The Raider 125 brings advanced features with a sporty appeal to the segment, while the Super Splendor Xtec plays its game on time-trusted reliability, comfort and efficiency. This detailed comparison will help you understand which flavour suits you the most.

Prices & Variants

• Both motorcycles have almost similar starting price points. However, the Hero Super Splendor Xtec is slightly more affordable than the TVS if you want a front disc brake. Here's our detailed EMI buying guide for the Raider.

• The Super Splendor Xtec offers just two variant options. The Raider 125, meanwhile, allows buyers to choose between affordability and premiumness with its wide range of trim options. Here's how much this TVS bike costs on-road. and to help you further, here's our booking guide for it.

• The Raider is offered in seven variants, and a LOT of colours.

Dimensions & Design

• In terms of proportions, the TVS Raider is longer and wider, while the Hero Super Splendor Xtec stands taller. Despite these differences, both motorcycles have almost similar weight, feel compact and are manageable through traffic, making them suitable for daily urban riding. Here's a list of the offical accessories for the Raider.

• Both motorcycles have the same ground clearance, making them equally capable on broken roads.

• The two motorcycles stand at opposite ends of the design spectrum. The Raider 125 adapts a sharp, sporty styling with its radical-looking LED headlamp, sculpted fuel tank with extensions, and a modern-looking tail section. The Super Splendour Xtec, on the other hand, opts for simplicity and familiarity with a traditional commuter look that appears straightforward and approachable.

• Both motorcycles provide a comfortable and upright riding experience. The Raider allows the buyer to choose from split and single-seat options; however, both types convey a bit of sporty intent. Meanwhile, the Super Splendor Xtec's long, flat seat seems more comfortable and practical, especially with a pillion rider.

Ride & Handling

• The Hero Super Splendor Xtec's diamond-type frame offers better strength and rigidity as compared to the light and simple single-cradle frame of the TVS Raider.

• Both motorcycles use telescopic forks at the front. However, the Raider 125 is equipped with a gas-charged rear monoshock for a more uniformed damping as compared to traditional twin shocks.

• The hydraulic twin-shock setup on the Super Splendor Xtec is more focused on comfort and handling rough patches. Rear suspensions on both offer preload adjustability of up to five steps.

• Except the top two variants of the Raider, both motorcycles offer disc/drum combo with a combined braking system.

• The top two variants of the Raider have a rear disc brake and front brake ABS assistance.

• The larger wheels of the Super Splendor Xtec enhance comfort, while slightly smaller wheels provide the Raider with sportier handling. The Raider 125 also has slightly wider tyres, and the size increases further in its top two trims, resulting in better grip on tarmac. However, you will have to pay a premium of at least about Rs 10,000 for wider tyres and high-performance braking setup.

Features & Tech

• This is where the TVS Raider clearly pulls ahead as it offers tons of features. While both motorcycles offer a digital LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, the Raider gives more connected features and even a colour TFT screen on the top-end trim. Its 'SmartXonnect' tech has call management, voice assist and turn-by-turn navigation, while the Hero Super Splendor Xtec only has call and SMS alerts.

• It also offers riding modes, which allows the rider to choose between performance and efficiency.

• The Glide Through Traffic (GTT) on the Raider 125 and the Auto Sailing feature on the Super Splendor Xtec serve the same purpose. These features allow both bikes to move forward smoothly without any throttle input at slow speeds. That means less strain on you.

Engine & Performance

• Both motorcycles are powered by air-cooled, single-cylinder engines with similar displacements. However, the Raider uses 3 valves that improve its performance.

• The Raider has slightly higher power and torque figures, delivering a more energetic riding experience. TVS claims that it goes from 0 to 60kmph in just 5.8 seconds, which is claimed to be the fastest in the segment. In the real world, this should allow for quicker and easier overtakes.

• The Hero Super Splendor Xtec is tuned for a relaxed daily commuting.

• Both motorcycles get idle-stop-start systems that claim to improve mileage. Still, the Hero Super Splendor delivers better fuel economy than the Raider 125 (as per ARAI-rated figures).

Verdict

If you are looking for a sporty-looking commuter with strong performance and a good set of features, the TVS Raider 125 is for you. It feels most spirited and tech-forward in the segment, more suitable for young, urban riders. Meanwhile, the Hero Super Splendor Xtec is for those who value comfort, refinement and efficiency. Its charm lies in its simplicity and practicality, which makes it easier to own and maintain.

The decision comes down to whether you want a sporty ride or comfort with better mileage. If you have decided to go with the TVS Raider 125, here's anultimate buying guide which will help you make a decision.

Other Rivals

• The TVS Raider 125 is a more sporty and youthful alternative to the Bajaj Pulsar 125.
• India's most favourite 125cc commuter remains the Honda Shine 125 while the TVS Raider 125 is much loved for a more exciting experience.
• In the 125cc sporty commuter segment, the TVS Raider 125 and the Hero Xtreme 125R are clear hot properties.
• When looking for a performance-oriented 125cc motorcycle, the Raider 125 comes across as a well-rounded package over the one-track minded Pulsar NS125.
• Feature-packed and priced well, the TVS Raider 125 offers a lot more value than the Honda SP125, which is the Shine 125 in slightly fancier clothing.
• Bajaj's sporty-yet-practical Pulsar N125 doesn't deliver the same goodness as the TVS Raider 125 does.