Bajaj CT 125: For a long time, the Bajaj CT series has been the epitome of utilitarian motorcycling in India and provides a no-nonsense form of commuting at a reasonable price.
They have now, in the CT 125, taken this proven range into higher displacement segments, while ensuring they preserve the values, which turned the original CT 100 into the most reliable, value for money, rural and semi-urban commuter.
Bajaj CT 125: Design Philosophy
The CT 125, it appears, retains the simple, function-over-form design ethos that already characterises the CT range.
Its design is more about toughness and low maintenance than eye candy — and that’s no accident, since it’s targeted toward the no-nonsense buyer that wants transportation, not lifestyle.
The motorcycle is plain in design and has a tubular frame with few body parts, decreasing production costs and repair costs.
Easy to maintain: The ‘open’ mechanical layout allows for more straightforward maintenance, a key factor, especially in regions where complex service networks are scarce.
This utilitarian point of view may feel a bit dated to urban riders, but it is ideally aligned with the needs of rural rider whose preferences lean towards something they can repair, rather than what looks good.
Engine and Performance
Powering the CT 125 is a 124.4cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that churns out around 10.9 bhp and 11 Nm of torque.
Now, these aren’t tire-shredding numbers, but they are substantially higher than what the CT 100 could offer and enough to move heavier loads and cruise at highways speeds—both crucial for the rural users where motorcycles double as utility vehicles.
Reliability and economy take precedence over power output and the engine is in a very conservative state of tune to ensure longevity.
The 5-speed gear set is relatively classier at high cruising speed, compared to the lower number of gears smaller models offer, and hence smoother and quieter readings at the highway.
Its fuel economy is still impressive at around 60-65 km/l under real-world performancea key factor for the budget-sensitive running machine sub-market.
With a 10.5-litre fuel tank, riders can enjoy extended range of up to more than 600 km between refuels—especially beneficial in areas where fuel stations may be few and far between.
Ride and Handling
The CT 125 uses standard telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, setup for toughness rather than plushly damped control.
Just ride more grabby and rallying poorly kept roads on tallboys is what this travel and tune are cut out for, well.
Those 17-inch wheels riding with pattern tires are about the bike trying to find a happy medium between decent grip on the pavement and the capability to handle more serious dirt or gravel that a lot of riders will encounter fairly often.
Even for monsoon when most of us are willing to brave water crossings, the 170mm ground clearance should be good enough for rural roads.
Rider comfort for long stints in the saddle is given importance on the motorcycle, which has an upright stance that isn’t tiring.
The seat is shaped to comfortably accommodate two adults – a very important consideration in developing markets where motorcycles are often the primary means of family transport.
Practical Features
Sticking to its utilitarian role, the CT 125 comes with a number of practical features that improve its everyday usefulness, considering that the bike is intended for commuting and touring in difficult surroundings:
Bash plates underneath the engine are made of metal to resist stones and impacts.
Durable luggage carrying points for items like rifles, poles, axes and outrigger paddles commonly carried in rural settings
Electrical system is made up of clear-cut, serviceable parts you can maintain without diagnostic testing.
The information the instrument cluster does give you (speed, fuel, essential warning lights) is simple and clear, and without the excessive electronic displays that can suggest excessive electronic maintenance.
Market Positioning
The CT 125 holds a very important space in Bajaj’s line-up, set to split the difference between bare-bone 100-110cc commuter offerings and slightly more premium 150cc ones.
That positioning responds to wadering customer demand for something halfway between the features on inexpensive motorcycles and the premium content in higher segments of the market.
“The CT 125’s pricing approach ensures it is one of the most affordable 125cc motorcycles in the market, upholding the value proposition associated with the CT series.
This strategy focuses mostly on rural and semi-urban customers, moving up from small motorcycles or other modes of transport.
Bajaj CT 125:
The Bajaj CT 125 is a measured extension of a successful product idea rather than the embodiment of an entirely new one.
Bajaj has done a great job of keeping the bike simple, sturdy and yes, affordable even with all the added potential that comes with having a larger displacement and in doing so has crafted the bike to meet and exceed the practical needs of its target market.
In a market infested with feature-rich, lifestyle-oriented products, the CT 125 is a stark reminder that for a few millions Indians, a motorcycle is more a utilitarian tool than a recreational product.
This straightforward philosophy of motorcycle design will ensure that the CT series of bikes continues as India’s reliable workhorse for years to come!
