Here is how Hero fairs against the top contender in the aspirational space of the 125cc sporty commuters.
Here is how Hero fairs against the top contender in the aspirational space of the 125cc sporty commuters.
Hero's new Xtreme 125R has entered the bustling 125cc sporty commuter segment, aiming to challenge the reigning king, the TVS Raider. These bikes offer an exciting yet budget-friendly alternative to traditional commuters, appealing to both old and modern, cost-conscious riders. How do these two bikes compare against each other?
Engine Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
Specifications | Hero Xtreme 125R | TVS Raider |
Capacity | 125cc 2 valve | 124.8cc 3-valve |
Power | 10.7 bhp at 8250rpm | 11.22 bhp at 7500rpm |
Torque | 10.5 nm at 6250rpm | 11.2 Nm at 6000rpm |
Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
The Hero Xtreme 125R 125 cc engine generates 10.7 bhp at 8250 rpm and 10.6 Nm at 6000 rpm from its 125 cc air-cooled engine, while the TVS Raider's 124.8 cc engine produces 11.2 bhp at 7500 rpm and 11.2 Nm at 6000 rpm. Both bikes come with a 5-speed gearbox. Hero is claiming a 66 kmpl mileage on the Xtreme 125R. TVS has a 56.7 kmpl ARAI mileage.
Despite the lower power and higher mileage specs gives us the impression that these bikes are meant to be used on a daily basis. Both companies claim that their motorcycles can accelerate from 0-60 kmph in 5.9 seconds. Moreover, to extract more fuel efficiency, TVS also offers the Raider with two rider modes (more about it later).
The chassis and suspension types are identical on both these bikes with 30 mm telescopic fork and monoshock setups. However, the Hero Xtreme gets a 37 mm telescopic fork, which is a first-in-segment, and its Showa monoshock with preload adjustability further amps up its premium quotient. Braking on the Hero is managed by a larger 265mm front disc compared to the Raider's 240mm. Both bikes come equipped with a drum brake at the rear. The Hero, at the higher price tag, includes single-channel ABS. In contrast, the Raider does not come with ABS.
Underpinnings | ||
|---|---|---|
Front Suspension | Telescopic fork | Telescopic fork |
Rear Suspension | Monoshock | 5-step preload adjustable monoshock |
Front Brake | Disc (CBS) 240mm, Disc (ABS) 276mm | Disc- 240mm, Drum - 130mm |
Rear Brake | Drum 130mm | Drum - 130mm |
Front tyre | 90/90-17 | 80/100 - 17 |
Rear tyre | 120/80-17 | 100/90 - 17 |
Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|
Hero Xtreme 125R | TVS Raider | |
Kerb weight (kg) | 138 | 123 |
Fuel tank capacity (litre) | 11 | 10 |
The TVS Raider is lighter than the Hero Xtreme 125R by 15 kg. However, the Hero Xtreme 125R has a larger fuel tank capacity than the TVS Raider by 1 litre.
The TVS Raider 125 gets all-LED lighting , and a fully-digital instrument cluster displaying ride-related data. The instrument cluster includes a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, two trip meters, gear-position indicator, selected ride mode, fuel economy, and remaining range. The top variant comes with a TFT display and Bluetooth connectivity. The TVS Raider also includes an idle start-stop feature, which Hero Xtreme 125R could have incorporated in the form of the i3s system seen in their lower-segment bikes. Additional functions such as navigation, voice assist, incoming calls, and message notifications are available. A USB charger is offered as an optional extra.
The TVS Raider offers two riding modes – Eco and Power. The Eco Mode limits the tachometer in the top gear, capping the maximum speed, and activates an automatic start/stop system for fuel efficiency during halts. No such feature is seen on the Hero Xtreme 125R. Whether the new Hero Xtreme 125R lives up to that enthusiasm and delivers a spirited ride remains to be seen.
The Hero Xtreme 125R is equipped with a reverse LCD display instrument cluster, providing usable information. Both variants feature Bluetooth connectivity.
The Hero Xtreme 125R is priced from ₹95,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) with the base-spec IBS variant, while the top spec ABS variant is priced at ₹95,000. The TVS Raider, on the other hand, starts from ₹95,219 (ex-showroom Delhi) with the single-seat variant, followed by the mid-spec split variant priced at ₹96,219, and the top-spec variant with all the bells and whistles of the TVS Raider 125 is priced at ₹1,02,770 (all ex-showroom price, Delhi). . Strategically placed just under the one-lakh mark by Hero at ₹99,500 (ex-showroom Delhi), the approximate difference between the top variants is ₹4,000.
Price Comparison | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Hero Xtreme 125R | TVS Raider | ||
Base price | ₹95,000 (IBS) | ₹95,219 | Single seat price |
- | ₹96,219 | Split seat price | |
- | ₹99,319 | Marvel edition price | |
Top variant price | ₹99,500 (ABS) | ₹1,02,770 | TFT screen variant price |
All prices are ex-showroom delhi |
Overall, when comparing these two bikes, they are quite similar in terms of specs. The Hero Xtreme 125R looks fresh and more premium in comparison. Whereas, the TVS Raider 125 certainly tries to impress us with an equally palatable feature list. However, with a far more affordable starting ex-showroom price, it’s the Hero Xtreme 125R that makes the most sense here. So, if you prioritise aesthetics while keeping your budget in mind, then the Hero Xtreme 125R seems like a better and fresher pick.
