Bajaj Pulsar N160 vs TVS Raider 125
Prices ex-showroom Delhi, checked 2026-09. On-road and running costs estimated for Delhi.
Bajaj Pulsar N160 and TVS Raider 125 are from different segments and turn up together on most shortlists. The Pulsar N160 costs ₹35,000 more than the Raider 125, so the question is whether what it adds is worth roughly 40% extra.
The Raider 125 takes 4 of the 6 categories we score. Our overall ratings are 7.5/10 for the Pulsar N160 and 7.5/10 for the Raider 125.
Category by category
Price
Raider 125
The Raider 125 starts ₹35,000 lower (₹87,000 against ₹1,22,000), about ₹1,110 a month less on a standard loan.
Running cost
Raider 125
Raider 125 claims 56 kmpl against 45 kmpl. That is roughly ₹3,634 a year in fuel at 30 km a day.
Performance
Pulsar N160
Pulsar N160 has the better power-to-weight ratio: 103 against 91 bhp per tonne. It will feel quicker with a pillion and on overtakes.
Safety kit
Pulsar N160
Pulsar N160 adds dual-channel abs and single-channel abs that the Raider 125 does not have on any variant.
Features
Raider 125
Raider 125 gets colour tft console, turn-by-turn navigation and ride modes.
City manners
Raider 125
Raider 125 is 29 kg lighter and lower in the seat (780 mm), which you feel in traffic and when parking.
Which one should you buy?
Buy the Pulsar N160 if
- you ride two-up or on highways and want the stronger engine
- dual-channel ABS is non-negotiable for you
- your priority is upgrading from a 125
- your priority is highway commutes
Buy the Raider 125 if
- you want the lower purchase price and EMI
- mileage matters more to you than outright performance
- you are a new rider or shorter and want the lighter bike
- your priority is young riders
What each really costs
Base variants, Delhi, 30 km a day. Servicing and insurance are class-typical estimates.
| Cost | Pulsar N160 | Raider 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom | ₹1,22,000 | ₹87,000 |
| On-road, Delhi | ₹1,42,400 | ₹1,00,500 |
| Fuel, 5 years | ₹1,06,905 | ₹88,735 |
| Servicing, 5 years | ₹30,000 | ₹17,500 |
| Insurance renewals | ₹6,836 | ₹4,824 |
| Five-year total | ₹2,86,141 | ₹2,11,559 |
Full specification comparison
Better figure in each row is shown in green.
| Spec | BajajPulsar N160 | TVSRaider 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting ex-showroom | ₹1,22,000 | ₹87,000 |
| Rough EMI / month | ₹3,870 | ₹2,760 |
| Engine | ||
| Engine | 164.8 cc | 124.8 cc |
| Engine type | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, oil-cooled, 2-valve DTS-i | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, oil-cooled, SI, 3-valve |
| Power | 15.7 bhp | 11.2 bhp |
| Torque | 14.7 Nm | 11.2 Nm |
| Claimed mileage | 45 kmpl | 56 kmpl |
| Cooling | Oil-cooled | Oil-cooled, 3-valve |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Starter | Self start only | Self start only |
| Dimensions | ||
| Kerb weight | 152 kg | 123 kg |
| Fuel tank | 14 L | 10 L |
| Seat height | 795 mm | 780 mm |
| Ground clearance | 165 mm | 180 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1358 mm | 1326 mm |
| Brakes & suspension | ||
| Front brake | 300 mm disc | 240 mm disc / 130 mm drum |
| Rear brake | 230 mm disc | 130 mm drum |
| ABS / CBS | Single or dual-channel ABS | CBS |
| Front suspension | 37 mm USD forks (dual ABS) / telescopic | Telescopic |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock | Gas-charged monoshock |
| Tyres | ||
| Front tyre | 100/80-17 | 80/100-17 |
| Rear tyre | 130/70-17 | 100/90-17 |
Pulsar N160 vs Raider 125: questions people ask
- Which is cheaper, the Pulsar N160 or the Raider 125?
- The Raider 125 is cheaper by ₹35,000 at the base variant (₹87,000 against ₹1,22,000 ex-showroom Delhi).
- Which gives better mileage, the Pulsar N160 or the Raider 125?
- The Raider 125 claims 56 kmpl against 45 kmpl. Real-world figures for both will be lower.
- What is the on-road price difference between the Pulsar N160 and Raider 125 in Delhi?
- About ₹41,900: roughly ₹1,42,400 for the Pulsar N160 and ₹1,00,500 for the Raider 125, base variants, including road tax, registration and insurance.
- Which costs less to own over five years?
- Our estimate for five years at 30 km a day in Delhi is ₹2,86,141 for the Pulsar N160 and ₹2,11,559 for the Raider 125, including purchase, fuel, servicing and insurance renewals. The Raider 125 comes out ₹74,582 ahead.
