TVS Raider 125 Flex Fuel in India: Price, Fuel Cost per Km & Daily Comfort Check

The newly launched TVS Raider 125 Flex Fuel has brought a refreshing balance between affordability, performance, and eco-friendly mobility for Indian commuters. Designed to run on both petrol and ethanol blends, this 125cc motorcycle aims to reduce running costs while offering familiar reliability.

But can it really make your daily rides cheaper without compromising comfort? Let’s explore how this new-age commuter performs in the real world — in terms of price, fuel cost per kilometre, and daily riding comfort across Indian roads.

Price and Variants in India (November 2025)

TVS has priced the Raider 125 Flex Fuel smartly to attract both city riders and rural buyers looking for value. Despite new engine hardware, the brand kept it close to the regular Raider’s price.

Verdict: The Flex Fuel version costs about ₹8,000–₹10,000 more upfront but brings major fuel savings that recover the extra cost within a few months of daily use.

Engine and Fuel Compatibility

The Raider Flex Fuel’s 124.8cc air-cooled engine is built to handle ethanol blends from E20 (20% ethanol) up to E85 (85% ethanol).

Engine Highlights:

• Power: 11.2 PS @ 7,500 rpm

• Torque: 11 Nm @ 6,000 rpm

• Gearbox: 5-speed manual

• Fuel system: Ethanol-compatible injectors

• Cooling: Air-cooled with upgraded materials

Verdict: Performance remains as peppy as the petrol Raider, even when running on E85 blends.

Real-World Fuel Cost Per Km

Here’s how the Raider 125 Flex Fuel stacks up against the regular petrol version in fuel expenses:

Example:
For a rider travelling 30 km daily:

• Petrol: ₹46/day or ₹1,380/month

• E20 blend: ₹40/day or ₹1,200/month

• E85 blend: ₹33/day or ₹990/month

That’s a monthly saving of up to ₹400–₹500, or ₹5,000–₹6,000 annually.

Verdict: The Raider Flex Fuel cuts fuel bills by nearly 30% while maintaining similar performance.

Daily Comfort and Ride Quality

The Raider Flex Fuel keeps its signature comfort-first setup — upright seating, balanced weight distribution, and a soft suspension tuned for Indian roads.

Comfort Factors:

• Seat Height: 780 mm (accessible for short riders)

• Cushioning: Soft foam with dual-texture cover

• Suspension: Telescopic front + 5-step adjustable monoshock rear

• Handlebar Position: Upright and wrist-friendly

• Vibration Level: Minimal, even at 80 km/h

Verdict: It’s one of the most comfortable 125cc commuters in India, perfect for daily rides in city traffic or short highway stretches.

City and Highway Riding Experience

In City Traffic

The bike feels agile, light, and responsive at low speeds. The 5-speed gearbox shifts cleanly, and clutch operation is light — reducing fatigue during stop-go commutes.

Pros:

• Quick throttle response even on ethanol blends

• Excellent mid-range torque for quick overtakes

• Silent-start technology reduces vibration

On Highways

At 70–80 km/h, the Raider maintains stability with minimal vibration. The wind blast is low, and braking confidence remains strong thanks to optional front disc brakes.

Verdict: Equally capable in both city and highway use, with a calm, predictable riding feel.

Design and Build Quality

The Raider Flex Fuel’s design remains sporty and muscular with small updates reflecting its green DNA.

Design Highlights:

• Sleek LED headlamp

• New green-yellow Flex Fuel graphics

• Fully digital console with ethanol indicator

• Split seats and sculpted tank design

• 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres

Verdict: Retains the Raider’s youth appeal while subtly signalling its eco credentials.

Service and Maintenance Costs

TVS has used ethanol-resistant parts in the Raider Flex Fuel to prevent corrosion or clogging. Maintenance cycles are mostly identical to the petrol version.

Expected Service Costs (per visit):

• Oil & filter: ₹400–₹500

• General checkup: ₹300–₹400

• Annual maintenance average: ₹1,800–₹2,200

Service Interval:
Every 5,000–6,000 km or six months.

Verdict: Maintenance is simple and affordable, with TVS’s wide service network across India.

Ethanol Fuel Availability

As of November 2025, E20 fuel is available in most urban areas, while E85 is rolling out in major states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat. TVS designed this bike to adapt automatically to whatever blend is available, meaning riders can fill up anywhere.

Verdict: Refuelling convenience is now nearly on par with petrol bikes in metro cities.

Ideal Buyers

The TVS Raider 125 Flex Fuel is built for riders who want a practical, everyday motorcycle with lower fuel expenses and eco benefits.

Best suited for:

• City commuters covering 25–40 km daily

• College students and professionals on a budget

• Riders in ethanol-ready cities and towns

• Users not ready to switch to electric bikes

Verdict: The perfect mix of economy, comfort, and reliability for modern Indian commuters.

Final Verdict

The TVS Raider 125 Flex Fuel is one of the most forward-looking commuter bikes in India today. It doesn’t demand compromises — riders get familiar petrol-bike performance with ethanol-powered savings.

It’s smoother than expected, easier on the pocket, and ready for India’s biofuel future.

Verdict Summary:

• Price: ₹1.05 lakh (ex-showroom)

• Mileage: 55–65 km/l

• Monthly Savings: ₹400–₹500

• Maintenance: ₹2,000/year (approx.)

• Ideal For: City and short-distance daily riders

FAQs

How much does the TVS Raider 125 Flex Fuel cost in India?

The ex-showroom price is around ₹1.05 lakh, with on-road cost near ₹1.22 lakh.

What is the real mileage of the Raider Flex Fuel?

Depending on fuel blend and riding style, mileage ranges between 55–65 km/l.

Does ethanol reduce bike performance?

Only slightly, but the Raider is tuned to deliver near-petrol performance even with E85.

How much can I save monthly using ethanol fuel?

You can save ₹400–₹500 per month, roughly ₹5,000–₹6,000 annually.

Is it suitable for long-term daily use?

Yes. It’s built for Indian roads, with low maintenance and reliable engine components.