TVS Radeon

Introduction

The TVS Radeon is known for being that fun and thrilling commuter. People are wondering if the BS6 update could change that. In TVS’s basic commuter line, the Radeon is among the three motorbikes that are propelled by a 110cc unit. Radeon has been known for delivering a little extra for its capacity and experts are trying to find out if the much-required BS6 transition has dampened this ability. It is a near-perfect commuting machine with a potent engine that surpasses the latest Hero Splendour and Bajaj Radeon 110 ABS with some minor technical tweaks. With its old-school appeal, the TVS Radeon has retained its familiarity. 

How is the design? 

Radeon carries a retro charm that does not fit into that mundane mould of the regular commuting machines. The new Radeon retains some of its unique bodywork such as the touch of chrome and the tank pads, by staying true to its overall known appearance. In the special edition, you will find chrome finishing done on the levers and mirrors, an additional tank top pad surrounding the stylish fuel cap and a textured seat. The fuel tank proudly flaunts the brand name in bold letters as always. The design department of the Radeon has not undergone a significant change and largely inherited from the previous models. The brakes and suspensions also remain the same as usual, with only the special editions getting a choice to have a front disc brake. Despite having the same styling and appearance, the actual changes are found under its skin. 

How is the performance?

The engine propelling the Radeon, is a rather tiny unit: an air-cooled, single cylinder, 109 cc like before, only fuel-injected in this version. The peak power output is a humble 8.2 hp with a maximum torque of 8.7 NM and while the torque figure remains the same, the power has been brought down from a previous 8.4 hp. It does with the figures quite well. There is the same grunt for riding around the city traffic, even with a loaded pillion without getting bored. The exhaust note is uncharacteristically sporty, being exciting and raspy like before, only sounding smoother and does not crackle or pop as much.  On the highway, the 4-speed gearbox demanded more power from the engine to retain its cruising speed, but it performed beyond expectation in this regard, and better than its BS4 counterpart. 

How does the TVS Radeon ride? 

The TVS Radeon has managed to be both comfortable and stylish at the same time. It has put on a 4kg kerb weight which has fortunately not affected its riding quality. It still manages to retain its lightweight and easy-to-rear characteristic. This bike’s pliant suspension has amazing feedback and thankfully the department of ride quality has not changed either in this version. The low height allows you to swing the legs over easily even if you are 5 ft 4 inch tall, a little shorter than the average Indian height for men. The stance remains the same as before, and the rider is seated relaxed and upright. The revised engine in this bike feels smoother and more refined alongside a good throttle response. The drum brakes in the other variant lacks the expected ferocity. The disc variant has shown much of an improvement for the matter. 

How comfortable is the TVS Radeon? 

The Radeon continues to be a pretty easy and accessible bike for Indian riders of different heights. The stance remains unchanged, and the rider is able to sit in a relaxed and upright position as before. This means, the rider is not seated aggressively and therefore no strain on the wrists or back muscle. But you may still get back pain upon spending long hours on long hauls in the saddle. This is because the seats are not properly stuffed with soft foam, something which the company needs to pay attention to when facelifting the bike in the future. The suspensions on both ends and the fuel injected BS6 engine makes sure that vibrations are reduced to bare minimum and impacts from speed breakers and potholes are felt to the least. 

How's the tech? 

While the new TVS Radeon remains technically the same as before in terms of its styling and riding performance, there has been a considerable shift in the technical department. There have been some significant additions such as an optional USB charging port. A tail carrier and a luggage hook have been further provided for easing your cruising experience. The special edition of Radeon comes with a side-stand indicator and has thankfully discarded the loud alarming sound produced by the BS4 model. 

How's the mileage of the TVS Radeon? 

The BS4 variant of the Radeon offered a stunning mileage of 69.3 kmpl, the mileage is now improved owing to the fuel-injection and further updates in the BS6 variant. The bike has a capacity of achieving an average mileage of 73.68 kmph on highways and while in city traffic it can give a mileage of about 68.6 kmpl. 

Is the TVS Radeon good value for money? 

At only Rs 65,000 (of the top variant), the new TVS Radeon comes with the simplest yet the most stylish commuter design of its class. If the missing 5th gear and some minor brake issues can be overlooked, this bike can be very efficient and effective. Overall, this bike is a very good value for money. 

How is the after sales service? 

TVS offers the first 4 services for free for its new BS6 Radeon. The first one is scheduled after two months of purchase or upon covering 500-750 km, the second one is scheduled after 4 months of purchase or upon covering 2500-3000 km, the third one is scheduled after 8 months of purchase or upon covering 5000-6000 km, and the fourth one is scheduled after 12 months of purchase or upon covering 8500-9000 km. The following free services can be availed after 3000 km. 

Which motorbikes compete in this segment? 

The rival motorbikes competing in the same segment as the TVS Radeon are Bajaj Pulsar 150, Hero Splendor Plus, Bajaj Pulsar 125, Hero HF Deluxe and Honda Shine. 

Verdict (Value for money)

The new BS6 Radeon from TVS rides well and looks good at only Rs 65,000. It has been endowed with additional features. It is a bike which you can use for commuting every day and take on long hauls as well. This bike is a good value for money and significantly more affordable than its rivals.