The GST 2.0 revision has been a game-changer for the 125cc segment in India. With the tax rate reduced from 28% to 18% for motorcycles under 350cc, the prices of popular 125cc bikes have become significantly more affordable. In this comparison, we look at four of the most popular bikes in the 125cc segment—the Raider 125, Xtreme 125R, CB125 Hornet, and Pulsar N125—and explore how GST 2.0 has affected their pricing, features, and overall value for money.
1. The Impact of GST 2.0 on 125cc Motorcycles
With GST 2.0, the tax reduction has made 125cc motorcycles much more accessible. Bikes that previously fell in the ₹90,000 to ₹1.1 lakh price range now come at a more attractive price tag, giving customers better value for their money. This change is particularly important for young riders, first-time bike buyers, and those looking for an affordable yet powerful commuter.
2. Raider 125: The Newcomer with Style
The Raider 125 from TVS has been one of the most talked-about bikes in the 125cc category. Sporting a stylish design and modern features, the Raider 125 is a performance-oriented motorcycle that packs a punch, especially in the city commute segment.
Key Features of Raider 125
· Engine: 124.8cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine
· Power: 11.22 bhp @ 7,500 rpm
· Torque: 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
· Mileage: 60-65 km/l
· Price After GST 2.0: ₹94,000 – ₹98,000 (varies by region)
· Key Highlights:
o Sporty design with LED DRLs
o Digital instrument cluster
o Decent power and performance
o Good mileage for daily commutes
3. hero Xtreme 125R: A Reliable Performer
The Hero Xtreme 125R has been designed to cater to buyers looking for a mix of style, reliability, and performance. It offers a balanced approach to power and comfort, making it an ideal choice for both urban and rural riders.
Key Features of Xtreme 125R
· Engine: 124.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine
· Power: 10.7 bhp @ 7,500 rpm
· Torque: 10.5 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
· Mileage: 60-65 km/l
· Price After GST 2.0: ₹98,000 – ₹1,03,000 (varies by region)
· Key Highlights:
o Bold and muscular design
o Comfortable riding position
o Excellent after-sales service network
o Smooth city riding performance
4. honda CB125 Hornet: The Premium Option
The CB125 Hornet from Honda is a premium offering in the 125cc category. Known for its aggressive styling and refined engine, the Hornet offers a balance of performance and comfort, making it a great option for riders looking for something more advanced in terms of design and technology.
Key Features of honda CB125 Hornet
· Engine: 124.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine
· Power: 10.3 bhp @ 7,500 rpm
· Torque: 10.3 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
· Mileage: 55-60 km/l
· Price After GST 2.0: ₹1,05,000 – ₹1,10,000 (varies by region)
· Key Highlights:
o Sporty and premium design
o Telescopic suspension for comfort
o Advanced features like LED lighting and a wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital console
o Great stability and handling
5. Bajaj Pulsar N125: The Performance Beast
The Pulsar N125 from Bajaj has been designed to compete head-to-head with the likes of the Raider 125 and Xtreme 125R. With its aggressive styling and powerful engine, the Pulsar N125 offers impressive performance while being affordable.
Key Features of Bajaj Pulsar N125
· Engine: 124.4cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine
· Power: 11.6 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
· Torque: 10.8 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
· Mileage: 55-60 km/l
· Price After GST 2.0: ₹98,000 – ₹1,03,000 (varies by region)
· Key Highlights:
o Fierce, sporty design
o Twin-spark technology for better fuel efficiency
o High-performance engine
o Aggressive handling and stability
6. Price Comparison: Which bike is Most Affordable Post-GST 2.0?
With GST 2.0 reducing the tax burden, 125cc bikes now come at more competitive prices. Here's a breakdown of the pricing for each bike:
· Raider 125: ₹94,000 – ₹98,000
· Hero Xtreme 125R: ₹98,000 – ₹1,03,000
· Honda CB125 Hornet: ₹1,05,000 – ₹1,10,000
· Bajaj Pulsar N125: ₹98,000 – ₹1,03,000
Winner: Raider 125 is the most affordable of the bunch, offering excellent value for money at the lower end of the price spectrum.
7. Performance Comparison: Power and Torque
Let’s take a look at how these bikes perform on paper in terms of power and torque:
· Raider 125: 11.22 bhp, 11.2 Nm torque
· Xtreme 125R: 10.7 bhp, 10.5 Nm torque
· CB125 Hornet: 10.3 bhp, 10.3 Nm torque
· Pulsar N125: 11.6 bhp, 10.8 Nm torque
Winner: Pulsar N125 offers the highest power output at 11.6 bhp, making it the performance king of the segment.
8. Fuel Efficiency: Who Wins in Mileage?
Fuel efficiency is crucial for daily commuters, and all these bikes offer excellent mileage figures. Here's a quick comparison:
· Raider 125: 60-65 km/l
· Xtreme 125R: 60-65 km/l
· CB125 Hornet: 55-60 km/l
· Pulsar N125: 55-60 km/l
Winner: Raider 125 and Xtreme 125R both offer the best mileage at 60-65 km/l, making them more economical for daily riders.
9. Comfort and Ride Quality
For everyday commuters, comfort is an important consideration. Here’s how these bikes fare:
· Raider 125: Offers a comfy riding position and smooth suspension.
· Xtreme 125R: Well-balanced for both city and highway rides, with a relaxed seating position.
· CB125 Hornet: Stiff suspension offers better handling but may not be as comfortable on rough roads.
· Pulsar N125: Designed for aggressive riders, its sporty seating might not be the most comfortable for long rides.
Winner: Xtreme 125R provides the best all-round comfort for city rides and occasional highway runs.
10. Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right bike depends on your preferences and requirements. Here’s a quick rundown:
· For Affordability: Raider 125 is the best choice for those on a budget.
· For Performance: Pulsar N125 offers the most power and sporty handling.
· For Comfort: Xtreme 125R provides the most comfortable ride.
· For Premium Features: CB125 Hornet offers premium design and advanced features.
With the GST 2.0 tax cuts making these bikes more affordable, now is the best time to invest in a 125cc bike that fits your lifestyle. Whether you prioritize performance, comfort, or fuel efficiency, there’s a 125cc bike for everyone in this competitive segment.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk..jpg)
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