TVS Raider vs Bajaj Pulsar NS125: Image Comparison

Differences between the two newest 125cc motorcycles in the market explained via detailed images  

Bajaj entered the sporty 125cc segment a couple of months ago with the NS 125, which then gave rise to a new breed of sporty yet affordable commuter motorcycles. TVS, aiming to capture a large chunk of the thriving 125cc space, followed suit with the all-new Raider, a powerful and feature-packed bike that has everyone talking. But which of the two is a better pick?

That is what we do in this image comparison. So hold tight.  

Starting off with the styling. The Raider looks fresh and youthful, thanks to its muscular tank extensions, engine cowl, split-seat setup, and bright colour schemes. The NS 125 is essentially a downsized NS160. But despite being a decade-old design, it still has a special place in our hearts. 

Other nifty bits on the Raider include an underseat storage compartment under the pillion seat, a side-stand engine cut-off, and an optional USB charging port positioned under the handlebar. The NS 125 gets no such features.

Both bikes have a sporty yet comfortable riding posture, thanks to rear-set footpegs and lower-placed handlebars. That said, there is a slight difference between the two. The Raider features a single-piece handlebar, while the NS gets clip-ons. 

Unlike the NS 125’s analogue-digital console, the Raider offers a full-digital instrument console. It’s packed with features like gear position and shift indicator, helmet reminder, top speed and average speed recorder, range and mileage indicators, Eco and Power modes, and a clock over and above the conventional readouts. 

More importantly, TVS will soon introduce another variant with a smartphone-compatible full-colour TFT console with turn-by-turn navigation, call and message functions, and more. 

Powering the Raider is an all-new air/oil-cooled 124.8cc single-cylinder fuel-injected motor producing 11.38PS at 7500rpm and 11.2Nm at 6000rpm. The NS, in comparison, packs a 124.45cc single-cylinder air-cooled 2-valve engine with an electronic carburettor. It's tuned to churn out 11.99PS at 8500rpm and 11Nm at 7000rpm. Both bikes use a 5-speed transmission.

However, the Raider gets a few extra goodies such as segment-first riding modes: Eco and Power, along with an idle stop-start system.

Both bikes use a telescopic fork and a five-step preload-adjustable gas-charged monoshock. Tyre sizes are the same as well: 80-section front and 100-section rear. Same goes for the braking setup -- a single 240mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum, with CBS. However, the ones on the Raider are petal discs that cool faster. 

The Raider weighs in at 123kg with a fairly accessible seat height of 780mm. The fuel tank capacity is 10 litres. The NS 125's seat is 805mm tall and the bike weighs 144kg kerb.

The TVS Raider is available in two variants: drum and disc, priced at Rs 77,500 and Rs 85,469, respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is available in a single disc variant priced at Rs 98,234.