TVS Raider Hits New Milestone: More Than 1.6 Million Units Sold!

Published: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 20:15 [IST]

The TVS Raider 125, launched in India on September 16, 2021, has completed 4 successful years, firmly establishing itself as a key player in the commuter motorcycle segment.

Positioned as a more premium 125cc bike with youthful styling and advanced features, the Raider has proven TVS' strategy right, becoming a cornerstone of the company's sales performance in recent years.

Sales Milestones & Market Performance

Since its debut, the Raider 125 has recorded 1,604,355 units sold globally - over 1.35 million units in the domestic market and 2.45 lakh units exported till August 2025. Impressively, the Raider alone has contributed 39% of TVS' total motorcycle sales of 3.52 million units in India during this period.

The bike saw early success, averaging more than 12,000 monthly sales in late FY2022 before surging 212% YoY to nearly 2.40 lakh units in FY2023. In FY2024, it overtook the Apache series to become TVS' best-selling motorcycle, doubling its sales to 4.78 lakh units.

However, FY2025 saw a moderation in demand, with just under 4 lakh units sold, reflecting a 16% YoY drop. For FY2026 so far (April-August), the Raider has moved over 1.30 lakh units, which is 9% lower YoY. The slowdown is partly due to rising competition, as the Hero Xtreme 125R, Bajaj Pulsar N125, and Honda CB125 Hornet have joined the segment Raider pioneered.

Competitive Landscape

While the Raider has defined the sporty 125cc commuter niche, traditional rivals like the Honda Shine dominate the broader 125cc market. Between April and July 2025, the Shine sold over 5.71 lakh units, a gap that underscores how Raider's sportier positioning appeals to a different buyer base.

Export Growth & GST Boost

The Raider has also strengthened TVS' export portfolio, with 2.45 lakh units shipped overseas. FY2025 was its best export year at 71,000 units (up 31% YoY), and FY2026 is on track to surpass that with 37,000 units exported in just five months.

Adding to its prospects, GST 2.0 has reduced the tax rate on sub-350cc two-wheelers from 28% to 18%, lowering the Raider's effective price. This change is expected to provide a fresh boost to domestic sales, making the Raider and other TVS models more competitive in the market.

DriveSpark Thinks

The Raider 125's blend of aggressive styling, digital instrumentation, and segment-first features like riding modes and under-seat storage has inspired rival brands to rethink their 125cc strategies. Four years on, the Raider remains not just a popular choice for young riders but also a benchmark in the sporty-commuter space.