TVS Jupiter 125: First Ride Review

TVS has been actively working on upping its 125cc game in India. After recently introducing the new Raider 125 commuter motorcycle, TVS has now taken the wraps off the new Jupiter 125. TVS already has the Ntorq 125 in its portfolio, but that's more of a performance-oriented, sporty scooter. Whereas this one intends to be more of a family scooter like the existing Jupiter 110, but in a more premium and larger displacement package.

In case you're wondering, nothing has been borrowed from the Ntorq 125, and almost everything about it is new. It will essentially compete against the likes of the Suzuki Access 125 and the Honda Activa 125. Now, the question here is, with these scooters already existing in the market, should you consider the new Jupiter 125? To answer that question, we were at TVS' testing track in Hosur. 

While it looks somewhat similar to its smaller 110cc sibling, it has a character of its own. It looks bigger, muscular, and obviously a bit more premium. And this unit in particular is the top-end variant with disc brake and alloys. And the shining chrome accents you see in certain areas are exclusive to this variant. By the way, there are three variants on offer. One can also opt for the base model with steel wheels and the mid-spec trim with alloys and drum brakes.

Even the fit and finish was up to the mark and there was nothing to complain about. The fitment of panels, switchgear quality, paint finish; everything has been well put together. As for the switches, they are not only tactile to operate, but also within reach.

Plonked under its panels is an all-new 124.8cc, air-cooled engine incorporating a two-valve head, unlike the Ntorq's three-valve set up. It churns out around 8.2bhp of power and 10.5Nm of peak torque. This engine has been developed to be more inclined towards delivering a silent, smooth and usably quick ride. Similar to the smaller Jupiter, it rides on 12-inch wheels with telescopic forks at the front. However, the rear damper is a new canister-equipped monoshock. Even the chassis has been developed from scratch. 

The Jupiter 125 also provides generous storage provisions. On the front, there's an open glove box, big enough to store a one-litre bottle. You can also keep your smartphone there and charge it through the USB charging port sitting right beside it.

One thing that'll make it very easy to use on an everyday basis is the placement of the fuel filler at the front. And it opens through this multi-function locking mechanism. Also, the fuel tank is placed just under the floorboard. And thanks to that, you have access to an under-seat storage space of 32-litre which is the largest amongst any scooter available in India. So you can store two half-face helmets and some full-face ones as well. However, the large imported full-face helmets don't fit in.

The instrument cluster of the Jupiter is a rather simple-looking semi-digital unit but the LCD has quite a bit of info on offer. Apart from the basic data, it shows real-time fuel economy, average fuel consumption, distance to empty and clock. It also has an intelligent start-stop system, which shuts the engine after the scooter is stationary for 5 seconds and cranks it back up after engaging the rear brake and slightly blipping the accelerator.

The Jupiter is pretty commendable in terms of comfort and space as well. The highlight is the seat, which is 65mm larger than the Jupiter 110. And when you sit on it, you have a good amount of space to move around on the seat. And the cushioning is also apt for the job.

There's ample leg room on the floorboard as well as enough space to squeeze in some belongings like a backpack. 

While on the move, you realise the scooter leaves you satisfied in the real world with its engine performance, although the power figures aren’t extraordinary. There's a linear but decently quick pull from slow speeds to around 70kmph, after which the performance goes on tapering a bit. However, you can cruise at 80kmph all day long, without a hint of stress on its engine. The Jupiter 125 isn't excitingly peppy, but it wouldn't feel sluggish whatsoever, especially at city speeds.

TVS has paid close attention to keep the vibrations under check by employing things like a lightweight crankshaft and a silent cam chain. And these bits really work in its favour. The NVH levels on the Jupiter 125 are very well contained. You don’t feel a thing while moving steadily at low speeds. It's only when you give it gas aggressively or go over 70 or 80kmph that there’s a mild tingling sensation on the handlebar. But it never becomes a problem.

Handling is another area where the scooter truly shines. With a kerb weight of 109kg, it is quite lightweight and that makes it profoundly agile while switching directions. The Jupiter 125 feels very light on its feet and effortless to handle. That's also courtesy of a well-engineered chassis and 12-inch wheels at both ends. 

Although we couldn't thoroughly test the suspension setup and its ride quality, the scooter felt pliant and stable, even through mid-corner bumps. The rear canister-charged monoshock of the scooter has three levels of preload adjustability. And surprisingly, the preload can be tweaked without the need of a special tool, but simply with your hand itself. That's another functionality we haven't witnessed on any other scooter in India.

The braking setup of the Jupiter 125 employs synchronised braking technology which works quite efficiently. There were hardly any instances when I locked the rear wheel, which was also down to the good progression. Even the front disc brake has a tremendous bite and lever feel.

The TVS Jupiter 125 is meant for people who want an everyday family scooter that is easy to live with but also something that evokes a sense of opulence. And in the brief amount of time I spent with it, it seems to deliver on that front. It looks big and attractive, there are several useful features, the engine has impressive performance, is easy to flick around, and even the brakes have good stopping power. So for me, it has the qualities to go neck and neck with its rivals like the Suzuki Access 125.

The ex-showroom Delhi prices of the new Jupiter 125 start from Rs 73,400 for the entry level variant with steel wheels. This is almost identical to the starting price of its closest contenders. And we think that makes the Jupiter 125 a pretty sweet deal, considering it's quite an attractive package overall.

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi