SPEED OF LIGHT

Three of the sportiest 125cc motorcycles go head to head for all the glory

- Keshav Teiva Poumai

It's a game of fractions now, they're all neck and neck, barreling away to the finish line, a mere few inches to decide who walks away triumphant..." In the fiercely competitive 125cc segment, the TVS Raider, Hero Xtreme 125R, and Bajaj Pulsar N125 are three strong, sporty contenders vying for the top spot.

Each bike comes with its strengths and drawbacks, making this contest both exciting and enlightening. Let's break down the key aspects performance, design, comfort, and features to see which one comes out on top in this intense battle of the 125s.

When it comes to performance, speed and power are often the first things I would look at, and in this area, all three bikes deliver similar top speeds, though with slight variations. The Raider managed to hit a top speed of 111 kph, which is impressive for a bike in this category. Despite being slightly behind its competitors in terms of peak velocity, it still manages to feel the most energetic when you push it. It comes with an 11.2 bhp engine and weighs in at 123 kg. While not the most powerful on paper, it feels sharp and responsive throughout the rev range. This makes it the most enjoyable and engaging to ride in everyday traffic and other spirited escapades.

The Xtreme 125R did a 110 kph top speed, just 1 kph shy of the Raider. However, the real difference comes in the rideability. The Xtreme 125R occasionally suffers from erratic fueling, which can cause a distinct hesitation during acceleration. While this doesn't significantly hinder its top speed, it can affect the riding experience at times. With a power output of 11.4 bhp and a heftier weight of 136 kg, it feels slightly more sluggish. There's also the gearbox which feels a little clunky. This can be frustrating, especially on a bike that otherwise promises a lot.