Quick Analysis
Bajaj CT125x
7.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
SUZUKI GSX-8R
20.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air‑cooled | Liquid Cooling |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 776 cc |
| Engine Type | 4 stroke, Air cooled Single cylinder, SOHC, DTSi | 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Power | 10.9 PS @ 8000 rpm | 81.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 5500 rpm | 78 Nm @ 6800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 L | 14 L |
| Mileage | 59.6 Kmpl | 23.8 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 130 | 205 |
| Seat Height | 810 | 810 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | 130 mm Disc/Drum | Disc 310 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic (125 mm travel) | Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum | Disc Caliper - Rear 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | SNS with Nitrox (100 mm travel) | Link type, coil spring, oil damped |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 80/100–17 Tubeless | 120/70ZR17M/C |
| Rear Tyre | 100/90–17 Tubeless | 180/55ZR17M/C |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Halogen | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ebony-green.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gsx8rmetallicmattblack.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ebony-red-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gsx8rmetallicmattswordsilver.webp |
| Color Options | Ebony Black with Red Decals | #111111, #A00000 Ebony Black with Blue Decals | #111111, #2456A6 Ebony Black with Green Decals | #111111, #2F6B3D | Metallic Matt Black | #0D0D0D Metallic Matt Sword Silver | #9AA0A6, #5F646A Metallic Triton Blue | #004EA8 |
| Cons | Despite the larger engine, performance remains commuter-oriented and does not feel particularly exciting at higher speeds. The motorcycle uses a front disc and rear drum brake setup, but braking performance is still tuned more for regular commuting than aggressive riding. The design is functional rather than premium, and some buyers may find the styling too utilitarian compared to modern 125cc commuters. The instrument cluster is basic and lacks features such as Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, or advanced digital displays. Engine vibrations can become noticeable when the motorcycle is ridden near its top speed for extended periods. The suspension is comfort-focused, which means handling feels stable but not especially sharp during fast cornering. Highway cruising ability is better than smaller commuter bikes, but the motorcycle is still primarily designed for daily transportation rather than long-distance touring. Since the model has been discontinued in India, availability of certain body panels, graphics, or model-specific cosmetic parts may become more limited over time compared to current-production motorcycles. | Doesn’t deliver the high-revving top-end excitement of inline-4 supersport motorcycles. Wind protection at very high speeds is modest and can feel tiring on long highway rides. Suspension tuning leans slightly firm, which can feel bumpy on rough roads. Weight is on the heavier side, noticeable at low speeds or during tight maneuvers. Not designed for hardcore track riders seeking extreme performance or razor-sharp handling. Fuel economy drops significantly when ridden aggressively. |
| Detailed Overview | The Bajaj CT 125X is a commuter motorcycle that has been developed with an emphasis on practicality, durability, and everyday usability. While it shares the basic purpose of most commuter bikes, providing economical transportation, it introduces several design elements that make it stand apart from conventional city-focused commuters. Features such as a metal bash plate, fork gaiters, crash guards, and semi-knobby tyres give the motorcycle a more rugged appearance and highlight its focus on handling rough road conditions alongside regular urban commuting. Powering the motorcycle is a 124.4cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The engine is tuned to deliver usable low and mid-range performance rather than aggressive acceleration. This tuning allows the motorcycle to respond smoothly in city traffic and makes it easier to ride at everyday speeds. Compared to smaller 100cc commuter motorcycles, the additional engine capacity provides improved pulling power, which can be useful when carrying a pillion rider, transporting luggage, or riding on inclines. The 5-speed transmission also helps maintain a more relaxed engine speed during longer rides and moderate highway usage. Fuel efficiency remains an important part of the motorcycle’s overall character. Real-world mileage generally falls in the range of approximately 55–65 km/l depending on riding habits, traffic conditions, and maintenance. Combined with its 11-litre fuel tank, the motorcycle offers a riding range that suits riders who cover substantial distances as part of their daily routine. The riding posture is designed around comfort and control. A wide handlebar, upright seating position, and neutral footpeg placement create a natural riding triangle that does not place excessive strain on the rider. The seat is long and reasonably spacious, allowing both rider and pillion to sit comfortably during daily commutes. These ergonomics make the motorcycle suitable for prolonged periods of use in urban environments and on mixed road surfaces. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. The setup is tuned primarily to absorb uneven surfaces and reduce the impact of potholes, speed breakers, and damaged roads. This suspension configuration works together with the motorcycle’s relatively high ground clearance, allowing it to travel over rough patches without frequent contact between the underside of the bike and the road surface. The semi-knobby tyre pattern further contributes to the motorcycle’s ability to maintain grip on mixed terrain, including gravel roads and less-developed routes. Visually, the CT 125X follows a straightforward and functional design philosophy. The bodywork remains simple, but the addition of protective elements and contrasting graphics creates a tougher appearance than a typical commuter motorcycle. Alloy wheels, tank pads, and practical utility-focused components contribute to the overall design theme without significantly increasing complexity. Braking performance varies depending on the variant, with front disc and drum brake options offered during its production run. The motorcycle uses Combined Braking System (CBS), which distributes braking force between the wheels to improve stability during braking. Tubeless tyres add another practical element by reducing inconvenience in the event of minor punctures. The feature list remains focused on essential functionality. The instrument cluster provides basic riding information in a simple and easy-to-read format, while electric start functionality improves convenience during daily use. Unlike premium motorcycles, the CT 125X does not rely heavily on advanced electronics or connected technologies, instead maintaining a straightforward mechanical setup aimed at routine transportation and ease of ownership. | The Suzuki GSX-8R is built around a 776cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine, and that configuration shapes most of its character. Instead of chasing very high revs, the engine focuses more on accessible performance, with a noticeable pull in the mid-range. This becomes relevant in real riding conditions, where smooth acceleration matters more than outright top-end speed. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, and it also gets a bi-directional quickshifter, which allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts. This setup changes how the bike feels in traffic as well as on open roads, making gear changes more seamless. The chassis is based on a steel frame, which keeps the structure straightforward while maintaining stability. Suspension duties are handled by upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock, both tuned to deal with a mix of riding scenarios. On uneven roads, the suspension absorbs most irregularities without feeling overly stiff, while at higher speeds it maintains a planted feel. The riding posture sits somewhere between aggressive and upright, with clip-on handlebars that are not too low, allowing a slightly leaned-forward stance without putting too much pressure on the wrists. Braking is managed by dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear, supported by dual-channel ABS. The setup is designed to offer controlled stopping power, especially considering the bike’s performance level. The GSX-8R also comes with electronic aids such as traction control and selectable riding modes, which adjust how the throttle responds. These features don’t change the core nature of the bike but add a layer of adaptability depending on riding conditions. In terms of design, the GSX-8R follows a fully faired layout, with sharp body panels and a compact tail section. The LED lighting setup, including the headlamp and indicators, keeps the design in line with modern expectations. The instrument cluster is a full-colour TFT display, showing information like speed, gear position, riding mode, and other basic data in a clean layout that is easy to read while riding. The bike uses 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends, paired with road-focused tyres. Fuel tank capacity is around 14 litres, which aligns with its intended use for both short rides and longer stretches. Weight distribution and overall kerb weight play a role in how manageable the bike feels, especially for riders moving up from smaller motorcycles. |
| Expert Review | The Bajaj CT 125X feels like a motorcycle developed for riders who need something tougher than a typical city commuter without moving into a larger or more expensive segment. Its 124.4cc engine provides a noticeable improvement in pulling power over most 100cc commuters, making daily riding with a pillion or luggage feel less demanding. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort, and the higher ground clearance, bash plate, fork gaiters, and semi-knobby tyres give the bike a practical advantage on broken roads and rural routes. The riding posture remains upright and relaxed, which helps during long hours of commuting. Rather than focusing on modern technology or sporty performance, the CT 125X prioritizes durability, simplicity, and ease of ownership. Features remain basic and highway performance is limited by commuter-bike standards, but the motorcycle is clearly aimed at riders who value robustness and everyday usability above everything else., 4.3, MotoAutiv Team | The Suzuki GSX-8R enters a space in the Indian market that is still quite limited, where middleweight faired motorcycles are more aspirational than practical for most riders. Its parallel-twin engine and overall setup place it above the usual entry-level segments, which means it caters to a smaller group of buyers who are looking beyond daily commuting needs. In real-world usage, factors like traffic conditions, road quality, and cost of ownership naturally shape how often a bike like this can be fully used. At the same time, there is a growing interest in bigger motorcycles, especially among riders upgrading from 150–300cc bikes. The GSX-8R fits into this shift, offering a format that sits between everyday usability and weekend riding intent. Its relevance, therefore, is less about volume and more about how it aligns with this gradually expanding premium segment in India., 4.2, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: Is the Bajaj CT 125X discontinued in India? A: Yes. Bajaj has discontinued the CT 125X from its current India lineup, although used models are still available in the pre-owned market. Q: What engine does the Bajaj CT 125X use? A: It is powered by a 124.4cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Q: What mileage does the Bajaj CT 125X deliver? A: Real-world mileage generally ranges between 55–65 km/l depending on riding conditions and maintenance. Q: What is the top speed of the CT 125X? A: The motorcycle can reach an approximate top speed of around 95–100 km/h. Q: What makes the CT 125X different from the CT 110X? A: The CT 125X gets a larger 124.4cc engine, a 5-speed gearbox, and stronger performance while retaining the rugged commuter design. Q: Does the Bajaj CT 125X have a front disc brake? A: Yes. Higher variants were offered with a front disc brake, while some versions used a drum brake setup. Q: Does the CT 125X have ABS? A: No. The motorcycle does not offer ABS and instead uses CBS (Combined Braking System). Q: What suspension setup does the CT 125X use? A: It uses telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the CT 125X? A: The motorcycle comes with an 11-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the kerb weight of the CT 125X? A: Depending on the variant, kerb weight is approximately 130 kg. Q: Does the CT 125X use tubeless tyres? A: Yes, it comes equipped with tubeless tyres mounted on alloy wheels. Q: Is the CT 125X suitable for rough roads? A: Yes. The higher ground clearance, semi-knobby tyres, bash plate, and comfort-oriented suspension help it handle rough surfaces more effectively than many standard commuters. Q: Does the CT 125X have electric start? A: Yes, electric start was available on the motorcycle. Q: Is the Bajaj CT 125X beginner-friendly? A: Yes. The upright ergonomics, predictable power delivery, and manageable weight make it easy for new riders to handle. | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is about 23.8 km/l under mixed riding conditions. Q: Is the Suzuki GSX-8R suitable for daily use in India? A: The Suzuki GSX-8R is often asked about for daily use because of its size. In real conditions, its smooth power delivery and relatively relaxed riding posture make it manageable in city traffic, though heat and width can still be noticeable in heavy congestion. Q: Is the Suzuki GSX-8R comfortable for long rides or touring? A: Many buyers ask this before upgrading. The GSX-8R is designed more like a sport-tourer, so the seating position is not too aggressive, and it can handle longer rides better than typical supersport bikes. Q: How powerful is the Suzuki GSX-8R engine? A: This comes up frequently, especially for first-time big bike buyers. The GSX-8R uses a 776cc parallel-twin engine with strong mid-range torque, which makes it feel usable rather than overwhelming in normal riding. Q: Is the Suzuki GSX-8R a good first big bike? A: A lot of riders upgrading from 200–400cc bikes ask this. The GSX-8R is generally considered approachable because of its linear power delivery and predictable nature, which helps riders transition into higher displacement bikes more easily. Q: What is the maintenance cost of the Suzuki GSX-8R in India? A: Cost of ownership is a common concern. Since it is a middleweight imported bike, service and parts are typically more expensive than smaller bikes, and availability can vary depending on location. Q: Does the Suzuki GSX-8R heat up in traffic? A: This is something many Indian riders specifically ask. Like most big-capacity bikes, engine heat can be noticeable in slow-moving traffic, especially in hot weather conditions. Q: How does the Suzuki GSX-8R compare to Ninja 650 or CBR650R? A: Comparison questions are very common. Buyers usually compare it with bikes like Ninja 650 or CBR650R based on price, performance, and usability rather than just specs. Q: Is the Suzuki GSX-8R good for beginners? A: This overlaps with the “first big bike” question. It is not a beginner bike in the strict sense, but many riders consider it after gaining some experience due to its manageable power delivery. Q: What is the seat height and is the Suzuki GSX-8R comfortable for shorter riders? A: Fit and ergonomics are commonly asked. The seat height is on the higher side, so shorter riders usually check this before buying or plan a test ride to understand reach and comfort. |
| Fuel System | Carburetor | Fuel injection |
| Price Variants | Drum | 73702 Disc | 76902 | STD | 988551 |
| Pros | The 124.4cc engine offers noticeably stronger pulling power than typical 100–110cc commuter motorcycles, making overtakes, pillion riding, and carrying luggage easier in everyday use. The motorcycle is built with rough-road practicality in mind. Features such as the metal bash plate, fork gaiters, crash guards, and higher ground clearance help it cope better with broken roads and rural routes. Ride comfort is a strong point. The suspension setup absorbs potholes, speed breakers, and uneven surfaces reasonably well, making long daily commutes less tiring. Fuel efficiency remains impressive for a 125cc motorcycle, with real-world mileage often ranging between 55–65 km/l depending on riding conditions. The upright riding posture, wide handlebar, and spacious seat create a comfortable riding position for both city commuting and longer daily journeys. The motorcycle feels mechanically simple, which helps keep maintenance costs affordable and servicing straightforward even in smaller towns. The rugged design gives it a tougher visual identity than most conventional commuter motorcycles in the segment. Tubeless tyres and electric start improve convenience for everyday ownership. | Strong and usable mid-range torque that makes the bike easy to ride in the city and lively on open roads. Smooth engine character thanks to the 270° crank, giving a refined feel even at higher speeds. Comfortable yet sporty riding posture that works for daily use as well as weekend rides. Agile handling with good stability, making it confidence-inspiring for both new and experienced riders. Modern electronics like riding modes, traction control, ride-by-wire, and quick-shifter add convenience and safety. High-quality build and attractive, modern styling with a sharp fairing and sleek proportions. Versatile enough for commuting, spirited cornering, and even moderate touring. |
| Starter | Kick and Self Start | Self Start |
| Transmission | 5‑speed | 6 Speed Manual |
