Ultimate Cruiser Comparison Battle: Royal Enfield Himalayan vs TVS Raider 125

Are you confused between Royal Enfield Himalayan & TVS Raider 125? Then you need to worry anymore because, in this blog, we will be comparing these 2 popular cruiser bikes in India.

Cruiser bikes in India have a very strong appeal, especially in the hearts of the younger generation. With increasing demand in the market, multiple brands are trying to tap into this market. The major brands obviously include Royal Enfield and TVS, holding a major part of the market share. 

In the market, you will explore a multitude of options in this category. However, the 2 cruisers that stand out the most include the Royal Enfield Himalayan & TVS Raider 125. In this blog, we will closely compare these top-performing cruiser bikes and which one of them you should purchase!

However, before we begin to compare the two, let’s take a look at what makes cruisers such a popular choice. 

What Makes Cruiser Bikes So Popular in India?

Cruiser bikes have become one of the most preferred choices in India. Some of the reasons behind this are- 

• Comfortable Riding Position: Cruisers are known for offering a laid-back riding position with an upright handlebar and forward-mounted footpegs. This riding position offers a very comfortable riding position for the riders, ideal for those who always want to take those long rides. 
• Unique Aesthetics: Cruisers offer distinct & retro aesthetics. They generally have a muscular engine, chrome aesthetics and classic lines. Their aesthetics radiate a unique appearance and make a major statement on the road. 
• Easy Handling: Cruisers, as compared to other heavier bikes like sports, are fairly easier to learn and control due to lower seat height, stability and smooth power delivery. This makes them especially attractive to the newer riders. 
• Customisation Potential: Cruisers are one of the most popular categories of bikes that allow their owners to personalise their bikes. Cruisers generally offer multiple choices for accessories, performance upgrades or simple visual modifications. This majorly adds to their visual appeal to those who want a unique riding experience.

Royal Enfield Himalayan vs TVS Raider 125?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Which cruiser bike wins the race? Royal Enfield Himalayan or TVS Raider 125? To come to a single conclusion, let’s take it step by step.

• Comparing Prices 

Royal Enfield Himalayan ex-showroom price in India starts from Rs 2.54 Lakh and goes up to Rs 2.68 Lakh. However, the TVS Raider 125 ex-showroom price in India starts from Rs 95,219 lakh and Rs 1.03 Lakh. Making Ronin 125 a much more affordable price as compared to RE Himalayan. 

In terms of variants available, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is offered in 4 variants, while the TVS Raider 125 is offered in 5 variants. So, you get a wide range of choices to choose the one that suits you the best. 

Name of the Model	Number of Variants Available	Ex-Showroom Price
Royal Enfield Himalayan	4	Rs 2.54 – 2.68 Lakhs
TVS Raider 125	5	Rs 95,219 – 1.03 Lakhs

 

1. Comparing Performance & Handling

 

• Acceleration:

 

• Royal Enfield Himalayan: Slower pickup due to its heavier weight and lower engine power. Takes time to get going, but delivers a decent mid-range punch.
• Raider: Much faster off the line thanks to its lightweight and zippy engine. Feels quicker in city traffic and daily commutes.

 

• Top Speed:

 

• Himalayan: Can reach around 130 kmph, but feels comfortable cruising at 80-100 kmph. Not built for high speeds.
• TVS Raider 125: Tops out around 90-100 kmph, good enough for city riding and short highway stints. Not meant for chasing top speeds.

 

• Fuel Efficiency:

 

• Himalayan: Expect around 30 kmpl, average for its engine size. Can drop to 25 kmpl in heavy traffic or off-roading.
• Raider: Shines here with a claimed 57 kmpl, significantly more fuel-efficient for daily use. Great for budget-conscious riders.

 

• Handling:

 

• Royal Enfield Himalayan: Stable and planted at high speeds, good for touring and cruising. Feels heavy and cumbersome in tight spaces or city traffic.
• TVS Raider 125: Nimble and agile, perfect for zipping through traffic and manoeuvring in tight spaces. Not as stable as the Himalayan at high speeds.

 

• Off-road Capabilities:

 

• Himalayan: Built for adventure! Suspension handles rough terrain well, ground clearance tackles obstacles with ease. Can handle mild to moderate off-roading.
• Raider: Not designed for off-roading. Smaller wheels and suspension struggle with rough terrain. Stick to paved roads with this one.

 

C. Comparing Comfort: 

 

1. Ergonomics:

 

• Himalayan: Upright, relaxed riding position with high handlebars. Comfortable for taller riders, might feel stretched for shorter folks. Footpegs slightly rear-set for touring comfort. Controls well-positioned but can feel heavy compared to the Raider.
• Raider: Sporty, forward-leaning riding position with lower handlebars. Feels natural for most riders, but can be tiring on long rides. Footpegs mid-set for city agility. Controls lighter and easier to reach.

 

• Seating Position:

 

• Royal Enfield Himalayan: Wide, plush seat offers good support for both rider and pillion. Can get a bit bouncy on rough roads. Higher seats might be challenging for shorter riders to mount.
• TVS Raider 125: Narrower, sportier seat prioritises manoeuvrability over long-distance comfort. Can feel tiring after extended rides. Lower seat is easy to mount for most riders.

 

• Ride Quality:

 

• Himalayan: Long-travel suspension absorbs bumps and potholes well, making for a smooth ride over broken roads. Can feel heavy and wallowy at times, especially on twisty roads.
• Raider: Stiff suspension prioritises stability at high speeds and agility in traffic. Can feel harsh on rough roads and transmits vibrations to the rider.

 

• Comfort for Long Rides:

 

• Himalayan: More comfortable for long distances due to relaxed seating, good wind protection, and decent suspension. Taller riders might prefer the upright position. Can get tiring for shorter riders or in stop-and-go traffic.
• Raider: Not ideal for long rides due to the sportier seating position, stiff suspension, and lack of wind protection. Great for commuting and short trips, but fatigue kicks in faster on longer journeys.

 

D. Features: 

 

1. Technology:

 

• Himalayan: Simple and basic instrumentation with analog gauges. No connectivity features or fancy electronics. Focuses on practicality and reliability.
• Raider: Features a fully digital instrument cluster with trip metre, fuel gauge, and other basic information. Bluetooth connectivity allows phone calls and music. More modern and tech-savvy.

 

1. Safety Features:

 

• Royal Enfield Himalayan: Standard safety features like dual-channel ABS and disc brakes on both wheels. Offers good stopping power and confidence on the road.
• TVS Raider 125: Also equipped with single-channel ABS and disc brakes. Adequate for its smaller engine and lower speeds. Lacks some of the advanced safety features of the Himalayan.

 

1. Customization Options:

 

• Himalayan: Wide range of official and aftermarket accessories available. You can personalise everything from luggage racks and handguards to seats and exhausts.
• Raider: Limited factory accessories, but a growing aftermarket scene offering sporty and cosmetic upgrades. Not as extensive as the Himalayan’s options.

Conclusion:

Overall, Royal Enfield Himalayan is a powerful and versatile choice, ideal for touring, cruising and mid-off-road adventures. It is quite comfortable but requires a little more effort in traffic. Meanwhile, the TVS Raider 125 is quick, agile, and super fuel-efficient, making it ideal for daily commutes and city riding. But we wouldn’t wouldn’t necessarily choose Raider for high speeding or off-roading. 

If you are an adventure seeker, tourer or just a rider who’s looking for a more powerful bike capable of a little off-roading, then go for Himalayan. However, if you are a city commuter, a little budget-conscious or just someone who values agility & fuel efficiency, then Raider should be your choice. 

At the end of the day, it truly depends on what you are looking for exactly. So, we hope through this blog, you can make a more informed decision.