In a market flooded with flashy 125cc options vying for attention with LED light shows and smartphone connectivity, Bajaj Auto took a refreshingly different approach with their CT 125X. Launched in 2022 as the most affordable 125cc motorcycle in India, the CT 125X embodies a philosophy that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s two-wheeler landscape—prioritizing function over form, durability over dazzle.
After spending three months and over 3,000 kilometers with the CT 125X across varied Indian terrains, from potholed urban sprawls to dusty rural pathways, I’ve gained intimate knowledge of this motorcycle’s character. This isn’t just another commuter; it’s a purpose-built workhorse designed for those who view motorcycles as essential tools rather than status symbols.
Rugged Practicality: Design Philosophy With Purpose
First impressions matter, and the CT 125X makes no attempt to hide its utilitarian DNA. While most manufacturers chase sleek, sporty aesthetics, Bajaj has embraced ruggedness with almost defiant pride. The motorcycle features a neo-retro design with deliberate nods to scrambler styling—an increasingly popular aesthetic globally but reimagined here with Indian practicalities in mind.
The front features a distinctive circular headlamp housed within a minimal cowl, complemented by a small visor that offers modest wind protection. What catches the eye immediately is the headlamp grille—a practical touch that protects the light against errant stones and debris on unpaved roads, while simultaneously lending the motorcycle an adventurous character.
“We wanted something that wouldn’t just look tough but actually be tough,” explains Vivek, a Bajaj service center mechanic I spoke with in Pune. “The CT customer typically puts their bike through more challenging conditions than premium segment riders.”
This philosophy extends to other design elements: fork gaiters protect the front suspension from dust and mud; an engine bash plate shields the powerplant’s underbelly; and the sturdy crash guard—fitted as standard rather than an accessory—speaks volumes about the expected usage patterns.
Particularly noteworthy is the elongated, wide single-piece seat. Unlike many commuters that prioritize compact dimensions, the CT 125X offers generous seating that accommodates different body types comfortably. This design consideration reflects an understanding of the motorcycle’s target audience—delivery personnel, rural commuters, and small business owners—who often carry packages or occasionally a second passenger.
The rear section features a practical luggage rack as standard equipment, another nod to the motorcycle’s utilitarian purpose. During my testing, this rack comfortably secured everything from grocery bags to small parcels, highlighting its everyday usefulness beyond mere aesthetic appeal.
Color options are limited but purposeful—Ebony Black serves as the base, accented with either green, blue, or red graphics. The restraint here is deliberate; bright colors quickly show dirt and wear, while the predominantly black finish conceals the inevitable scratches and scuffs of daily use.
Powerplant: The Heart of Reliability
Underneath the rugged exterior beats a tried-and-tested heart—a 124.4cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This unit generates 10.9 PS of power at 8,000 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. While these numbers might seem modest on paper, they translate to surprisingly capable real-world performance given the motorcycle’s intended purpose.
The engine’s character is quintessentially Bajaj—slightly buzzy but reassuringly robust. It employs the company’s patented DTS-i (Digital Twin Spark ignition) technology, which uses two spark plugs per cylinder to ensure more complete combustion. This technology has proven its reliability across multiple Bajaj models over the years.
What’s immediately apparent during riding is the accessible torque curve. Unlike some competitors that require frequent gear changes to stay in the power band, the CT 125X pulls cleanly from low rpms. This characteristic proves invaluable in stop-and-go traffic, where constant clutch work can become tiresome.
Speaking of gears, the 5-speed transmission deserves special mention. The shifts are notchy rather than slick—you’ll always know when you’ve engaged the next gear—but the positivity of engagement inspires confidence, especially on rough roads where a missed shift could prove problematic. The all-down shift pattern (neutral between first and second) might feel outdated to some, but it’s intuitive for newer riders—an important consideration for this market segment.
Fuel efficiency, a critical factor for the target audience, doesn’t disappoint. ARAI claims 59.6 km/l, and my real-world testing yielded between 52-57 km/l depending on riding conditions and load—impressive figures that translate to significant operating cost savings over time. With an 11-liter fuel tank, theoretical range approaches 600 kilometers, though a more realistic 500-550 kilometers between fills is easily achievable.
“The CT engine isn’t about excitement; it’s about dependability,” notes Rakesh, a delivery rider I encountered who had clocked over 40,000 kilometers on his CT 125X in just 14 months. “I service it on time, and it just keeps running without complaint. That’s all I need.”
Ride Experience: Substance Over Style
Throw a leg over the CT 125X, and you’re greeted with an upright, commanding riding position. The 810mm seat height might initially seem tall on paper, but the narrow midsection allows most riders to place feet firmly on the ground. The handlebar is wide and positioned for leverage rather than sportiness, making low-speed maneuverability a strong suit.
The suspension setup—conventional telescopic forks up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear—is tuned for load-bearing capability rather than plushness. Empty, the ride can feel firm, especially over sharp bumps. However, this apparent limitation reveals itself as a strength once you load the motorcycle with a passenger or cargo—situations where softer suspensions often bottom out.
Ground clearance of 170mm proves adequate for navigating the unexpected potholes and speed breakers that characterize Indian roads. During my testing, the underbelly never scraped, even on particularly challenging rural pathways.
Braking duties are handled by a 130mm drum at both ends in the base variant, while the higher-spec model gets a 240mm front disc. Both versions feature CBS (Combi Brake System) as mandated by regulations. The drum brake setup, while not impressive on paper, provides adequate stopping power for the motorcycle’s performance envelope. That said, the front disc option is worth the premium for the additional confidence it inspires, particularly in wet conditions.
The 17-inch wheels come shod with semi-block pattern tires (80/100 front, 100/90 rear) that strike a balance between on-road grip and loose-surface capability. This tire choice reflects the motorcycle’s dual-purpose positioning—not quite an off-roader but certainly more capable on unpaved surfaces than typical commuters with their road-biased rubber.
“Handling is predictable rather than exciting,” notes automotive journalist Sunil Kamath, who joined me for part of the testing. “It’s stable in a straight line and manageable in corners, though you wouldn’t describe it as flickable. But that’s entirely appropriate for its intended purpose.”
Feature Set: Essentials Without Extravagance
In an era where even budget motorcycles boast connectivity features and fully digital displays, the CT 125X takes a deliberately minimalist approach. The instrument cluster is a simple analog speedometer with basic tell-tale lights. There’s no tachometer, no gear position indicator, and certainly no Bluetooth connectivity.
This apparent lack of features might initially seem like a drawback, but it’s consistent with the motorcycle’s utilitarian philosophy. What it does offer are pragmatic additions that enhance day-to-day usability: a USB charging port (increasingly essential for delivery riders using GPS navigation), a robust center stand for easier maintenance, and a lock for the fuel cap—basic but useful features that serve actual needs rather than marketing checkboxes.
The lighting system combines modern and traditional elements—conventional halogen bulbs for the headlight and indicators, but with the addition of an LED DRL (Daytime Running Light) in a distinctive V-pattern that enhances visibility and adds a touch of contemporary styling.
“We specifically chose analog instrumentation for durability,” explained a Bajaj representative during an informal conversation at a dealership. “Digital displays are more prone to failure in dusty conditions and harder to repair in remote areas. Our customers value reliability above all else.”
Target Audience: Meeting Real Needs
To truly understand the CT 125X, one must understand its intended audience. This isn’t a motorcycle designed for enthusiasts or status-conscious urban commuters. Rather, it targets a pragmatic demographic that views motorcycles as essential work tools—delivery personnel, small business owners, rural commuters, and those seeking maximum utility per rupee spent.
During my testing period, I spoke with numerous CT 125X owners, and certain themes emerged consistently in their feedback. Affordability—both initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance costs—was frequently cited as the primary purchase motivator. The motorcycle’s rugged build quality and apparent durability were close seconds.
“I switched from a 100cc bike because I needed more power for the hills in my delivery area,” explained Ramesh, a food delivery rider in Pune. “But I couldn’t afford the maintenance of the other 125cc options. With this, parts are affordable, and most roadside mechanics can fix anything that goes wrong.”
This sentiment was echoed by Vijay, a small grocery store owner who uses his CT 125X for both personal transportation and business deliveries. “It doesn’t look fancy, but it carries everything I need reliably. After two years of daily use, nothing has broken. That matters more than how it looks.”
The CT 125X’s positioning as the most affordable 125cc motorcycle in India—with an ex-showroom price starting at approximately ₹74,000—makes it accessible to customers upgrading from 100cc models who seek additional power without a prohibitive price premium. This strategic positioning has helped it carve a distinct niche in an otherwise crowded segment.
Competitors: Contextualizing the CT 125X
The 125cc commuter segment in India is fiercely competitive, with offerings from virtually every major manufacturer. The Honda Shine, Hero Glamour, TVS Radeon, and Honda SP 125 represent the CT 125X’s primary competition, though each takes a notably different approach to the segment.
Where competitors prioritize sleeker styling, refined engines, and feature lists, the CT 125X doubles down on ruggedness, simplicity, and affordability. It’s not attempting to beat its rivals at their own game but rather playing a different game altogether.
The Honda Shine, for instance, offers superior refinement and Honda’s reputation for reliability but at a significantly higher price point. The Hero Glamour brings a more modern aesthetic and features but can’t match the CT 125X’s rugged build quality. The TVS Radeon presents perhaps the most direct competition in terms of positioning but lacks the Bajaj’s purposeful design elements for rough usage.
“Each manufacturer has identified different priorities within the commuter segment,” observes industry analyst Priya Menon. “Bajaj clearly sees an opportunity in the utility-focused sub-segment where absolute refinement matters less than durability and operating costs. It’s a shrewd assessment of market needs beyond metropolitan areas.”
Ownership Experience: The Long-Term Perspective
While three months of testing can’t replicate years of ownership, conversations with longer-term owners provided valuable insights into the CT 125X’s durability and ownership costs. The consensus points to exceptionally low maintenance requirements and impressive component longevity, even under harsh operating conditions.
Service intervals follow Bajaj’s standard schedule—the first at 500-750 kilometers, followed by services every 5,000 kilometers. The air-cooled engine doesn’t require coolant changes, and the sturdy construction means fewer parts prone to damage from minor incidents.
Spare parts availability represents another strength, with Bajaj’s extensive service network ensuring components are readily available even in smaller towns. Parts pricing is competitive, with most routine maintenance items costing 10-15% less than equivalent parts for competitor models.
“In two years, I’ve only needed oil changes and one chain-sprocket replacement despite rough usage,” reported Suresh, a rural owner who uses his CT 125X on primarily unpaved roads. “Even the original tires are still running, though I’ll probably replace them soon.”
This anecdotal evidence is supported by Bajaj’s reputation for building mechanically robust motorcycles that withstand challenging conditions—a legacy that dates back to iconic models like the original Boxer and continues with the CT series.
Areas for Improvement: Acknowledging the Compromises
No motorcycle is without compromises, and the CT 125X has its share of limitations—some of which are conscious design decisions, others potential areas for improvement.
The drum brake variant’s stopping power, while adequate, could benefit from improvement, particularly for riders who frequently carry loads. While the disc brake option addresses this concern, making it standard would elevate the safety quotient across the range.
Vibrations become noticeable above 70 km/h, especially through the footpegs and handlebar. This isn’t unusual for single-cylinder engines in this segment, but additional rubber mounting could potentially improve comfort during longer rides.
The analog instrument cluster, while durable, lacks some useful information. A simple gear position indicator and fuel gauge (rather than just a warning light) would enhance the rider’s experience without compromising the motorcycle’s utilitarian focus.
Finally, the headlight performance could be improved for rural users who frequently ride after dark on unlit roads. The current unit provides adequate illumination for urban environments but falls short on completely unlit rural pathways.
Conclusion: Purpose-Built Excellence
The Bajaj CT 125X isn’t trying to be all things to all riders—and therein lies its strength. By clearly identifying its target audience and their priorities, Bajaj has created a motorcycle that excels in its intended role as a durable, affordable workhorse for users who prioritize function over form.
In an industry increasingly chasing digital features and aesthetic flourishes, the CT 125X’s unapologetically utilitarian approach feels almost revolutionary. It harks back to a time when motorcycles were essential tools rather than lifestyle accessories, yet incorporates modern touches where they meaningfully enhance the ownership experience.
Is it the right motorcycle for everyone? Certainly not. Those seeking refinement, cutting-edge features, or head-turning aesthetics would be better served elsewhere in the market. But for its intended audience—riders who need reliable, economical transportation capable of withstanding daily rigors across challenging environments—the CT 125X delivers a compelling proposition that few competitors can match at its price point.
The motorcycle embodies a philosophy best summarized by the Sanskrit concept of “yuktāhāra”—taking only what is necessary, no more and no less. In a market often defined by excess, this focused approach to motorcycle design deserves recognition and respect. The CT 125X may not win beauty contests or feature comparisons, but in fulfilling its core mission of affordable, durable mobility, it stands as a quiet example of purpose-built excellence.
Rohit Sharma is an independent motorcycle journalist who specializes in testing commuter motorcycles across varied Indian terrains. With 15 years of experience evaluating over 200 different models, he focuses on real-world performance rather than spec-sheet comparisons. When not testing motorcycles, he manages a small motorcycle tour company in the Himalayas.