TVS NTORQ 125 Review
Bike Tested: TVS NTORQ 125; Road Test No. 906; Test Location: TVS Test Track, Hosur
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 69,833/-
The TVS NTORQ differentiates itself by bringing youth appeal to the segment
TVS has been bringing a lot of firsts for them as well as the Indian market. From the introduction of the Apache RR 310 and now the NTORQ 125, TVS has proved itself by bringing little but noteworthy innovations. A first 125cc scooter by the company, backed by the inspiration of TVS Racing is a complete sporty scooter set to please the young and energetic India. This is the first stint with the scooter on the Hosur track and it’s pretty interesting.
Motor Quest: A first from the company, the TVS NTORQ is a power-scooter with an all-new 3-valve 125cc mill. It was launched right before the 2018 Auto Expo. Also, the first scooter ever in the Indian market to get Bluetooth technology integrated within the console to display various information on the fully digital cluster. Also, the first scooter to ever get an engine kill switch in India.
The overall front looks a lot similar to the current scooters in the market
Styling – The design is likely to be a hit with some and miss with some. The scooter gets a halogen headlamp with a Batwing-styled LED DRL (but in some angles looks like a Chevrolet logo) and the dual-tone colour scheme will immediately grab eyeballs on the streets. Some might argue that the side panels resemble the Yamaha Ray ZR but there is no denying that the cuts and creases make the NTORQ 125 look sporty. The headlamp is located on the apron while the turn indicators are housed on the handlebar. There are full-aluminium footpegs on the sides and TVS deserves a mention here for the level of attention to detail. The engine cooling fan housed near the stubby exhaust is finished in red which simply made us go wow.
The complete bodywork is very edgy from the front to the tail
The matte finish feels more plastic but the overall design is very sporty
The LED tail-light with the jet engine-like exhausts (rear vents) on either side make the rear look distinctive. The performance scooter rides on diamond-cut 12-inch alloy wheels wrapped in a 100-section tyre for the front wheel and a 110-section rubber for the rear which by the way, give it a good stance. There is a unique 3D NTORQ logo on either side and the split grab rails plus the red stitching on the seat and the handlebar weights add to the scooter’s sporty appeal. The NTORQ 125 is available in a choice of four colours – Matte Green, Yellow, Red and White.
First-in-class digital instrument cluster is the most loaded
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The instrument cluster is a fully digital unit and unlike what we’ve seen in any other scooter, this unit is Bluetooth enabled. Accessible via Smart-Connect, the TVS NTORQ app (available only on the Android platform), this console shows a ton of information like engine oil temperature, time, fuel-level indicator, top speed, average speed, low battery indicator, service reminder, incoming call alert, incoming SMS alert, Last Parked Location Assist and finally Navigation Assist. The switchgear feels solid, chunky and is of high quality and guess what, TVS is even offering an engine kill switch which is a first for any scooter in India!
Closer handlebar and sleek body design ensures comfort for the rider
Ergonomics – Riding position in the TVS NTORQ 125 is like any other regular scooter. The position is upright (meaning comfortable) and there’s enough space on the footboard, you can lock your leg very well too. Further aiding in a comfortable ride is the double stitched Hysteresis seat that’s wide enough for the rider as well as the pillion. While the mirrors on the handlebar provide good visibility of what’s behind you, the under-seat storage features a USB charger and an LED light. The 22-litres under seat storage is not big enough to accommodate a full-size helmet because of the sleek design, however, a half-face helmet can be gobbled up with ease. There is a key fob near the left side panel which if turned left, the external fuel filler cap pops up and if turned right, the under-seat can be accessed.
Straight line performance is intimidating but not exciting
Performance – At the heart of the matter lies a 124.79cc 3-valve engine by TVS. This is an all-new engine developed ground-up. The performance is stellar at the 3 valves offer radical torque delivery. But it’s only the mid-range that’s strong. Lower down in the rev range, the engine lacks punch, while it goes out of breath post 85 km/hr. It takes a while to get moving but once past 40 km/hr, the throttle gets sensitive and has an urge to deliver. I could do 0-60 km/hr in 9.3 seconds, well this was on the console and a lap of TVS’ Hosur track in 1 minute 45 seconds.
First 125cc scooter from TVS and it has the strongest mid-range
The TVS NTORQ has an attention seeking exhaust note, best in the 125cc segment
At 9.4 PS of power and 10.5 Nm of torque, the engine matches standard requirement for the numbers. However, it has a calm reaction to throttle when at a dead stop. The NVH levels are very well maintained. There are no unwanted vibrations coming from the engine or harshness felt anywhere. There’s some noise but then there’s the exhaust note to cover it up. More to say it matches the grunt of the Apache series (RR 310 excluded).
Flick it around and it will change direction without a second glance
Riding Dynamics – Once you sit on the TVS NTorq 125, the handlebar is slightly closer than other scooters giving a more comfortable riding posture. The NTORQ rides like any other scooter but the difference is felt when you try to have some fun. The chunky 100 section front and 110 section rear tyre give plenty of rubber for amazing grip. The scooter flicks around and changes direction in no time, holding the line in a corner very well. The front feels too light and hence isn’t confidence inspiring. But the slightly stiffly sprung suspension help improves the feedback from the road really well. The 220 mm petal disc brake at the front have an amazing bite and a positive feedback all the time. The rear 130 mm drum brake, however, feel sluggish and just locks at one point.
Thanks to the sticky rubber and fantastic brakes, the NTORQ is fun to ride
Verdict – The TVS NTORQ 125 is the funkiest scooter by TVS and an entry into the 125cc scooter category. Everyone looking to upgrade from a 100-110cc scooter and wants something crazy and fresh, the TVS NTORQ makes a lot of sense. It looks rad and has a ton of features on offer. It’s made for the young generation as there is a lot of tech to play around while the engine is more mature and the premium hardware makes it more likable. This NTORQ 125 is sure to stay in the good books of young scooter riders and has set a challenge for the competition.
The only scooter in the Indian market to have an engine kill switch!
What’s Cool
* The engine has abundant torque and a very strong mid-range
* Thicker rubber and stiffly sprung suspension give amazing riding feedback
* Best in class brakes and an exhaust note which is a head turner
* The first in class Smart-Connect is a fun thing to play around
What’s Not So Cool
* The matte finish looks a little dull
* The under-seat storage is huge but still cannot fit a full-size helmet
* The engine goes out of breath very easily in the top-end
The TVS NTORQ 125 checks most of the boxes for a fresh scooter upgrade
TVS NTORQ 125 Specifications
* Engine: 124.79cc, Single-Cylinder, 3-Valve, Air-Cooled
* Power: 9.4 BHP @ 7500 RPM
* Torque: 10.5 Nm @ 5500 RPM
* Transmission: CVTi
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Rigid Underbone Rectangular Tube Frame
* Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), Gas Filled Hydraulic Monoshock (Rear)
* Tyres: 100/80/12 (Front), 110/80/12 (Rear)
* Brakes: 220 mm Petal Disc (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear)
TVS NTORQ 125 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 1865 mm x 710 mm x 1160 mm
* Wheelbase: 1285 mm
* Ground Clearance: 155 mm
* Seat Height: 785 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 5-litres
* Kerb weight: 116.1 kgs
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