TVS is gearing up to launch its hot 125cc commuter bike, the updated Raider on October 19, tomorrow. With this launch, TVS aims to target the youth already sporty commuter by hosting it on its innovative proprietary platform – TVS Motoverse. TVS Motoverse is the manufacturer’s attempt to create a digital platform on Metaverse where all its future launches will take place.
What TVS is calling the new update Raider’s Wicked will be the world’s first 2-wheeler launch in the Metaverse. On Raider’s official Instagram handle, there has been an onslaught of teasers and promotional videos over the past 3 days that hint at what new features we can expect. As the company is targeting Gen Z with the virtual reality launch and all, the biggest feature upgrade will be a new instrument console that will support Bluetooth connectivity via the company’s SmartXonnect Bluetooth module and voice assist function. Thanks to this new addition, the connected variant of the Raider will also benefit from additional features such as turn-by-turn navigation, incoming call alerts and message notifications, and music control.
The new instrument cluster will sport a 5-inch TFT screen instead of the LCD offered on regular variants of the Raider, which will include existing features like service reminder, low battery alert and some more information like range, fuel economy and previous comparisons. . High speed recorder among others. No major mechanical updates are expected in the bike’s motor, chassis and underpinnings, though, a price hike for the disc brake-equipped variant that currently retails at Rs. 93,489 is expected, as we have seen in Ntorq’s SmartXonnect variant which charges the highest premium of its lot.
Currently, the commuter bike is powered by a 124.8cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, 3-valve engine that produces a total of 11.4hp at 7,500 rpm and 11.2Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm and comes with an earbox with 5-gpe. Segment-first riding modes – Eco and Power. With 17-inch alloys at both ends, it will retain front telescopic forks and rear monoshock suspension. Braking duties are handled by a petal disc at the front and a drum brake setup at the rear. The update will also retain the sporty look of the current model with little or no change in paint options. The Raider 125 competes with the likes of Honda Shine SP 125, Hero Glamor Xtec and Pulsar NS125.