Choosing between the TVS Raider 125 and Honda SP 125? Both bikes dominate India’s 125cc segment with distinct personalities and compelling value propositions.
Look, I’ve been riding and reviewing motorcycles for over a decade now, and the 125cc segment has never been this exciting. The TVS Raider 125 and Honda SP 125 are locked in a proper dogfight, each trying to outdo the other with every update. After spending considerable time with both machines, I can tell you this isn’t your typical David vs Goliath story – it’s more like watching two heavyweight boxers go toe-to-toe, each landing solid punches.
Performance and Engine
The TVS Raider 125 is the scrappy fighter here. Its 124.8cc air and oil-cooled heart pumps out 11.38 PS at 7500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. Trust me when I say this – the extra horses are noticeable. I’ve clocked 0-60 kmph in just under 6 seconds on a good day, and hitting that claimed 99 kmph top speed isn’t just marketing fluff.
Honda’s SP 125, on the other hand, is like that calm, composed rider who never breaks a sweat. Its 123.94cc air-cooled motor churns out 10.87 PS at 7500 rpm and 10.9 Nm at 6000 rpm. Sure, it’s slightly less powerful on paper, but here’s the thing – Honda’s refinement is something else. The engine feels butter-smooth, almost like it’s been running for years even when brand new.
Both pack 5-speed gearboxes, but the Raider’s three-valve setup gives it that extra lung capacity the SP 125’s two-valve configuration just can’t match. It’s like comparing a sprinter to a marathon runner – different strengths, different purposes.
Read Also: Bajaj Pulsar P125 Launch Confirmed for September 2025 at ₹90,000
Fuel Economy
Now this is where things get really interesting, and frankly, where most Indian buyers make their final decision. The TVS Raider claims a whopping 71.94 kmpl in ARAI tests. In the real world? I’ve consistently managed around 62-65 kmpl in mixed city-highway riding. Not bad at all.
The Honda SP 125 promises 63 kmpl, and honestly, it delivers pretty close to that figure. My test runs showed 58-62 kmpl consistently, which isn’t groundbreaking but certainly respectable.
Here’s where TVS has been clever – that Intelligo technology and Eco mode actually work. I was skeptical at first (aren’t we all when manufacturers throw around fancy names?), but the fuel savings are real.
Features and Technology
This is where the Raider absolutely demolishes the competition – well, at least it used to. Even the base Raider gets a fully digital cluster, LED everything, under-seat storage, and those two riding modes. The top SX variant? Man, that 5-inch color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity is something straight out of a premium bike’s playbook. Navigation, voice assist through SmartXonnect – it’s like having a smartphone on your handlebar.
But Honda wasn’t going to take this lying down. The 2025 SP 125 has fought back hard with its 4.2-inch TFT display and Honda RoadSync integration. Turn-by-turn navigation, USB Type-C charging – they’ve basically matched TVS feature for feature. The Japanese giant has finally woken up to what Indian buyers actually want.
Design and Build Quality
The Raider looks like it’s ready to pick a fight. Sharp, aggressive lines, sporty graphics – it’s clearly targeting the college crowd and young professionals who want their bike to make a statement. Those Marvel-themed Super Squad variants? Pure genius from a marketing standpoint.
The SP 125 is the gentleman in a well-tailored suit. Clean, understated, premium – it won’t win any beauty contests, but it’ll age gracefully. And here’s something I’ve noticed after years of testing bikes – Honda’s build quality is just different. Panel gaps, paint finish, the way switches feel – there’s a solidity that’s hard to quantify but easy to appreciate.
Pricing
| Variant | TVS Raider 125 | Honda SP 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Model | ₹87,010 | ₹92,678 |
| Top Model | ₹1.02 Lakh | ₹1.00 Lakh |
The Raider starts ₹5,668 cheaper – that’s significant money for many buyers. But look at the top-end variants, and the gap almost disappears. It’s like TVS is saying, “Come for the price, stay for the features.”