TVS NTorq 125 Track Ride Review

How does it ride?

The new 125cc single-cylinder motor on this TVS is a no nonsense one. It’s really refined, doesn’t show any signs of stress or buzz at all. This motor features 3-valve design and produces 9.3bhp at 7500rpm and peak torque of 10.5Nm at 5500rpm, making it one of the most powerful 125cc scooters in the segment. This engine is mated to a CVT transmission which behaves quite lazy initially and that’s surprising because TVS claims it to be a performance scooter. In fact, the company refused to share the fuel efficiency figure at the launch ceremony, but we suspect the initial lag is a result of maximising fuel efficiency. However, once the speed climbs, the scooter shows a sense of urgency, especially after 30kmph and maintain the strength till it reaches 80kmph. The roll-on acceleration is appreciable but the rubber band effect plays a spoilsport. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to ride the NTorq on a road. But we did manage to ride back to back on TVS’ road testing facility and the results were pretty good, especially the rear mono-shock that delivered outstanding comfort. But we’re looking forward to ride this scooter on the broken Mumbai roads soon. It was fun to ride the NTorq at TVS’ test track. It’s not a point-and-shoot kind of scooter, but it does manage to bring a wide grin each time you enter a corner as turning in feels quite natural on this bike. The chunky and sticky TVS tyres don’t give away, even with some questionable lean angle. 

The overall ergonomics of the NTorq is quite likeable. Unlike the other scooters, where you sit on it, the large front apron makes you feel as if you’re sitting in it. The large floorboard has plenty of grooves for grip and there’s enough space to carry a Bisleri 20-litre bottle, if not a child (which is illegal by the way). 

The scooter gets 220mm disc brake up front and 130mm drum at the rear. While they work really well most of the time, there were some signs of the brakes fading away, primarily due to its weight, which is 116kg. The Sync Brake System (SBS) should have been part of this scooter. 

Anything else should I know?

It’s unfair to call the NTorq 125 a regular 125cc scooter. In fact, it has now become the most desirable scooters in India, thanks to the features it´s loaded with, which by the way, runs into double digits. Prominent among these is the Bluetooth-enabled all-digital instrument unit. Other than the regular stats, this unit displays best lap, last lap time, engine temperature indicator, multi-mode displays and personalized welcome messages. Once the android smartphone is connected through the scooters’ official app, the unit shows missed call and incoming call alerts, navigation assist, phone signal battery strength and the list goes on. Interestingly, there’s also a ‘helmet’ indicator that comes on each time you switch on the ignition. This alert acts as a reminder to wear helmet and ride. 

While the scooter can’t hold a proper full-face helmet, it does have the provision for USB charging and boot light under the seat. Just like the rest of the TVS products, the paint quality and feel is excellent. The plastics around the cluster and near the floorboard could have been better. The fake carbon-fibre finish around some places is a good attempt, especially around the switchgear.  The all-LED light setup on the NTorq does increase its overall appeal, just like the chunkier tyres. 

Should I buy one?

The TVS NTorq 125 is a fantastic value for money product. It does have the right ingredients to capture a good market share and it will. It is loaded with some outstanding features, a design that can make people walk into the showrooms and an excellent price tag. Sure, it misses out a bit on the performance aspect, but do note that TVS isn’t just selling a scooter. It is selling an experience with its SmartX Connect and all-digital instrument cluster. So if you’re in the market for a scooter that’s different, unique and sets tongues wagging, then look no further than the TVS NTorq 125. 

Where does it fit in?

The TVS NTorq 125 is priced at Rs 58,750, making it the second most affordable 125cc scooter after the Suzuki Access 125 that retails at Rs 58,350. The Honda Grazia is priced at Rs 62,505 and the most expensive scooter in the class, the Aprilia SR 125, which retails at Rs 65,310. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi. 

Photography by Kapil Angane