Hero Splendor Plus vs TVS Raider 125: Which One Should You Buy?
Comparing India's most practical budget commuter with a feature-packed 125cc sporty motorcycle — the Hero Splendor Plus focuses on rock-bottom running costs, while the TVS Raider 125 brings riding modes, speed, and modern styling. Here is the full side-by-side comparison.
*Ex-showroom price.
Quick Verdict
- Hero Splendor Plus wins on pure economy — lower purchase price, highest mileage in class, cheap replacement parts, and unmatched resale value.
- TVS Raider 125 wins on performance and technology — 42% more engine power, 5-speed transmission, color TFT navigation console, gas-charged monoshock, and aggressive styling.
- Pick the Splendor Plus if your main goals are extreme fuel savings, a low budget, and straightforward city commuting.
- Pick the Raider 125 if you are willing to spend a bit more for faster pickup, modern gadgets, highway cruising ability, and sportier looks.
Price Comparison
| Price Point | Hero Splendor Plus | TVS Raider 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price (overall range) | ₹77,557 – ₹82,911 | ₹83,410 – ₹99,620 |
| Entry-level price | ₹77,557 (Drum STD) LOWER PRICE | ₹83,410 (Drum) |
| Top-end variant price | ₹82,911 (XTEC 2.0) | ₹99,620 (TFT Dual Disc) |
| Number of variants | 4 variants (STD, i3S, Black Accent, XTEC) | 7+ variants (Drum, Disc, iGO, TFT, etc.) |
Price summary: The Hero Splendor Plus starts nearly ₹6,000 cheaper than the TVS Raider 125's base model. However, the top-spec Raider 125 comes close to ₹1 Lakh ex-showroom because it includes a 5-inch TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual disc brakes.
Check Hero Splendor Plus details → | Check TVS Raider 125 details →
Key Differences at a Glance
Full Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Hero Splendor Plus | TVS Raider 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Displacement | 97.2 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder | 124.8 cc, air & oil-cooled, 3-valve |
| Max Power | 8.02 PS @ 8,000 rpm | 11.38 PS @ 7,500 rpm WINNER |
| Max Torque | 8.05 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm WINNER |
| Gearbox | 4-speed manual | 5-speed manual WINNER |
| Mileage (ARAI-claimed) | 70 kmpl WINNER | ~56–57 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 9.8 litres | 10 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 112 kg LIGHTER | 123–125 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 180 mm HIGHER |
| Seat Height | 785 mm | 780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,236 mm | 1,326 mm |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Hydraulic Shock Absorbers | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | 5-step Adjustable Twin Shock Absorbers | Monoshock, 5-step adjustable, gas-charged |
| Front Brake | 130 mm Drum | 130 mm Drum / 240 mm Disc |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum | 130 mm Drum / 200 mm Disc (Top Trim) |
| Braking System | Integrated Braking System (IBS) | Synchronized Braking System (CBS) |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 80/100-18 & 80/100-18 | 80/100-17 & 100/90-17 (90/90 & 110/80 on top) |
Mileage & Running Cost Comparison
The Hero Splendor Plus remains the unmatched standard for fuel efficiency, easily giving 60+ kmpl in daily stop-and-go riding. The TVS Raider 125 delivers impressive mileage for a sporty 125cc bike (~50–55 kmpl real world) thanks to its Eco Mode and auto start-stop system, but it cannot match Splendor's extreme fuel efficiency.
At typical real-world consumption, the Hero Splendor Plus uses about 16 litres of petrol per 1,000 km, whereas the TVS Raider 125 uses around 19 litres. Across a year of riding (10,000 km), Splendor saves roughly 30 litres of fuel.
Features & Design Comparison
| Feature | Splendor Plus | Raider 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Console / TFT | Analog (Digital LCD on XTEC) | ✓ Digital / 5-inch TFT Option |
| Bluetooth Navigation | ✓ Call/SMS alerts on XTEC | ✓ SmartXonnect Turn-by-Turn Nav |
| Riding Modes | ✕ No riding modes | ✓ Eco & Power Modes |
| Headlamp Type | Halogen (LED DRL on XTEC) | ✓ Full LED Animal-Eye Headlamp |
| Under-seat Storage | ✕ None | ✓ Under-seat storage compartment |
| Seat Style | Flat Single Seat | Split Seat / Single Seat Option |
Colour & Variant Options
Available in Standard, i3S, Black Accent, and XTEC variants. Swatches are approximate shades.
Includes Super Squad Marvel editions (Deadpool, Iron Man, Wolverine) alongside iGO and TFT variants. Swatches are approximate.
EMI Comparison
Indicative EMI calculation based on estimated on-road prices (ex-showroom + RTO/insurance) — actual EMI depends on the lender and your city.
Pros & Cons
- Top-tier fuel efficiency (~60–65 kmpl real world)
- Affordable entry price and lowest service/maintenance costs
- Incredible resale demand and nationwide mechanic familiarity
- Lightweight and easy for riders of all age groups
- 97.2cc engine feels slow on highways above 70 km/h
- No front disc brake option available
- 4-speed gearbox lacks highway overdrive cruising gear
- Punchy 11.38 PS 3-valve engine with 5-speed transmission
- 5-inch TFT screen option with Bluetooth turn-by-turn navigation
- Eco and Power riding modes with auto start-stop system
- Gas-charged monoshock suspension and sporty split seat
- Higher initial price point compared to 100cc commuters
- Slightly lower mileage (~50–55 kmpl) than Splendor
- No ABS option available across variants
Who Should Buy Which Bike?
Choose the Hero Splendor Plus if — your top priority is unbeatable mileage, low monthly fuel bills, easy maintenance, and a simple, reliable daily commuter for city streets.
Choose the TVS Raider 125 if — you want a modern, stylish motorcycle with snappy acceleration, 5-speed transmission, digital navigation, and comfort for longer rides or highway stretches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
The Hero Splendor Plus and TVS Raider 125 cater to two completely different commuter priorities. If your main objective is extreme fuel economy, a tight budget, low maintenance, and high resale value, the Splendor Plus remains the ultimate champion. However, if you are willing to pay slightly higher up-front and monthly running costs for superior 125cc performance, a 5-speed transmission, gas-charged monoshock, and modern TFT technology, the TVS Raider 125 is the far more enjoyable motorcycle.