TVS Raider 125 vs Honda SP 125: Which 125cc Bike is Best for Thrissur Roads?#

For most Thrissur commuters, the TVS Raider 125 is the better all-round 125cc bike thanks to its lower on-road price (around ₹96,000), higher 67 kmpl mileage rating, dual ride modes and optional 5-inch TFT cluster. The Honda SP 125 is the safer pick if you prioritise long-term resale value and ultra-smooth commuting refinement, but you pay ₹5,000-₹7,000 more for it.

Both are excellent 125cc options for Kerala roads. Below is a head-to-head breakdown across price, performance, features and ownership cost so you can pick the one that fits your daily ride.

Price comparison: which costs less in Thrissur?#

The Raider 125 wins on entry price · you save around ₹5,000 at the base trim. However, if you load up the top Raider 125 with the TFT cluster and connected features, the price flips and the SP 125 becomes the cheaper option. For most buyers who want core features without the TFT, the Raider 125 stays the value pick.

Engine and performance: which 125cc bike is faster?#

Both bikes use a single-cylinder, air-cooled engine in the 124-125cc range. Numbers below come from manufacturer specs and our own dyno testing.

The Raider's Power mode gives it a clear advantage when you need quick overtakes on the NH-544 or on the climb to Vazhachal. In Eco mode, both bikes feel similarly relaxed · and the Raider's mileage actually edges past the Honda. For a sportier, more spirited 125, the Raider 125 wins. For "set it and forget it" smoothness, the SP 125 takes it.

Mileage and running cost in Kerala#

In our long-term loaner tests across Thrissur city, NH-544 and the Athirappilly road, here is what we observed.

At Kerala's current ₹107/litre petrol, both bikes cost roughly ₹1.75-₹2.00 per kilometre to run. Over 15,000 km a year, that is around ₹27,000-₹30,000 in fuel for either bike.

Features and tech#

This is where the Raider 125 really pulls ahead.

If features matter · and especially if you want navigation on the cluster for unfamiliar Kerala routes · the Raider 125 is in a different league. While competitors like Bajaj Pulsar 125 and Hero Glamour offer traditional commuter appeal, the Raider 125's TFT cluster and dual ride modes set it apart for tech-savvy Thrissur riders.

Ride quality on Kerala roads#

Thrissur roads include everything from broken city stretches to smooth highway and steep ghats. Both bikes handle this mix well, but each has a distinct character.

• Raider 125: Sportier suspension setup, slightly stiffer ride, more confident on highway corners. Wider tyres provide better grip in monsoon.
• SP 125: Softer ride, more compliant over potholes, better for slow city crawl, but feels less planted at 80+ km/h.

For monsoon riding (June-September in Kerala), the Raider's wider 90/90-17 rear tyre and tubeless setup give it a small but noticeable wet-grip advantage.

Service cost and resale value#

Honda traditionally has the edge on resale, retaining around 70% value after 3 years vs 65% for the Raider 125. However, the Raider's growing popularity and award-winning design have narrowed the gap considerably.

Service costs are essentially identical: ₹1,200-₹1,800 per scheduled service, every 5,000 km. Both bikes are easy to live with · no exotic parts, no high-cost consumables.

Why buy your Raider 125 from Trichur TVS#

Trichur TVS has been Thrissur's authorized TVS dealer since 2013. Our Gosaikunnu main showroom (Ernakulam Road, opposite Ghosh Gym) and Chalakudy branch (opposite CCMK Hospital) keep all Raider 125 variants on the floor with same-day finance, on-road registration handling and free first service. We also have the optional 5-inch TFT cluster available as an aftermarket fitment if you choose the base variant first.

For a related read, see our TVS Apache RTR 160 4V on-road price guide if you are tempted to step up to a 160cc sport.

The verdict#

For most Thrissur and Kerala riders, the TVS Raider 125 is the better choice · better tech, better ride modes, slightly better mileage, more features for the money. Choose the Honda SP 125 only if absolute long-term reliability reputation and softer ride are your top two priorities and you do not care about TFT connectivity.

Colours and accessories#

The Raider 125 comes in four sporty colours: Wicked Black, Striking Red, Fiery Yellow and Blazing Blue. Wicked Black and Blazing Blue are the most popular in Thrissur. All four are usually in stock at our Gosaikunnu showroom.

Common Raider 125 accessories at Trichur TVS:

• TFT cluster upgrade kit (if you bought the base): around ₹6,500 with fitting
• USB charging port retrofit: ₹450
• Tank pad and decals: ₹600-₹1,200
• Touring screen: ₹1,800
• Genuine TVS rain cover: ₹650

What about stepping up to the Apache?#

If you are deciding between the Raider 125 and the Apache RTR 160 4V, the price gap is around ₹15,000-₹20,000 on-road. The Apache offers more power, better suspension, dual-channel ABS and projector LED · but it costs ~₹0.50/km more in fuel. See our Apache RTR 160 4V on-road price guide for the full breakdown.

Ready to ride?#

Want to ride them back-to-back? Book a Raider 125 test ride at Trichur TVS Gosaikunnu or contact our team at +91 88936 28476 to schedule a comparison ride. We can usually arrange both bikes (Raider 125 from our floor, SP 125 from the nearby Honda dealer if you let us know in advance) in a single 90-minute session.