TVS Radeon First Ride Review

Quality

Now, the Radeon's various styling elements - the tank design, the side pods, the tail piece and even the metal frame grabrail/carrier look like the Splendor. As do the crankcase covers for that matter. But, walk up to the bike, and there's a difference in quality, the fit and finish, and the even the design. Now, as subtle as it may be, the Radeon does a better job.

It is well put together and well-engineered. The large one-piece seat looks and feels premium for an entry-level bike, and so does the 3D badging on the tank and side pod. Moreover, the plastic used, be it on the crankcase cover, for the rear mud-guard, or even the instrument surround, doesn't look or feel cheap.

The instrument console in itself is an interesting looking thing. It is retro and very car-like in its design. But, in terms of readouts, it's still entry-level. You have a large speedo and fuel gauge, basic tell-tale lights, and side stand indication. But, there's no trip or tachometer. However, as is now the norm on any modern TVS, the Radeon does get Eco and Power readouts.

Comfort

If there's one thing a commuter must deliver on - besides fuel economy, reliability, ease of riding, low maintainence... - it's comfort. Comfort in terms of ride and seating essentially.

The Radeon does well here. To start off, it is a small motorcycle with a low seat height. So, swinging a leg over, no matter how tall or short you might be, is a complete non-issue. Also, if you are as tall as the average Indian, the Radeon's ergonomics will sit well with you. The handlebar height and reach feel completely natural; the foot pegs are neutrally positioned; the seat is wide and cushy; and all of this together make for a very comfortable seating.

But, if you are taller, things are not as rosy. The Radeon will feel cramped. And, you will either pinch your hand against your knee, or just hit your knee against the handlebar every time you try and make a lock-to-lock turn.

As far as ride quality goes, the Radeon isn't as plush as some of the other commuters at its price point. Not to say, it's uncomfortable, but this TVS does come across as being over-engineered for its typical two passenger payload. Go over a poor section of road, and the Radeon doesn't exactly flatten the bumps unless you are at speed. But, the good bit about this setup - and a handsome amount of suspension travel - is that it never bottomed out on us. Even the front, which on most commuter motorcycles gives up the moment you show it a square edged bump at speed.

Performance

The Radeon is powered by a 109.7cc, air-cooled, carburetted engine. It makes 8.4bhp of max power and the peak torque is rated at 8.7Nm. These figures put it on the same plane as the Splendor and the Bajaj CT 100. The extra 10cc does get the TVS a bit more torque but it's in decimal points.

Naturally then, it doesn't take a genius to tell you that the TVS engine is designed for fuel economy and reliability over all else. No wonder, it felt so similar to the Hero Spendor Pro Classic I had on a long term some time back.

But, there are differences. For starters, the TVS engine is more refined. It also has a brawnier exhaust note. And the throttle response is crisper and more potent. The Radeon also has a higher and happier cruising speed.

But, it's not like the TVS' engine or its performance is a revelation for its class. Yes, it feels good till about 60kmph in top gear - which is fourth, by the way. But, then the vibes begin to set in. There is a quiet period between 80-85kmph - which is also a great cruising speed for this motorcycle - post which the vibes return. And, if you decide to rev the engine close to its redline, well, it doesn't enjoy it one bit. And, neither would you, given you will feel the vibrations from the handlebar to the seat to the footpegs.

Handling wise, the Radeon feels light, flickable, and eager to filter through traffic on. And, it is in fact, fun! Plus, it's narrow, which means getting ahead at a traffic light wouldn't require you to go banging on car mirrors.

In a straight line, given it doesn't get up to very high speeds, the Radeon feels adequately planted. And this holds true even over undulating or broken sections of road. We can't say the same about the drum brakes though. Sure, these have decent bite, but then these are drums at the end of the day, and that means no real feedback at the lever, and some brake fade.

Technology

Well, apart from tubeless tyres and USB charging port, there's no real newage technology the Radeon sports. Yes, it has combined braking, and side stand indication, but these are features that are mandated by law. So, no brownie points for that.

Fuel efficiency

We haven't tested the Radeon for real world fuel efficiency yet and we will update the figure as soon as we have it. But, our educated guess would be between 60-63kmpl when ridden safely and up to 60kmph. Ride harder, and it will drop, no doubt. With a tank capacity of 10 litres, this should give the bike a range of almost 600km. Which is quite a bit.

Fitness of purpose

The Radeon is an entry-level commuter motorcycle. And, it comes into a hugely crowded market place. A market place that has its well entrenched champions. So, what does the Radeon bring to the table? According to TVS, the Radeon is a stylish and durable commuter. Two qualities that currently don't go hand-in-hand in this class of bikes.

Well, as far as the 'stylish' bit goes, the Radeon is more retro than stylish. But, here's the thing - the Splendor isn't old enough to be classified as retro, or to be copied, in our opinion. Sure, the choice of colours - be it for the bike, the crankcase covers, or the seat - give the Radeon a unique appeal. And, it has quality, ease of riding, comfort, and a peppy engine, to give that appeal a boost.

Our take

Which brings us back to why would TVS want to do a Splendor look-alike. And the answer is in the sales numbers. The TVS Sport, Star City, and the Victor, together, only sell around 40,000 units a month. Bajaj, on the other hand, manages to sell around 1,20,000 units of its entry-level bikes including the CT100 and the Platina.

But then, there's Hero. And in particular, the Splendor, which still looks the same as it did in the 1990s. What's more, it alone sells over 2,00,000 units a month! And, therefore, the Radeon.

Photography by Kapil Angane