TVS Ntorq Long Term Report 4: Highway Run

TVS Ntorq 125 Long Term Report 4: Highway Run

After using the impressive Ntorq mostly in the city confines, I decided to take it on a highway trip to my farmhouse in Karjat approximately 100km away from Mumbai. I was tacitly confident about the Ntorq’s ability to perform well as a highway companion as it possesses a pliant ride quality. Moreover, the responsive engine would make it a good cruiser and the nimble handling should make it feel at home even at high speeds.

So did the Ntorq live up to being a good highway scooter? The answer is yes, and no. Let’s start off with the positives. Out on the highway, the engine has enough go especially while cruising as you can do 80kmph all day. Of course, overtaking at highway speeds has to be planned well in advance as the engine runs out of steam and even the CVT gearbox takes time to respond. Still, considering it’s a scooter it doesn’t feel out of place most of the time. Even high-speed stability is really good and thanks to the large 12-inch wheels and good chassis geometry, the Ntorq doesn’t get unsettled easily. The large seat too, felt comfortable even after riding for more than two hours without stopping and the well sorted ergonomics and abundance of knee room just added to the comfort. Then there is the handling which felt surefooted and the grippy TVS tyres just add to the confidence and fun factor. The large storage spaces also mean you can carry one day’s luggage with ease. Only wish the under seat storage was deep enough to accommodate bigger items like a helmet. 

Coming to the cons; the Ntorq’s biggest issue is its fuel efficiency. Even after being easy on the throttle, not once did I get more than 30kmpl. This also makes life difficult out on the highway as you have to find a petrol pump every 120km. Although the ride quality is good for a scooter, it does feel bumpy over rippled surfaces and the fact that you have nothing else other than the handle bar to hold on to, makes your life stressful. After more than 4000km on the clock there have been some rattling sounds creeping in and even some panels which have come loose. This came as a surprise as in the first few months it felt like a well-built scooter. 

Overall, as a highway companion the TVS Ntorq is good for a scooter but it does have its vices. In the coming month I will be back to my daily commutes and to add variety, will be taking the Ntorq over a well paved twisty road to see if it can be a fun scooter.  

Scooter Stats

Odometer: 4450km

Kilometres this month: 1200km

Fuel Efficiency: 29.7kmpl

Pictures by: Kaustubh Gandhi