Bajaj CT 125X has launched in the Indian market recently. Fitted with a bigger engine than the CT 110X, we test the bike to know what it has to offer.
- Comes in 2 variants - Drum & Disc
- Available in 3 colour options
- Priced from Rs 71,354 to Rs 74,554 ex-showroom
In the last week of August 2022, Bajaj launched a new product in the Indian two-wheeler market. The 2022 Bajaj CT 125X commuter bike promises to deliver a mix of ruggedness and practicality altogether. Hence, to test these claims made by the company we went to Pune for its test ride. Read our detailed ride review below to understand every aspect related to your buying choice about the CT 125X bike.
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Bajaj CT 125X Design & Features
The design of the CT 125X is nothing different or unique. Why? Well, because Bajaj CT 110X is already in the Indian market and the 125X carries its design as it is. Yes, there are a few differences but largely both of the bikes look the same. The 125X is a mix of rugged appeal and commuter comfort. The front styling of the bike is done very nicely as it looks like a bigger bike due to design elements. The round headlight has a cowl fitted with a V-shaped LED DRL. Similarly, the front forks get the gaiter kit to avoid dust getting into the suspensions. The CT 125X rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and tubeless tyres.
The CT 125X is available in 3 colours - red, green, & blue. However, the use of black colour as a base is evident in all three colour options. Additionally, the black paint shade is also evident on the engine and mechanical components to provide it with a rugged appeal. Come to the side and you can notice the single piece well-cushioned seat. It is very comfortable to sit and the rider triangle is well-sorted. The handlebar, switchgear, & speedometer are all carried from the CT 110X as it is. However, Bajaj has provided a USB port for phone charging. This is going to be very helpful for customers who travel a lot on their bikes.
The rear end embraces a simplistic design with a lot of usable features. A rear luggage rack and side luggage carriers have been fitted on it. These are of sturdy quality and definitely going to come in handy for a lot of tier-2 and tier-3 city customers who ferry luggage on the go. Additionally, the wider rear tyre with an alloy wheel generates more confidence as well. Bajaj has also fitted a lot of protective parts like the front disc caliper cover, clutch cable cover on the handlebar, & the Combined Braking System cover as well. However, we wish that Bajaj had at least provided it with a semi-digital instrument cluster.
Riding Experience - Engine Power, Pickup, & Fuel Economy
The interesting bit about the CT 125X is its engine. It comes with an all-new 124.8cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. Mind you, it is not the same unit as seen on the Pulsar 125. However, it is an international powerplant sold overseas. This engine makes a healthy 10.7 bhp of peak power and 11 Nm of peak torque. A 5-speed gearbox with all-down upshift patterns is used on it. Well, the gearbox is quite odd to use because of its shift pattern but one gets used to it once ridden for a few kilometers.
The engine is quite peppy to ride. Slot into the first the lack of torque is evident. This has been done deliberately by Bajaj. Why? Because as per them, most of the torque is required on the go and not to lift off. Hence, the first two gears feel low on torque. However, once you shift to 3rd gear, the surge of widespread torque is evidently felt. Additionally, the performance enhances multiple folds once the bike is on the move. Meanwhile, the lack of torque in the first gear can not be ignored especially on steep inclines. I found myself using a half-clutch a lot of times to lift off during the test ride.
The suspension is quite comfortable. The front telescopic forks and the rear SNS suspension from Bajaj work like a charm. Yes, in a few instances the bike tends to bottom out at the rear. This happens especially when you are carrying speed. However, most of the time you feel very planted and comfortable. All thanks to the sorted ergonomics as well as the comfortable riding experience on it. I was happy with the brake bite. The bike we tested had a 240mm disc at its front wheel. Although, the lack of ABS was quite felt Bajaj has fitted a Combined Braking System on it. If you are someone who rides sedately, the brakes are more than sufficient on it. One needs to be alerted when carrying high speed on it for braking distance.
Additionally, it comes with an 11-lt fuel tank which is better than its segment rivals. The ARAI-claimed fuel economy stands at 62 kmpl. However, with limited time on our hands, we could not test its economy. Meanwhile, the top speed achieved during our test was 88 kmph. It could go even more but the lack of road stopped us from pushing it unnecessarily. However, the decent and comfortable cruising range of CT 125X is 60-70 kmph. After these speeds, the bike starts to feel like going out of breath.
Verdict
The presence of CT 110X in the market leads to confusion about CT 125X. However, when compared with the rivals like Hero Super Splendor and Honda SP 125, the rugged factor and practicality of the CT 125X can not be ignored. What makes the case for it more strong is its pricing. Bajaj has priced it in the exact sweet spot where a customer can easily shift from 110cc to 125cc with the features and looks of a premium bike. Rs 71,354 is what one needs to pay for the drum variant and Rs 74,554 for the disc variant. With such nice pricing, comfortable riding experience, and decent fuel economy; the CT 125X is here to sell in good numbers. Or, will it not? Well, only time will tell.
