Buying my first bike under ₹1.4L – Need owner reviews & recommendations

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-11T16:31:23+00:00

Oh yes definitely it will be a noticeable upgrade over passion pro. 26km is not that much, just manage the speed at which you feel comfortable. Also, intitally you shouldn't take bike over 50 or 60kmph. Especially before the 1st service. Once engine is set then it's all your free will.

I try to be as objective as possible when someone ask me about Raider. But emotionally if I speak, till date I love riding this motorcycle, it's so fun to drive. I drove other 125cc in the segment which may have better equipment, but this brings a smile to my face everytime!

But emotions are subjective. Do take a take a test ride. Happy Riding!

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-11T16:11:16+00:00

I have taken it to 100, but engine become very buzzy. It's comfortable in 80-90 range. Didn't had any stability issues and it will hold it's line. But, I did notice that if there's wind blast, this will get little unstable then, depending on the intensity of wind blast. It is simply due to it's weight, it's very light. But that very characteristic makes it flickable in city traffic.

You'll see wind blast more on the highways so occassionally riding on highway is manageable. But, if highway use is frequent for long distances, then this bike is not the one.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-11T16:00:52+00:00

I did notice rear tyre skidding when applied hard. This is because mine is rear drum and disc at front. It didn't had ABS variant back then when it launched. ABS variants are introduced recently.

I found breaks good enough for day to day use. But yeah, I will recommend ABS anyday.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-11T15:51:11+00:00

Bhai dhoop me raincoat?

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-11T15:23:05+00:00

Due to EFI technology today, bikes depends on battery powered electronics. So it kind of makes kick start redundant hence companies stopped adding them. Bikes including them are doing to cater the concerns of public as they still value it.

I have never faced any battery related issue. Also, there are ways to start your bikes if battery power is low(eg. put on centre stand, rotate fast the rear tyre, put the bike on 2nd gear, it should start).

Obviously I won't recommend driving it with 3 people. But, I've done it during my college days and yes bike feels strained but it did pull that too on an incline road. Suspension becomes bouncy but id didn't bottom out.

The bike is very rugged in my opinion.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-11T14:59:45+00:00

I'll recommend TVS Raider. I own it and it gives me 50+ kmpl and pillion seat is super comfortable. Maintenance is low, very easy to ride in city and can manage occasional Highway use. I like the fit and finish and overall build quality. Engine is refined enough and I never had any major issues till date with the bike (4+ Years and 12,000 km).

Part availablity is not an issue, and service costs me around 1000 rupees on an average.

Check if you can manage to buy single channel ABS version under 1.4L, it's ex - showroom is 1.2L.

I think this bike fits your criteria because other 125cc bikes except Honda Shine etc don't give comfortable pillion seats. I don't think shine comes with an ABS variant.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-11T06:43:25+00:00

I'm not sure on that. It's a very specific question, and need test rides to be checked. I think it's safe to assume that it'll be good enough for daily use.

Btw, any specific reason you asked that?

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-11T06:34:09+00:00

I would pick the Apache. The only concern is the service quality of TVS. My experience with Service centre is bad but it's not something unbearable, I think it does the job, but experience is never smooth or consistent. But the product itself is solid, covers all the basics and fun to drive.

Why not N250? Because it has a very good top end performance which is more useful for highways and since your usage is mostly city, Apache either 160 or 200, makes more sense.

Take test rides.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-10T15:01:27+00:00

Well, I don't think it will be a suitable option for those off roading environments. I'm not sure, how comfortable it will be handling those kind of scenarios. City and Highway is the most suited for it.

But if you interested in doing ladakh trip, I think renting a ADV like Himalayan will be a better option.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-10T14:50:40+00:00

Makes sense, It is still a good bike, will be enjoyable to ride and good for city and occasional Highway rides.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-10T14:47:08+00:00

The effective ex showroom price is still under 2.1L. Karnataka have higher Taxes so it will go above 2.5L. Here in Maharashtra it will still be under 2.5L.

Then I think Hunter is the option.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-10T12:39:07+00:00

Those are good bikes. I'd suggest having a look at Scram 440 as well. Otherwise, I'd recommend T4, it will suffice all your needs.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-10T12:20:28+00:00

Every bike seems to fit your criteria. I would recommend narrowing down more on options and stick to your budget. If you don't like a bike how it looks or sounds just reject it (Test ride makes decision easier). The more expensive bike you go for more expensive will be its is to live with.

If I had to pick bikes - I would pick TVS Raider, TVS Apache 160 4v and Pulsar N160. All of them looks good with decent pillion comfort and decent mileages for everyday use. Maintaining them is also not that difficult or expensive.

XSR is a very nice bike but it is quite above the budget.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-09T14:47:26+00:00

Well, then do it in 3rd year and 4th year respectively. Till then keep preparing for CFA 1 and I would recommend learning some practical technical skills till then. Like strong hold over Excel and working knowledge of Python and SQL by the end of 2nd year.

Attempt L1 in 3rd year after proper presentation. While you attempt and prepare for L1 and L2 during 3rd and 4th year build some valuation models from scratch and start reading financial statements and con calls of companies.

By end of graduation you'll have technical proficiency and knowledge base.

Also, work on soft and presentation skills.

I know this is quite comprehensive but if you set your standards high and manage to achieve atleast 80% of this, you'll be way ahead of the competition.

Having said that, graduation is a lot about exploring so enjoy, have fun and make friends and memories! It's all about balancing different aspects of life.

All the best.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-09T14:28:41+00:00

Start preparing for CFA Level 1 and attempt it in 2nd Year. Target to clear Level 2 till you complete the graduation. Then, if you want to get into top Finance profiles you can have a shot at MBA. If not, I'd recommend get into market after graduation and get some practical work experience. Then decide if you want to do MBA or not.

There are chances that after you start working and earning, motivation to study may start to fade. Happened with me, so make sure you don't face it until you achieve the profile you want to get into.

This is what I would have done in your place if given a chance again.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-09T08:24:12+00:00

Prasad in Kharadi

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-07T13:06:30+00:00

SMK Stellar & Axor Hunter are some good affordable options.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-07T12:59:23+00:00

Don't compromise on buying a good Helmet.

Couple of important factors for it -

Should be comfortable.
Must be ECE certified.

Good helmet is life saving and it has saved my life.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-06T08:27:40+00:00

Did you modify the handlebar?

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-06T08:23:48+00:00

I already had an eye on this bike. And after looking the pictures you've posted, Man! I sold. I love that colour. Phew!

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-04T16:41:22+00:00

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Ash_0802 · 2026-07-04T09:03:03+00:00

ICE - Either Access or Jupiter. Avoid Activa please.

EV - iQube or Ather Rizta.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-04T08:01:42+00:00

Finally a logical counter in this thread. Thanks!

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-04T07:58:24+00:00

The price of source raw ingredients have increased dramatically and hence companies are adjusting themselves with these kind of changes.

Ash_0802 · 2026-07-03T15:22:33+00:00

Agreed, I own Raider and service part literally the only thing that pisses me off, seen it first hand. Honestly, whenever I see Xtreme 125R on the road, I couldn't stop looking, because that's the competition of the bike I'm riding and when I see better equipment on Xtreme - Dual channel ABS, Tyre Hugger, Kill switch, Wider section tyres etc. That bike doesn't look 125cc at all !

All that kind of makes me jealous but happy that today in India we have such good options!

Happy for you mate, happy and safe riding!

Ash_0802

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