Bajaj CT 125X First Ride Review | Bajaj's capable new workhorse

What made India one of the largest two-wheeler markets in the world? It's the 100-125cc commuter motorcycles that are lightweight, comfortable, promise great mileage per litre of fuel, and very importantly are priced affordably. While automatic scooters have come to be very popular lately, it is still commuter motorcycles that transport people and goods in tier III or II or even tier I cities.A new product in this very segment is the Bajaj CT 125X which joins Bajaj Auto's rugged line of commuters that includes the CT 110X as well. During the short time we spent with the bike in and around Pune, the CT 125X did deliver on the parameters expected from a commuter bike.Bajaj CT 125X DesignThe CT 125X, like the CT 110X, boasts some design features unique to it, like the differently designed headlamp casing, an additional footrest on the right side of the bike, a sturdy luggage carrier, along with rubber on the leg guards, a bash plate, and a USB port under the instrument cluster.The instrument cluster includes simplistic and analogue dials. The switchgear and the overall fit and finish are satisfactory. One thing the CT 125X misses out on, in comparison to the CT 110X, is a knobby tread pattern on the tyres.Bajaj CT 125X Engine and Fuel EfficiencyThe CT 125X is powered by a 124.4cc that makes 10.8 hp and 11 Nm of torque which puts the numbers (on paper) ever so slightly higher than its direct competitors. Plus, the peak torque kicks in at a lower 5,500 rpm and it does reflect on the bike's throttle response. It'll easily cruise at low speeds and in higher gears. Overtaking manoeuvres within city traffic are not a problem either thanks to a flat torque band. It gets an 'intelligent carburettor' instead of a fuel-injection system, which makes it one of the very few bikes in the market today with this feature.This engine that was previously used on the Bajaj Discover 125 (now discontinued) is refined and not many vibrations to be bothered about. It can sit at speeds of about 80 km/h for long durations if needed without any complaints. The gearbox is a five-speed unit with an all-down shift pattern. While it's mostly flawless, shifting to neutral at times was cumbersome.The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure is 62 kpl. We could expect about 55 km to a litre in the real world, which is a good number.Bajaj CT 125X Suspension and BrakesThis basic but rugged machine is suspended on telescopic forks at the front and dual gas-charged shocks at the rear. Braking hardware comprises a 240 mm disc (or a more affordable 130 mm drum) at the front and a 130 mm drum at the rear. The suspension is set up on the plusher side which works great on the rough end of the road and the braking is apt as well.The CT 125X rolls on 17-inch rims and 80/100 front and 100/90 rear tyres. As mentioned earlier, the 125X does not get a dual-purpose knobby tread pattern on its tyres like the CT 110X, however, the tyres that it has fared well on the countryside roads we took it for a test ride on, with no slips on dirt and muck.Bajaj CT 125X Price and RivalsThe CT 125X is a very affordable proposition at Rs 71,354 starting and Rs 74,554 for the disc brake variant. In fact, it is equivalent to or even more affordable than some 110cc motorcycles in the market today, for example, the Hero Splendor+ at Rs 71,000 and Rs 75,446 for its higher variant.The CT 125X is surely more interesting to look at in its segment and offers a good riding range of some 605 to 630 km in one full tank. If one's in the market looking to buy a 110cc motorcycle, take even the CT 110X for example, they can add just about Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 and bring home a 125cc with better power figures and more features. And about Rs 3,000 more gets them a disc brake version which is always a better choice. The CT 125X offers a great value-for-money proposition for a motorcycle that will be used and abused every day as a sturdy workhorse.