shades like Blue, Red, and Black, all adding to its bold persona.
Regarding looks, both bikes are head-turners, but the TVS Raider leans more towards a sporty character, while the Hero Xtreme offers a more balanced approach with elements of elegance.
Engine & Performance
The heart of a motorcycle is its engine, and this is where the competition truly begins. 125cc engines power both bikes, but they have different characteristics.
TVS Raider 125: The Raider is powered by a 124.8cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 11.2 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, which allows for smooth and sporty riding. The Raider also comes with two riding modes: Eco and Power, which help adjust the throttle response according to the rider’s preference. The bike is capable of reaching a top speed of around 99 km/h and offers excellent acceleration for city commutes.
Hero Xtreme 125R: The Xtreme 125R is equipped with a 124.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It delivers 10.7 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 10.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, slightly less than the Raider in terms of power output. It also comes with a 5-speed gearbox. Hero’s engine is tuned for fuel efficiency, and the Xtreme feels smooth and composed during daily rides. However, the performance is not as aggressive as the Raider, especially in terms of throttle response.
While both bikes offer decent performance, the TVS Raider edges ahead due to its slightly more powerful engine and sportier riding modes.
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Fuel Efficiency
For riders in the 125cc segment, fuel efficiency is a significant factor.
TVS Raider 125: The Raider claims a mileage of around 67 km/l, making it one of the most fuel-efficient bikes in its class. Thanks to the Eco mode, riders can extend fuel efficiency even further during city commutes.
Hero Xtreme 125R: Hero is known for its fuel-efficient engines, and the Xtreme 125R lives up to that reputation with a mileage figure of around 60-65 km/l. It’s slightly behind the Raider, but still a very respectable figure for city and highway use.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the TVS Raider 125 takes a narrow lead, but both bikes offer great value in this department.
Features
Modern 125cc bikes are now packed with features that were once only seen in higher segments. Let’s see what each bike offers.
TVS Raider 125: The Raider comes with a fully digital LCD instrument cluster that displays information like speed, gear position, fuel level, and even a top-speed recorder. It also has Bluetooth connectivity in the higher variant, which allows for navigation and call alerts. The two riding modes—Eco and Power—add versatility to the bike’s character.
Hero Xtreme 125R: The Xtreme 125R also features a digital console with essential readouts. However, it lacks the Bluetooth connectivity option. The Xtreme comes equipped with a side-stand engine cut-off, a useful safety feature. In addition, it offers an integrated braking system (IBS) for better braking efficiency.
In terms of features, the TVS Raider 125 is slightly ahead due to its additional connectivity features and riding modes.
Brakes & Suspension
Braking and suspension play a crucial role in the overall riding experience.
TVS Raider 125: The Raider comes with a 240mm front disc and 130mm rear drum setup. It also offers an option for a rear disc in higher variants. The suspension duties are handled by a telescopic fork at the front and a gas-charged mono-shock at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable and responsive ride, whether in the city or on highways.
Hero Xtreme 125R: The Xtreme 125R gets a similar braking setup with a front disc and rear drum. It also has an option for rear disc brakes. The suspension is managed by a telescopic front fork and a 5-step adjustable rear mono shock. The Xtreme’s suspension setup is slightly stiffer, which provides better handling during spirited riding.
Both bikes offer decent braking performance, but the TVS Raider stands out for its slightly more comfortable suspension setup.
Price
Price is a deciding factor for many buyers in the 125cc segment.
TVS Raider 125: Priced between ₹95,000 and ₹1,02,000 (ex-showroom), the Raider offers excellent value for its features and performance.
Hero Xtreme 125R: The Xtreme 125R is slightly more affordable, with prices ranging between ₹90,000 and ₹98,000 (ex-showroom).
For those on a tighter budget, the Hero Xtreme 125R might seem more appealing, but the TVS Raider 125 justifies its higher price with more features and better performance.
Both the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R have their strengths. The Raider offers better performance, more features, and a sportier design, making it the choice for those looking for a more thrilling ride. On the other hand, the Xtreme 125R is a great all-rounder with a slightly lower price tag, perfect for daily commuting.
At the end of the day, your decision should depend on what you’re looking for—more features and sportiness with the Raider 125, or affordability and balanced performance with the Xtreme 125R.
If you want an in-depth look at either bike or would like to compare more options in the 125cc segment, stay tuned to STAN DAILY for the latest news, reviews, and comparisons.
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