TVS Raider 125 Crosses 1.6 Million Sales Milestone as Competition Heats Up

TVS Motor's Raider 125 has achieved a significant sales milestone, crossing 1.6 million units globally since its September 2021 launch. The sporty commuter motorcycle has become a cornerstone of the company's portfolio, though it faces growing pressure from new rivals.

Domestic Dominance with Export Growth

The Hosur-based manufacturer has sold 16,04,355 Raider 125 units worldwide through August 2025. Indian customers purchased 1.35 million bikes, whilst international markets absorbed over 2.45 lakh units.

TVS's domestic motorcycle sales totalled 3.52 million units during this period, with the Raider 125 contributing 39 per cent of volumes. This performance helped establish the model as the company's flagship offering in the 125cc segment.

Export momentum has been particularly strong. Overseas shipments peaked in FY2025 at over 71,000 units, marking a 31 per cent annual increase. Early FY2026 data shows continued international appetite, with 37,000 units exported in five months.

Peak Performance Followed by Moderation

The Raider 125 experienced rapid growth after its debut. Initial sales of 76,742 units in late FY 2022 jumped to nearly 2.40 lakh units the following year. FY2024 represented the model's strongest domestic performance at 4.78 lakh units, surpassing even TVS's established Apache range.

FY 2025 volumes dropped to just under 4 lakh units domestically, down 16 per cent year-on-year. The first five months of FY2026 continued this pattern, with over 1.30 lakh units sold - 9 per cent behind the previous year's pace.

New Competitors Challenge Pioneer Status

The Raider 125 initially created the sporty 125cc commuter category without direct competition. This landscape has transformed significantly, with Hero launching the Xtreme 125R, Bajaj introducing the Pulsar N125, and Honda recently unveiling the CB125 Hornet.

Market leadership in the broader 125cc segment belongs to Honda's Shine, which recorded over 5.71 lakh units between April and July 2025. However, the Shine targets traditional commuter buyers rather than the sport-oriented audience TVS cultivated with the Raider.

Tax Reforms Could Revive Growth

The introduction of the new GST framework will reduce two-wheeler taxation from 28 per cent to 18 per cent for models under 350 cc displacement. Lower prices resulting from this policy shift could reinvigorate demand across TVS's petrol motorcycle range, including the Raider 125.

The model's journey from category creator to established player facing fresh competition reflects broader changes in India's evolving motorcycle market, where manufacturers increasingly target performance-conscious commuters.