2018 TVS Radeon Test Ride Review

Ergonomics – The ergonomics of the TVS Radeon are exactly like other 110cc commuter motorcycles. Seating posture is upright with the handlebars being slightly raised and the footpegs being slightly front-set. The seat cushioning is very comfortable and the seat is wide enough for both the rider and pillion. The pillion footpegs are also at a comfortable level. While the pillion gets a decent grabrail, it can also perform as a tiny luggage holder. There is a luggage hook over the right suspension too and there is a chance that it might bother the pillion. But it comes in handy to carry heavy luggage when the pillion is not around. The rearview mirrors are comparatively small but give a decent view of what’s behind.

Performance – Powered by a 109.7cc Duralife motor that produces 8.2 BHP of power and 8.7 Nm of torque, the Radeon’s numbers are very similar to the competition. However, what is interesting is that power delivery is very strong in the mid-range. The low-end is adequate for traffic duties and there’s no top-end as such. But the motorcycle reaches 90 km/hr in a very comfortable manner and pushes till 100 km/hr post which it goes out of breath. However, the lively spot is at 60 km/hr while you can get the maximum fuel efficiency at 40-45 km/hr which happens to be close to 70 km/l. The throttle is also very responsive and the Radeon picks up pace gradually.

The Radeon has a bassy exhaust note, sounds very similar to the Apache series

The 4-speed gearbox is slick-shifting but the Radeon would miss-shift between 3rd and 4th gear when pushed a lot. First gear isn’t very tall but the other three gears are quite tall comparatively. One can ride at 45 km/hr or push it till 90-95 km/hr in 4th gear itself and the engine wouldn’t stress out. The Duralife motor is actually quite durable and smooth. NVH levels are very well contained and there are no vibrations at all. However, when you push the motorcycle to the limit, there is a slight buzz that can be felt on the footpegs. The exhaust note of the Radeon is also very bassy and sounds very similar to that of the Apache 200.

Riding Dynamics – The ergonomics of the Radeon are purposeful and the riding dynamics are comfortable too. The suspension setup comes from the Star City+, however, the setup is stiffly sprung to comply with luggage carrying duties for the rural market. As the setup is stiff, there is no bounceback effect and the Radeon handles like a gem. It stays planted and yet flicks around very well. Manoeuvring through traffic is a piece of cake for the Radeon. The 18-inch alloys come with Ceat rubber and they grip decently well. The Radeon also get SBT (Sync Brake Technology) which is yet another term for combi-braking system. Apply the rear brakes and it automatically engages the front brakes too. Although the Radeon gets only drum brakes which don’t have a strong bite, SBT helps in achieving a shorter stopping distance.