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TVS had showcased the Radeon 125cc motorcycle at the 2012 Auto Expo. The company did not reveal many details on this commuter bike but now Autocar India reader C S Varun Prasanth has spotted the Radeon undergoing routine tests in the South. Currently TVS offers the Flame 125, which does decent numbers for the company. But with Bajaj Auto launching the new Discover 125 ST, this segment could see a drastic change. To counter new products from taking market share away, TVS is planing to launch the Radeon 125 by September 2012. It is still not known if the Flame will be discontinued once the Radeon is brought to the market but we feel both the products will co-exist.
The TVS Radeon borrows styling cues from the StaR City and looks very similar to what a TVS motorcycle looks. It features 6-spoke alloy wheels, nicely stitched seat and a flush-mounted rear tail light. The company has also given it black treatment with the wheels, forks, swingarm, chain cover and engine all finished in black.The TVS Radeon uses a single downtube tubular steel frame with a box-section swingarm. The front suspension is the conventional hydraulic telescopic forks, while the rear uses twin shock absorbers with multi-rated, dual-spring technology.
The TVS Radeon draws power from a 125cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which will offer a good blend of power and economy. The company will offer electric start and petal disc brakes at the front. There is no word from TVS yet but we can expect prices to be around Rs. 55,000/-, with atleast two variants on offer. It remains to be seen how the Radeon will compete with the Discover ST, which boasts of mono-shock suspension and a 4-valve engine. The Radeon could help TVS increase volumes after the company lost its third position to Honda last year.
Source – Autocar India
