TVS Raider 125 vs Honda SP 125: Which One Should You Buy?
Two of India's most popular 125cc commuters take very different approaches — the Raider 125 chases sporty performance and tech, the SP 125 chases mileage and refinement. Here's the full breakdown.
*Ex-showroom price.
Quick Verdict
- TVS Raider 125 wins on styling, performance feel and tech — sportier looks, more power, and a TFT-with-Bluetooth option on the top variant, usually for a lower entry price.
- Honda SP 125 wins on running cost and refinement — a higher ARAI-claimed mileage, a lighter kerb weight, and Combi Brake System (CBS) standard on every variant.
- Pick the Raider 125 if you want a sportier daily ride with more features, and mileage isn't your top priority.
- Pick the SP 125 if fuel economy, low maintenance and Honda's service network matter more to you than outright styling or performance.
Price Comparison
| Price Point | TVS Raider 125 | Honda SP 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price (overall range) | ₹96,215 – ₹1,08,000 | ₹89,748 – ₹97,335 |
| Entry-level price | ₹96,215 LOWER | ₹89,748 |
| Top-end variant price | ₹1,08,000 | ₹97,335 |
| Number of variants | 7–8 variants | 2 variants (STD, DLX) |
Price positioning: the two ranges overlap through the middle — Raider's base variants undercut the SP 125, while Raider's top TFT/ABS variant can cost more than the SP 125's top DLX. Compare the specific variants you're cross-shopping, not just the headline "starting price."
Check Honda SP 125 on-road price → | Check TVS Raider 125 details →
Key Differences at a Glance
Full Specifications Comparison
| Specification | TVS Raider 125 | Honda SP 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 124.8 cc, air & oil-cooled | 123.94 cc, air-cooled |
| Max Power | 11.38 PS @ 7,500 rpm WINNER | 10.87 PS @ 7,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 10.9 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Mileage (ARAI-claimed) | ~56–57 kmpl | 63 kmpl WINNER |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10 litres | 11 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 123–125 kg (variant dependent) | ~116 kg WINNER |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | 160 mm |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,326 mm | 1,285 mm |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock, 5-step adjustable, gas-charged | Twin shock, hydraulic type |
| Front Brake | Drum 130mm (base) / Disc 240mm (mid–top) | Drum (STD) / Disc 240mm (DLX) |
| Rear Brake | Drum 130mm / Disc 200mm on top variants | Drum 130mm |
| Braking Aid | Single-channel ABS — top TFT variants only | CBS — standard on all variants WINNER |
| Tyre Size (F/R) | 80/100-17 & 100/90-17 (90/90-17 & 110/80-17 on top variants) | 80/100-18 & 100/80-18 |
Kerb weight, brake spec and tyre size vary by Raider variant (Drum / Disc / Split Seat / iGO / SXC DD / TFT DD) — figures above cover the full range; check the exact variant you're comparing.
Mileage & Running Cost Comparison
Real-world mileage on both bikes typically runs a bit below the ARAI figure and depends on riding style, traffic and load — riders commonly report the Raider in the 50–55 kmpl range in city use, with the SP 125 generally staying closer to its claimed figure thanks to its more relaxed, commuter-first tune.
At ARAI-claimed mileage, the Raider 125 needs roughly 17.5–18 litres to cover 1,000 km, versus about 15.9 litres for the SP 125 — roughly a 1.5–2 litre difference per 1,000 km in the SP 125's favour. Multiply by your local petrol price for an exact rupee figure.
Features & Design Comparison
| Feature | Raider 125 | SP 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Fully Digital / TFT Console | ✓ Digital on base; 5-inch TFT on top variant | ✓ Digital instrument cluster (no TFT) |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | ✓ SmartXonnect on TFT variants only | ✕ Not on standard variants |
| Turn-by-turn Navigation | ✓ Yes, on TFT variant | ✕ No |
| LED Headlamp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Riding Modes | ✓ Eco & Power modes on select variants | ✕ None |
| Seat Style | Split seat on most variants | Single-piece seat |
Feature availability differs by exact variant — check the specific trim you are looking for.
Colour & Variant Options
Plus special editions (Wolverine, Deadpool, Iron Man, Black Panther). Swatches above are approximate shades.
Swatches above are approximate shades.
EMI Comparison
Indicative EMI only, based on approximate overall on-road price estimates (ex-showroom + typical RTO/insurance) — actual EMI depends on the lender and your city.
Pros & Cons
- Sportier, race-inspired styling with aggressive LED lighting
- More power and torque than the SP 125 for a punchier ride
- TFT display with Bluetooth and navigation on the top variant
- Distinctive, frequently-refreshed colour options including licensed special editions
- Lower entry price than the SP 125
- Lower ARAI-claimed mileage than the SP 125
- ABS is limited to the top TFT variant only
- Slightly heavier than the SP 125
- Best-in-class 63 kmpl ARAI-claimed mileage for lower running costs
- Lighter kerb weight makes it easier to handle in traffic
- Combi Brake System (CBS) standard on every variant
- Honda's strong reputation for reliability and a wide service network
- Only 2 variants and no ABS option at all
- No Bluetooth or TFT display on the standard lineup
- Fewer colour choices and a more understated design than the Raider
Who Should Buy Which Bike?
Choose the TVS Raider 125 if — you want sportier styling, a bit more performance, and tech features like a TFT display and Bluetooth, and you're comfortable trading off some mileage and paying more for ABS if you want it.
Choose the Honda SP 125 if — fuel economy and low running costs are your top priority, you want CBS braking as standard, and you value Honda's reliability reputation and dealer network over sportier looks or connected features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
The TVS Raider 125 and Honda SP 125 aim at the same 125cc commuter buyer with opposite philosophies. The Raider leans into sporty styling, more power, and tech features like a TFT display with Bluetooth — usually for a lower entry price. The SP 125 leans into what Honda commuters are known for: a genuinely higher mileage figure, a lighter, easier-to-handle chassis, and CBS braking as standard, backed by Honda's reliability reputation and service reach. If mileage and low running costs are non-negotiable, the SP 125 is the safer pick. If you want a sportier ride with more features for similar money, the Raider 125 is hard to beat in this segment.