Bajaj plays the role of good value for money by offering a solid 125cc bike for the price of a 100cc one.
The CT 125X is Bajaj’s new competitor in the 125cc commuter space and a new, larger brother to the existing CT 110X. The Pune-based manufacturer has been absent from the 125cc segment for a while, and with long-standing rivals like Honda Shine and Hero Glamor to contend with, the CT 125X has been dropped. Let’s see how it is.
Review of Bajaj CT 125X: design and features
In keeping with his utilitarian nature, Bajaj has done a great job to give the CT 125X a tough and sturdy look. Elements like the fork feet, sturdy metal belly pan, engine guard and luggage rack not only look good, but function well, and this is what will be targeted by the target audience. Its highly appreciated. The small headlight grille, black alloy, engine cover and bodywork also help it stand out from other commuters.
The metal pan functions and feels like it could be smashed.
The build quality is also acceptable for this price. The materials really do feel a bit built for the cost (well, they are), but they feel solid, helping to exude the sense of durability that Bajaj is all about. The switchgear looks basic too, but it works well and Bajaj has provided it with a toggle switch as well.
The CT 125X is pretty basic when it comes to features, but has some good details on the pricing. The larger CT sibling is equipped with simple halogen headlights and similar gauges, but it has LED DRLs, a conveniently placed USB charging port, and tubeless tires (unlike the CT 110), things that aren’t Buyers will like.
Bajaj CT 125X review: engine and transmission
The 124cc engine found in the CT is new in India, but Bajaj has been using it in export models for a while now. This unit produces 10.9hp and 11Nm, which is 2.3hp and about 1.2Nm more than the CT 110X. Like other Bajaj commuter cars, it uses an electronic carburetor, which is unique to Bajaj products in the commuter segment in India. The company says it has worked to create a flat torque curve, to the point where 90% of peak torque is available from 3,500rpm all the way up to 8,000rpm. And this is what you really feel when you start.
New 124.4cc engine using e-carb.
The CT 125X feels very manoeuvrable and builds speed linearly, with no real flat spots in the power range. You can even accelerate in 5th gear at 40 km/h and the CT will accelerate without much complaint. While we couldn’t test it, Bajaj claims the CT 125X will deliver between 55 and 60kpl in the real world. However, fine-tuning is one area where this engine falls a bit short of 125cc segment standards. It’s smooth enough at normal speeds, but feels rather gruff at high revs, which also brings out some noise in the handlebars and footpegs.
The gearbox is a 5-speed unit with a full downshift, which should take some getting used to if you’re using the usual one-down-four-up format these days.
Bajaj CT 125X review: suspension, ride and handling
The 125X, like the 110X, uses a double cradle frame, but instead of being built from round tubes, Bajaj has used a square cross-section, claiming it increases rigidity. Suspension duties are carried out by a telescopic fork and twin shock absorbers, with the rear fork adjustable for preload. With my lightweight frame, the setup did feel a bit solid at low speeds, but it’s worth noting that this bike is designed to carry a trillion and/or other heavy loads, and it is not a problem for most buyers.
The road-biased, tubeless tire is another difference from its smaller CT sibling.
In terms of wheel sizes, Bajaj opted for the 17-inch one, unlike the 18-inch you see on most of its rivals. But the bike runs fine, without any discomfort or instability, so it shouldn’t really be an issue. The company has also opted to go with a tubeless, road-biased tire instead of a semi-treaded, tubeless tyre on the smaller CT, as the 125 is expected to have some highway capabilities.
As for ergonomics, you’re sitting on the CT flatly and comfortably, just as you’d expect from a commuter. The 810mm saddle height is a bit higher than that of its competitors, but most people can still get both feet down reasonably well. Overall, driving the CT125X is an easy affair thanks to the light controls and slim size. The only disappointment is the seat cushion, which feels too firm.
The seats are spacious but the cushions are too firm.
Bajaj CT 125X review: price and verdict
Where CT really scores is in pricing. With a starting price of just over Rs 71,000 (in showroom, Delhi), the CT 125X is priced on par with the lower-powered Hero Splendor. Meanwhile, the higher-spec Disc variant of the CT 125X is priced at Rs 74,554, and with models like the Honda Shine and Hero Glamor starting at around Rs 78,000 and rising to around Rs 82,000, Bajaj has the edge in terms of pricing. significantly more expensive than its competitors.
CT 125X is cheaper than its competitors by Rs 7,000-8,000.
Sure, it feels well-built for the cost, and it doesn’t have some of the features you’ll find in the Honda Shine, like silent start and shutoff switch, but the CT 125X’s appeal lies in solid and sturdy in nature. And while it may not appeal to many buyers in Tier 1 cities, buyers in rural areas who just want a reliable, durable, and functional motorcycle will see the value in it. CT 125X. On top of that, buying Bajaj will also save you around Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 compared to its competitors, and that will definitely help you get the deal.
