Bajaj CT 125: The bottom end of India’s massive motorcycle market, weirdly, is entirely based on one cornerstone: reliability, on the cheap. The value-for-money bike space has long belonged to Bajaj Auto with its CT series.
Though, with the addition of the Bajaj CT 125, the manufacturer has managed to move another step ahead of the already existing rugged and affordable range by offering more power.
Billed as a stronger sibling to the very successful CT 110X, the CT 125 is aimed at urban commuters who want slightly more performance without forgoing the bike’s fuel economy and affordability.
Bajaj CT 125 Design and Build: Hardcore Looks, Useful Touches
It only takes one look at the CT 125 to know this is not a flashy bike. It’s a simple, kind of ugly, but tough and purpose-built design. That said, Bajaj has thrown in some strains of musculature in the motorcycle — the raised front fender, the tank pads, a blacked-out engine, thick crash guards — which gives it a beefy, no-nonsense character.
The craftsmanship feels solid; this is clearly a bike designed to take some crap from bad roads, heavy load and long hours.
There’s a metal belly pan, rubber tank pads and flat long seat, while it’s also comfortable and practical.”
Engine and Performance TheRaw Motor that Rolls Down Any Mountain
The CT 125 is powered by a 124.4cc air-cooled SOHC single-cylinder engine that is good for about 10.7 bhp of power and 11 Nm of torque. These numbers may not look very impressive on paper, but when factoring in the bike’s light weight and close ratio gear box, it’s enough to make a bike that feels nimble and manageable out on the road.
This engine is wedded to a 5-speed tranny that is a welcome change from the earlier used 4-speeders found on little commuter bikes.
The gearshifts are precise with enough torque at low RPM’s to have the ability to pick up pace with heavy load or a pillion rider burden.
The bike is not meant for high-speed blasting down the highway, but on urban and rural roads it has the perfect combination of torque and effectiveness.
Fuel Efficiency:
Everyday Performance MINI has been motoring the world with great fuel-efficiency for years.
As per real world riding, Bajaj CT 125 gives you fuel efficiency of around 60–65 km/l depending on your riding pattern and load.
It comes with a meaty 11 liter fuel tank that provides a riding range of over 600 kms — perfect if you prefer to spend more time on the bike and not at the fuel station.
Ride and Handling: Made for India’s Roads
The suspension set up of telescopic forks up front and dual SNS (Spring-in-Spring) shock at the rear is meant to absorb potholes and uneven terrain effortlessly. Ride quality is tailored for comfort, further enhanced with a pillion or luggage aboard.
While the 17-inch wheels with tubeless tyres provide good grip on tarmac as well as semi-off-road trails.
With its upright riding position, wide handlebars and long, flat seat, it’s comfortable to ride it as a workhorse — for those spending considerable amounts of time in the saddle, anyway.
Features and Practicality
Features-wise, the CT 125 offers a no-none sense, effectient package:
Analogue speedometer
Halogen headlamp
LED DRLs
Engine kill switch
Long seat
Back grab rail with baggage hooks
It doesn’t have the flashy digital displays or connectivity features, but that’s part of its appeal — fewer things to break, and lower maintenance expenses.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cheap and easy to look after
Rugged design for tough usage
Smooth and torquey engine
Excellent mileage for a 125cc
Comfortable seating for two
Good for Long-term reliability supported by Bajaj’s extensive service network
Cons:
No modern tech, no basic instrumentation
No disc options (only drum)
Not ideal for highway speeds
I am not sure younger buyers will be attracted to the conservative looks
Base Variant Doesn’t Get Tubeless Tyres (RegionWIse)
Bajaj CT 125 Opinion: Workhorse in Two Wheels
The Bajaj CT 125 is a commuter’s bike for sure. It does not seek to be stylish or sporty. Instead, you get reliability for your everyday commute, low running costs, and a bit more performance than the average 100cc bike.
Whether you’re a PDWs market executive, a daily office commuter, or even a rural user with a rugged terrain harsher than that of your girlfriend’s attitude – the CT 125 comes out on top as an affordable, frugal, and reliable workhorse that will just don’t stop working – day in and day out.