TVS Raider 125 vs Bajaj Pulsar 125 — Full Comparison 2026: Price, Mileage, Power & Which to Buy
🎯 Quick Verdict:
✅ Buy TVS Raider 125 if: Mileage, styling, features and modern tech matter most
✅ Buy Bajaj Pulsar 125 if: Performance, acceleration and Bajaj brand trust matter most
The TVS Raider 125 vs Bajaj Pulsar 125 is one of the most searched comparisons in India's 125cc segment — and for good reason. Both bikes target the same young commuter buyer, cost nearly the same, but have fundamentally different personalities. The Raider is built for mileage and modern features; the Pulsar 125 is built for performance feel and brand legacy.
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Price Comparison — TVS Raider 125 vs Pulsar 125
| Variant | TVS Raider 125 | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Base (Drum) | ₹84,460 | ₹79,000 |
| Mid (Disc) | ₹90,460 | ₹86,500 |
| Top (TFT/CC) | ₹1,01,000 | ₹95,000 |
* Prices ex-showroom Delhi, October 2026. Pulsar 125 prices approximate — verify with local Bajaj dealer.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | TVS Raider 125 | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 124.8cc Oil-Cooled | 124.58cc Air-Cooled |
| Max Power | 11.38 PS @ 7,500 rpm | 12.1 PS @ 8,500 rpm 🏆 |
| Max Torque | 11.75 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | 10.8 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 67 KMPL 🏆 | 51.46 KMPL |
| Kerb Weight | 125 kg 🏆 | 143 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 10 Litres | 11.5 Litres 🏆 |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 765 mm 🏆 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed | 5-Speed |
| Front Brake | Disc (disc variants) | Disc (disc variants) |
| Display | TFT Colour (top) 🏆 | Semi-Digital |
| USB Charging | Yes 🏆 | No |
| Colours | 12 options 🏆 | 6 options |
Head-to-Head — Category Winners
🏆 TVS Raider 125 Wins
- ⛽ Mileage — 67 vs 51 KMPL
- ⚖️ Weight — 125 vs 143 kg
- 📱 TFT colour display
- 🔌 USB Type-C charging
- 🎨 12 colour choices
- 🏍️ Sportier modern styling
🏆 Bajaj Pulsar 125 Wins
- ⚡ Power — 12.1 vs 11.38 PS
- 💰 Starting price — ₹79K vs ₹84K
- ⛽ Fuel tank — 11.5L vs 10L
- 📏 Lower seat height — 765 mm
- 🔧 Wider Bajaj service network
- 📈 Better resale value
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Running Cost Comparison — Monthly Fuel Savings
📊 If you ride 1,500 km/month at ₹103/litre petrol:
| TVS Raider 125 (55 KMPL real) | 27.3 litres = ₹2,812/month |
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 (46 KMPL real) | 32.6 litres = ₹3,358/month |
| Monthly Savings with Raider | ₹546/month = ₹6,552/year |
* Based on average real-world mileage figures. Actual savings vary by riding style and traffic.
Final Verdict — Which Should You Buy?
✅ Buy TVS Raider 125 if you:
- Ride 40+ km/day and want maximum fuel savings
- Want modern features — TFT display, USB charging, sporty design
- Ride solo most of the time (lighter bike = better efficiency)
- Want the best ARAI mileage in the 125cc segment
✅ Buy Bajaj Pulsar 125 if you:
- Want more power for overtaking and pillion riding
- Ride with a pillion frequently (more torque at high RPM helps)
- Prioritise resale value and Bajaj's wider service network
- Are shorter — 765 mm seat height is more manageable
FAQs — TVS Raider 125 vs Bajaj Pulsar 125
TVS Raider 125 vs Bajaj Pulsar 125 — which is better overall?
For daily commuting and fuel economy: TVS Raider 125 wins — 67 KMPL vs 51 KMPL saves ~₹6,500/year. For performance feel, pillion riding and wider service: Pulsar 125 wins. The Raider is the better buy for most commuters in 2026 given its fuel savings and modern features at a comparable price.
Is TVS Raider 125 faster than Pulsar 125?
The Pulsar 125 is slightly faster — it makes 12.1 PS vs Raider's 11.38 PS and revs to 8,500 rpm for a more performance-oriented feel. The Raider however is lighter (125 kg vs 143 kg), which compensates somewhat. The Pulsar feels punchier at high RPM; the Raider feels more relaxed and efficient.
Which has better mileage — Raider 125 or Pulsar 125?
TVS Raider 125 wins decisively on mileage — 67 KMPL ARAI vs Pulsar 125's 51.46 KMPL. In real-world city conditions, Raider gives 52–57 KMPL while Pulsar 125 gives 42–48 KMPL. Over 3 years at 1,500 km/month, the Raider saves approximately ₹19,000+ in fuel costs.
What is the price difference between Raider 125 and Pulsar 125?
The Pulsar 125 starts ₹5,000 cheaper at the base level (₹79,000 vs ₹84,460 ex-showroom Delhi). However, the Raider's fuel savings of ₹6,500/year mean it pays back the price difference in under a year of riding.
Also read: TVS Raider 125 On-Road Price | Raider 125 Mileage Real Test | Bajaj Pulsar NS200 Price
Written by Rajiv Sah
Founder, OnRoadCost & Josh Riders | info@onroadcost.com