Jagadamba Motors, the authorised distributor of TVS two-wheelers in Nepal, has recently launched a 125cc motorbike TVS Raider. TVS already has two other bikes in the same category, TVS Stryker Refresh and Max. The Stryker and Max have a simple design and the looks of the bikes are not that attractive as well, but TVS Raider looks more aggressive and is definitely more attractive.
TVS Raider, in fact, can be a great example that an entry-level bike does not have to look dull and boring. This can be a great option for those who are looking for a daily commuter bike that gives you a nice mileage, will be easy on traffic and is also good looking. However, its popularity in the Nepali market is still questionable as it uses a lower engine standard.
Wondering why?
Here are the details of the bike that prove our claim.
Specifications
| Engine | Air and oil-cooled single-cylinder, SI |
| Dimension | Height: 1,028mm Length: 2,070mm Width: 785mm Wheelbase: 1,326mm |
| Displacement | 124.8 cc |
| Maximum power | 12.9 PS@ 8000 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 11.5Nm @ 6000rpm |
| Valve per cylinder | 3 valves |
| Gearbox | 5 speed |
| Top speed | 99kmph |
| Acceleration (0-60kmph) | 5.9 seconds |
| Frame | Double cradle slit synchro |
| Fuel tank capacity | 10L |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic fork Rear: Monoshock, 5-step adjustment |
| Brake | Front: Disc /drum 240mm Rear: Drum 130mm |
| Tyre | Front: 80/100-17 tubeless Rear: 100/90-17 tubeless |
| Ground clearance | 181mm |
| Kerb weight | 120kg |
Design
TVS Raider has a modern design and on the first look, it has that unique and aggressive theme that can attract people. It also has an attractive LED headlight and a mudguard upfront for more styling. The Raider logo is on the side panel and there is a 3D TVS logo on the fuel tank. The bike also gets an engine cowl, a split seat with an aluminium grab rail and an LED taillight.
Furthermore, it has a seat height of 1028mm which should be comfortable for the riders even with small height. This is a sleek designed bike that has a ground clearance of 180mm. This will make the bike glide through the traffic and the roads of Nepal hassle-free.
Currently, TVS provides four colour options for Raider: fiery yellow, striking red, wicked black, and blazing blue.
Performance
TVS Raider is powered by a 124.8cc, air-oil-cooled, single-cylinder BS4 compliant SI engine that can generate 11.38 PS of peak power and 11.2Nm torque. It has three valves whereas many 150cc motorcycles still come with two valves.
Mated with a five-speed transmission gearbox, it can reach a top speed of 99kmph and the bike can reach 0-60kmph in just 5.9 seconds, which is probably the best timing in this class category.
Brakes and suspension
TVS Raider has a sync braking technology. There are drum brakes at both ends in the base variant of the bike, but in the disc variant, there is a 240mm disc up front and a 130mm drum on the rear, which is pretty much a normal setting in most bikes of this category these days.
Talking about the suspension of the bike, there is 30mmm telescopic forks at the front and a preload-adjustable mono-shock at the rear. Tubeless tyres are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels on the bikes. The front section measures 80/100 and the rear measures 90/100.
Some of the key features of TVS Raider are:
- Naked street design
- Full reverse LCD console
- ISG- silent start
- Bold and unique LED headlamp
- Sporty toe gear shift and half chain case
- LED tail light and indicators
- 3-valves engine
- Best in class power and pickup
- Side stand indicator with engine cut-off
- 5-step adjustable mono rear suspension
- Aluminium pillion handle
- In-built USB charger
- Wider swing arm and tyres
TVS Raider is priced at Rs 247,900 in Nepal.
Verdict
TVS Raider was also recently launched in India, but with an FI and BS6 compliant engine. With the current scenario of most companies coming up with BS6 compliant and FI engine vehicles, TVS has launched a Carburetor BS4 compliant engine. This seems pretty strange as TVS is one of the first two-wheeler companies that introduced BS6 compliant vehicles in Nepal.
The price seems to be fair as compared to the scooters that are recently released, which cost more than the bike itself, but they all come with a BS6 engine. It gets competition from several bikes of Bajaj, Suzuki, Yamaha and Hero. It outperforms most of the competitors in terms of performance and looks but is also expensive from them. It will be exciting to see how people will react to the unavailability of the BS6 engine.
