Quick Analysis
Bajaj CT125x
9.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V
21.5 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air‑cooled | Oil-cooled with Ram-Air Assist |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 159.7 cc |
| Engine Type | 4 stroke, Air cooled Single cylinder, SOHC, DTSi | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, fuel-injected |
| Power | 10.9 PS @ 8000 rpm | 17.55 PS @ 9250 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 5500 rpm | 14.73 Nm @ 7250 rpm (Sport Mode) |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 L | 12 litres |
| Mileage | 59.6 Kmpl | 41 |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 130 | 144–146 |
| Seat Height | 810 | 800 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Single/Dual-channel ABS |
| Front Brake | 130 mm Disc/Drum | 270 mm Disc |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic (125 mm travel) | Upside Down Forks with 37mm dia |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum | 130 mm Drum |
| Rear Suspension | SNS with Nitrox (100 mm travel) | Monotube Inverted Gas Filled Shox (MIG) With Spring Aid |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 80/100–17 Tubeless | 90/90 – 17 (Tubeless) |
| Rear Tyre | 100/90–17 Tubeless | 130/70 – 17 (Tubeless, Radial) |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Halogen | LED with DRL |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | — | 12V, 6Ah MF |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ebony-green.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/White-1.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ebony-red-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Matte-black-1.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Granite-black.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Blue.avif |
| Bike Image 5 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Black-1.avif |
| Cluster | — | Fully digital with SmartXonnect |
| Color Options | Ebony Black with Red Decals | #111111, #A00000 Ebony Black with Blue Decals | #111111, #2456A6 Ebony Black with Green Decals | #111111, #2F6B3D | Marine Blue | #315C9B Racing Red | #A50000 Pearl White | #F2F2EE Matte Black | #1A1A1A Glossy Black (BE) | #151515 Granite Grey | #6B6F76 |
| 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. | Engine vibrations can still be noticed at higher RPMs, especially during longer highway rides or aggressive acceleration. The seat cushioning and slightly committed riding posture may feel tiring on very long rides compared to more relaxed commuter motorcycles. Fit-and-finish quality in some plastic panels and switches could feel better considering the competition in this segment. The rear suspension can feel slightly firm on rough roads, especially for pillion comfort. Service experience varies depending on the dealership location, and some owners have reported inconsistent after-sales support. The sporty tuning prioritizes performance more than outright refinement, so riders looking for a very smooth commuter bike may prefer calmer alternatives like the Yamaha FZ or Honda SP160. |
| 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. | Some motorcycles feel fast only when pushed hard, but the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V starts showing its character much earlier. Even in regular city traffic, the bike feels alert and eager, especially when the throttle is opened through the mid-range. The 159.7cc oil-cooled engine has a very different personality compared to basic commuter bikes. Instead of focusing only on mileage and relaxed riding, it delivers stronger acceleration and a sharper response that makes everyday riding feel more active. The 4-valve setup helps the engine pull more freely at higher RPMs, which becomes noticeable during overtakes and highway stretches where the motorcycle continues building speed without feeling strained. The bike uses a 5-speed gearbox, and the gear shifts feel light enough for daily commuting. Newer versions also get ride modes like Sport, Urban, and Rain. Sport mode keeps the throttle response aggressive and lets the motorcycle feel at its quickest, while Urban and Rain modes calm things down slightly for smoother riding in traffic or wet conditions. It is not something most riders constantly switch between every day, but it does change the feel of the motorcycle depending on road conditions. Visually, the Apache RTR 160 4V carries a sharp streetfighter design with aggressive tank shrouds, LED lighting, and sporty graphics. The motorcycle looks compact and muscular rather than bulky, which suits its lightweight and agile nature. The riding posture also reflects that balance. It is slightly sporty with rear-set footpegs and a forward-leaning stance, but not uncomfortable enough to become tiring during normal commuting. Where the motorcycle really stands out is handling. The chassis feels light and responsive, and the bike changes direction quickly without feeling nervous. In traffic, this makes the motorcycle easy to filter through gaps, while on open roads it feels stable enough to maintain confidence at higher speeds. The telescopic front forks and rear monoshock suspension are tuned on the firmer side, which helps during cornering and spirited riding, though rough potholes can sometimes be felt more clearly than on softer commuter bikes. Braking performance is another strong point. Higher variants receive dual-channel ABS along with disc brakes at both ends, and the braking feel remains progressive without becoming too sharp. The motorcycle rides on alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres that offer decent grip for both city and highway usage. The Apache RTR 160 4V also packs more technology than many motorcycles in this segment. The fully digital display supports Bluetooth connectivity through TVS SmartXonnect, giving access to navigation, call alerts, gear position indication, ride statistics, and even lean angle data on some variants. The interface feels modern without becoming distracting while riding. Despite its sporty character, the motorcycle still manages decent fuel efficiency. Most riders see around 40–45 km/l in mixed riding conditions, which keeps it practical enough for everyday use. The 12-litre fuel tank also gives it enough range for longer weekend rides without frequent fuel stops. Overall, the Apache RTR 160 4V feels like a motorcycle built for riders who enjoy an active riding experience but still need something usable for daily life. It mixes sporty performance, quick handling, modern features, and commuter practicality in a way that keeps the bike entertaining without making it difficult to live with. |
| 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 TVS Apache RTR 160 4V feels like a motorcycle that was built with rider involvement in mind rather than just basic commuting. Its 4-valve engine delivers stronger top-end performance and quicker throttle response compared to the standard RTR 160, which becomes noticeable during overtakes and higher-speed riding. The bike feels sharp while cornering, and the chassis gives a stable and confident feel even when ridden aggressively through city roads or highways. At the same time, it still manages to remain practical enough for everyday use, with decent fuel efficiency and a suspension setup that balances sporty handling with reasonable comfort. Features like ride modes, Bluetooth connectivity, and the digital instrument console make the motorcycle feel modern without becoming overly complicated. However, the sporty tuning also means some vibrations are still present at higher RPMs, and the slightly aggressive riding posture may not feel as relaxed on long-distance rides. Overall, the Apache RTR 160 4V combines sporty performance, agile handling, and modern features in a way that makes it feel more engaging than a typical commuter-focused 160cc motorcycle., 4.5, 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 engine capacity of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 159.7cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 4-valve engine. Q: What is the power output of the Apache RTR 160 4V? A: The bike produces around 17.3 bhp in Sport mode and approximately 14.8 Nm of torque. Q: What mileage does the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V give? A: Real-world mileage usually stays around 40–45 km/l depending on riding style and traffic conditions. Q: What is the top speed of the Apache RTR 160 4V? A: The motorcycle has an approximate top speed of around 114–120 km/h. Q: Does the Apache RTR 160 4V have riding modes? A: Yes, newer variants offer Sport, Urban, and Rain riding modes. Q: Does the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V get Bluetooth connectivity? A: Yes, higher variants support TVS SmartXonnect with navigation, call alerts, and ride analytics. Q: What type of cooling system does the Apache RTR 160 4V use? A: The motorcycle uses an oil-cooled engine setup. Q: What brakes are offered on the Apache RTR 160 4V? A: It comes with disc brakes and dual-channel ABS on higher variants. Q: What suspension setup does the Apache RTR 160 4V use? A: The bike uses telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock suspension. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Apache RTR 160 4V? A: The motorcycle comes with a 12-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Apache RTR 160 4V? A: Depending on the variant, kerb weight is around 144–146 kg. Q: Does the Apache RTR 160 4V have LED lights? A: Yes, the motorcycle gets LED headlamp and LED DRLs in newer variants. Q: Is the Apache RTR 160 4V suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes, despite its sporty nature, the bike remains practical enough for everyday city riding. Q: Is the Apache RTR 160 4V good for highway riding? A: Yes, the motorcycle feels stable at highway speeds and has enough performance for touring, though some vibrations can be noticed at higher RPMs. Q: What tyre setup does the Apache RTR 160 4V use? A: The bike uses tubeless tyres mounted on alloy wheels. |
| Fuel System | Carburetor | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Drum | 73702 Disc | 76902 | RM Disc (Black Edition) | 118690 Single Channel ABS | 125440 Dual Channel ABS with USD | 130690 USD with TFT | 138190 |
| 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. | The 159.7cc 4-valve engine feels noticeably stronger and more refined than the regular RTR 160, especially in the mid and top-end range. Acceleration feels quick and lively during overtakes and spirited riding. Handling is one of the bike’s biggest strengths. The chassis feels sharp while cornering, and the motorcycle remains stable even during fast direction changes and higher-speed riding. The suspension setup balances sporty handling with everyday comfort reasonably well, making the bike usable both for city commuting and occasional highway rides. Features like riding modes, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation support, gear position indicator, and a fully digital display help the motorcycle feel modern within the segment. The exhaust note and aggressive styling give the bike a sporty road presence without becoming excessively loud or flashy. Braking performance on the disc variants feels confident, and dual-channel ABS on higher variants improves control during hard braking situations. The bike manages to maintain decent fuel efficiency despite its sporty tuning, with real-world mileage usually staying around 40–45 km/l depending on riding style. |
| Starter | Kick and Self Start | Electric |
| Transmission | 5‑speed | 5-speed manual |
