Is the all-new 2026 Pulsar 125 good enough to take on the popular TVS Raider 125?
Is the all-new 2026 Pulsar 125 good enough to take on the popular TVS Raider 125?
The next-generation Bajaj Pulsar 125 has received a generational overhaul featuring an 11.93 bhp engine, single-cradle frame, and Google Maps screen mirroring to directly rival the TVS Raider 125. So, which one should you prefer? Read on to find out!
The 2026 Pulsar 125 adopts a refreshed aesthetic while preserving its iconic muscular silhouette, offering both single-piece and split-seat configurations across variants. In comparison, the TVS Raider 125 maintains its distinct sporty commuter styling, featuring sharp bodywork, aggressive front lighting, and single or split-seat choices to appeal to younger riders.
Powering the new Pulsar 125 is an all-new air-cooled 125 cc engine generating 11.93 bhp and 11.4 Nm of torque, paired with a five-speed gearbox and three riding modes (Road, Rain, and Sport).
The TVS Raider 125 relies on a 124.8 cc single-cylinder engine delivering 11.24 bhp and 11.75 Nm of torque via a five-speed transmission. While the Pulsar holds a 0.69 bhp advantage in peak power, the Raider produces slightly higher torque, incorporates an iGO assist feature for temporary performance boosts, and offers three riding modes (Eco, Power, and Boost).
Lower Pulsar 125 variants come equipped with a colour LCD console, while top-spec trims upgrade to a 5-inch TFT display featuring smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS notifications, music controls, digital document saving, and full Google Maps screen mirroring.
The TVS Raider 125 similarly offers colour LCD or TFT screens with Bluetooth pairing, navigation, voice command capabilities, an engine stop/start system, and a silent starter, though it lacks screen mirroring functionality.
Also read: 2026 Bajaj Pulsar 125: Top Highlights
The TVS Raider 125 features a wider price spread across seven variants, starting at ₹83,910 for the entry-level drum brake model: making it ₹9,080 more affordable than the base Pulsar 125 at ₹92,990.
At the top end of their respective ranges, both bikes cross the ₹1 lakh mark (ex-showroom Delhi), with the Pulsar 125 STD Split Seat priced at ₹1,00,288 compared to the top-spec Raider 125 TFT DD at ₹1,00,570.
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