Scooters have been game changers for many two-wheeler makers in India, but game-changing scooters have been few and far between. And that’s something challenged by the TVS NTorq 125 since its inception in 2018. The moment TVS entered the 125cc scooter segment with the NTorq, it gave the fast-fashion generation something more to aspire for than the rather run-of-the-mill choices available in the Indian market. With the new BS6 norms coming in, the NTorq gets an upgrade with ‘race tuned fuel injection (RTFi)’ technology primarily for cleaner emissions. There’s a paradox in there somewhere. Anyway, while most new BS6 vehicles have been forced to compromise on performance, it is commendable that TVS has managed to retain the original power output while delivering a cleaner engine to comply with the new regulations.
However, although the power and torque outputs remain unchanged, the feel from the throttle is crisper and smoother than before. The peculiar jerky throttle response found on CVTs off standstill has been reduced noticeably and power delivery feels seamless. The 124.8cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine delivers the same 9.4 bhp of power but lower in the rev-range at 7000 rpm as against the BS4 model where it was delivered at 7500 rpm; torque output of 1.07 kgm at 5500 rpm remains unchanged. The rest of the cycle parts and components remain more or less the same except that the BS6 variant now gets a bigger fuel tank measuring 5.8 litres (0.8 litres more than the previous model). Overall, the new Ntorq has also gained some bulk and is now heavier by 2 kg.
The NTorq’s futuristic and funky design was always striking and it remains largely untouched except for the top-spec Race Edition variant that gets new graphics, hazard lights and an LED headlight. The NTorq has always been one of the most feature-rich products in the segment and the BS6 upgrade continues the theme. There is 22 litres of under-seat storage that houses a USB charging port and a boot light. A striking improvement is seen in the new updated TVS SmartXConnect. bluetooth connectivity system that is bug-free and easier to connect to the phone. The system shows message and call notifications on the multifunction LCD display and offers well-calibrated turn-by-turn navigation as well.
Since its introduction as the most powerful scooter from the TVS lineup, the NTorq 125 has garnered a strong following, particularly within its target group of young collegegoers as well as appealing to customers looking for a stylish and feature-rich 125cc scooter. The new updated version looks ready to continue this trend albeit with some premium over the BS4 models. As with all new updated BS6 vehicles, the new BS6 TVS NTorq 125 also gets a price hike with a starting price point of Rs 66,885 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the drum-brake variant going up to Rs 73,365 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the top-spec Race Edition. In its segment today, we have the Suzuki Burgman 125 and the Aprilia SR125 which are also competent and world-class products, but the NTorq, with its all-round performance, ride quality, handling, equipment and established service network, sure wins its spurs.
MOTODATA
2020 TVS NTorq 125
POWERTRAIN
Displacement: 1 124.8cc, single
Max power: 9.1 bhp@7000 rpm
Max torque: 1.07 kgm@5500 rpm
Transmission: CVT
CHASSIS
Type: Tubular
SUSPENSION
F/R: Telescopic/Monoshock
BRAKES
F/R: 220mm disc / 130mm drum
TYRES
F/R: 100/80-R12 / 110/80-R12
DIMENSIONS
L/W/H (mm): 1861/710/1164
Wheelbase: 1285 mm
Ground clearance: 155 mm
Seat height: 770 mm
Kerb weight: 118 kg
Fuel capacity: 5.8 litres
PRICE: Rs 71,885 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
