Key Takeaways
- The updated TVS Raider 125 adds dual-channel ABS, which is rare in the 125cc class.
- A switchable traction control system works with the ABS and helps on wet monsoon roads.
- The rear tyre grows from 110-section to 120-section, and the rear disc brake is larger.
- A USB Type-C port is added; the 124.8cc engine is unchanged and India pricing rises about Rs. 4,000.
- Nepal launch of the updated bike is unconfirmed; reported prices run Rs. 2,76,900 to Rs. 3,09,900.
TVS has updated the Raider 125 with dual-channel ABS, a switchable traction control system (TCS), a wider 120-section rear tyre and a USB Type-C charging port. The update comes just ahead of the festive season, after the previous revision in April 2026. The 124.8cc engine is unchanged, so the changes are about safety, grip and everyday usability rather than performance.
This matters for Nepali riders because the Raider 125 is one of the most visible 125cc commuters on Kathmandu's roads. Wet monsoon tarmac, steep hill descents and sudden stops in valley traffic are exactly where ABS and traction control help most. Dual-channel ABS is still rare in the 125cc class, and rare even among many 150cc bikes.
One caveat up front: these updates were announced for the Indian market. We have not seen confirmation of when, or whether, Nepal-spec units will get the same package. Nepal prices below are reported market figures and can change with shipments and tax revisions, so confirm them with an authorized dealer.
Key Highlights
- Dual-channel ABS is now added, which is uncommon in the 125cc segment.
- Switchable traction control (TCS) works alongside the ABS.
- The rear tyre moves up from a 110-section to a 120-section unit for more grip.
- The small rear petal disc is replaced by a larger conventional disc.
- A USB Type-C port replaces the older charging option.
- The engine stays the same: 124.8cc.
- India ex-showroom pricing rises by about Rs. 4,000, to roughly Rs. 1.04 lakh (Indian rupees).
- Reported Nepal prices before this update: Rs. 2,76,900 (carburettor), Rs. 2,99,900 (FI) and Rs. 3,09,900 (iGO).
Detailed Analysis
Dual-Channel ABS and Traction Control
Most 125cc bikes offer either no ABS or single-channel ABS on the front wheel only. Dual-channel ABS monitors both wheels, so you can brake hard on a wet or oily road without locking either one. That is useful during monsoon, when Kathmandu's roads get slick with mud and diesel residue.
The traction control system is switchable. You can leave it on for wet roads and loose gravel, and turn it off if you want the rear to move around on a dry road. On a 125cc bike, TCS is mainly a safety net for sudden throttle inputs on slippery surfaces, such as a wet manhole cover or a muddy hill climb.
Wider Rear Tyre and Bigger Rear Disc
The rear tyre grows from 110-section to 120-section. A wider contact patch gives more grip under braking and in corners. It also suits the extra braking force from the larger rear disc, which replaces the small petal disc. Together they should improve stopping confidence, especially with a pillion on the steep roads around Kathmandu valley.
USB Type-C Port
The USB-C port is a small change, but a useful one. Most phones now charge over Type-C, and riders in Nepal increasingly use phones for navigation. Check the port's output at the dealer before you rely on it to keep a phone charged on a long ride.
What Changed and What Did Not
| Feature | Before the update | After the update |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not dual-channel | Dual-channel ABS |
| Traction control | Not available | Switchable TCS |
| Rear tyre | 110-section | 120-section |
| Rear brake | Small petal disc | Larger conventional disc |
| Charging port | Older port | USB Type-C |
| Engine | 124.8cc | 124.8cc (unchanged) |
| India ex-showroom price | About Rs. 1.00 lakh (Indian rupees) | About Rs. 1.04 lakh (Indian rupees) |
Reported Nepal Pricing by Variant
The figures below are market-reported prices for Nepal. They do not include the new updates, because we have no confirmed Nepal pricing for the revised bike yet.
| Variant | Reported Nepal price |
|---|---|
| Carburettor | Rs. 2,76,900 |
| FI (fuel injection) | Rs. 2,99,900 |
| iGO | Rs. 3,09,900 |
When you compare variants, compare like with like. The iGO variant adds the iGO Assist technology, which provides a Boost Mode for extra torque during acceleration, plus riding modes. Do not judge it against the carburettor variant on price alone.
Pro tip: If a dealer offers the updated bike, ask directly whether it has dual-channel ABS and TCS, and get the feature list in writing. Older stock may still be on the showroom floor.
Impact on Nepal EV Market
The Raider 125 is a petrol bike, but its pricing and features shape what budget buyers expect from every commuter vehicle, including EVs. Here is what the update means for different groups.
For riders: Dual ABS and TCS in a 125cc commuter raise the safety baseline. If these features reach Nepal at a modest price increase, they become a strong reason to choose the Raider over rivals that lack them.
For dealers: A visible safety upgrade gives showroom staff something concrete to sell. Expect buyers to ask about ABS and traction control more often, and expect questions about whether older stock is being discounted.
For the EV market: A petrol commuter at roughly Rs. 2.77 to 3.10 lakh sits in the same budget range where buyers start to consider small electric cars. At home charging rates of about Rs. 10-12 per kWh, running cost is around Rs. 0.70 per km for a car, so EV running costs undercut petrol over time. Small EVs also come with safety equipment such as ABS, EBD and parking sensors as standard.
If you are cross-shopping, these small electric cars sit near the top of the Raider's price range:
| Model | Price | Battery | Claimed range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seres E1 Mid | Rs. 16,49,000 | 13.8 kWh | 180 km |
| MG Comet Pace | Rs. 18,75,000 | 17.3 kWh | 230 km |
| Henrey Mincar | Rs. 19,95,000 | 16.5 kWh | 205 km |
These are four-seat city cars, not motorcycles, so the comparison is about budget and running cost rather than like-for-like use. A two-wheeler still wins on parking, filtering through traffic and purchase price. A car wins on weather protection and carrying family members. You can use Compare EVs to line up the options, or look at Used EVs if you want to stretch the budget.
What to Expect Next
The most likely sequence is that the updated Raider 125 rolls out in India first through the festive season, followed by Nepal dealers once stock and homologation are sorted. We cannot give a firm date, and TVS Nepal has not confirmed one in anything we have seen.
On pricing, expect Nepal prices to move up modestly, in line with the roughly Rs. 4,000 rise in India, plus whatever import duties and exchange rates add. Treat the Nepal figures above as a baseline and not a final quote.
Other manufacturers in the 125cc class will probably feel pressure to match dual-channel ABS. If they do, the safety gap in this segment narrows, and the same expectation will carry over to small EVs and electric scooters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is new in the updated TVS Raider 125?
A: The updated TVS Raider 125 gets dual-channel ABS, a switchable traction control system, a wider 120-section rear tyre (up from 110-section), a larger conventional rear disc brake and a USB Type-C charging port. The 124.8cc engine is unchanged.
Q: What is the price of the TVS Raider 125 in Nepal?
A: Reported Nepal prices are Rs. 2,76,900 for the carburettor variant, Rs. 2,99,900 for the FI variant and Rs. 3,09,900 for the iGO variant. These figures predate the new safety update, so confirm the current price with an authorized dealer.
Q: Does the Raider 125 have traction control?
A: Yes, the updated Raider 125 adds a switchable traction control system that works together with dual-channel ABS. You can turn it off if you want. It helps most on wet or loose surfaces, which are common during Nepal's monsoon.
Q: Has the updated Raider 125 launched in Nepal?
A: We have not seen confirmation of a Nepal launch date for the updated version. The changes were announced for India, so ask your local TVS dealer whether the dual ABS and TCS model is in stock before you buy.
Q: Is a small EV a better buy than a 125cc bike in Nepal?
A: It depends on what you need. A motorcycle is cheaper to buy and easier to park. A small EV costs more upfront but runs at roughly Rs. 0.70 per km on home charging, and it protects you from rain. Compare both on our Compare EVs page.
