The 125 cc segment, traditionally the backbone of the Indian two-wheeler market, has seen a surge in competition in recent years. Even established international brands like KTM and Kawasaki are now entering this space, recognizing the high demand for these fuel-efficient and affordable motorcycles.
However, Indian manufacturers hold a distinct advantage: their expertise in understanding budget-conscious Indian consumers. As competition intensifies, let’s explore the sportiest offerings from these homegrown brands.
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
The beloved Bajaj Pulsar NS125 continues its legacy, now offering impressive fuel efficiency alongside its signature sporty looks. This naked bike injects excitement into the 125cc segment with its DNA rooted in DTS-i technology.
The Pulsar NS125 inherits the sharp handling of its larger siblings, thanks to a same chassis setup. The underbelly exhaust adds a touch of aggression to its design. Priced at around Rs. 1 lakh, the NS 125 is available in a single variant with four color options.
Powering this thrill machine is a 124.45cc, BS6-compliant engine that stays true to the DTS-i legacy. It delivers a healthy 11.99 PS of power at 8500 rpm, all while achieving a remarkable claimed mileage of 64.75 kmpl.
The NS125 boasts signature features like the menacing “wolf-eyed” headlamps and a digital instrument cluster for ride information. An optional Bluetooth connection allows smartphone connectivity for navigation, calls, and message alerts. The five-step adjustable monoshock suspension ensures a comfortable ride.
While some might find the design similar to its larger siblings, the undeniable looks and impressive performance solidify the NS125 as a dominant force in the 125cc segment. With its attractive price point, it’s no wonder the Pulsar NS125 remains a go-to choice for many riders.
Hero Xtreme 125R
Hero MotoCorp surprised everyone at the Maverick 440 launch event with the introduction of the Xtreme 125R, a streetfighter-inspired offering in the 125cc segment. This motorcycle marks a significant step forward for Hero in terms of design and features.
The Xtreme 125R boasts a stylish and aggressive look, accentuated by its muscular design and large tank extensions. This bold aesthetic is a welcome departure from Hero’s traditional commuter motorcycle designs. Available in two variants and three colors, the Xtreme 125R is priced between Rs. 96,805 and Rs. 1,02,163.
Power comes from a 124.7cc engine that delivers 11.55 PS of power and 10.5 Nm of torque. This engine is further complemented by a claimed fuel efficiency of 66 kmpl, making it a compelling choice for budget-minded riders seeking performance and efficiency.
Hero equips the Xtreme 125R with a modern feature set, including an attention-grabbing LED projector headlight, a digital instrument console, and single-channel ABS for enhanced safety. While the base variant utilizes drum brakes for both front and rear wheels, the higher variant offers a disc brake at the front.
The Hero Xtreme 125R’s muscular design and feature-rich package have arguably earned it a place among the most celebrated motorcycles of 2024. This launch signifies Hero’s commitment to taking a more aggressive stance in the market, catering to a wider range of rider preferences.
TVS Raider 125
Launched in 2021, the Raider has quickly become a strong contender in the 125cc segment, living up to TVS’ reputation for youth-oriented, fuel-efficient motorcycles. The TVS Raider 125 grabs attention with its sharp design and an iconic headlamp reminiscent of the popular TVS NTorq scooter
Priced between Rs. 97,071 and Rs. 1,07,365, the Raider boasts a wide range of features across its four variants and eleven color options.
Power comes from a 124.8cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that delivers a healthy balance of performance (11.2 bhp) and fuel efficiency (claimed mileage of 67 km/l).
The Raider’s affordability extends beyond the price tag. It features a sporty design with a digital instrument cluster, optional Bluetooth connectivity for navigation, calls, and ride statistics (SmartXonnect), an LED headlamp (on select variants), a comfortable split seat design, and even under-seat storage.
TVS goes a step further, catering to young riders with special editions like the Iron Man and Black Panther variants, featuring bold and sporty graphics. Overall, the TVS Raider 125 offers excellent value for money, making it a compelling choice in the 125cc segment. The eco-conscious will be particularly excited about the upcoming Flex-Fuel variant, expected to arrive in October 2024. This variant promises even greener commutes without sacrificing performance.