In 6 simple words:
I bought a TVS NTORQ 125
So the story started almost a year ago
TVS WEGO
I own a TVS Wego (still own it) . For the past couple of years, it serves as my daily commute vehicle to my office and elsewhere. The scooter is pretty good. I never had any complaints about it's reliability, or performance or ownership-happiness. The only grouse I had with the scooter is - Brakes! Every time I apply brakes when I was driving above 50 KMPH I felt scared. The bite was poor and was not inspiring confidence. Complained to the A.S.S and changed the brake pads, but yet the same issue persisted. So I decided to live with it, because I drive in jam-packed Bangalore traffic which does not permit anyone to travel beyond 30 KMPH on an average. LOL.
Coming back to the story. Recently a couple of instances happened that made me feel bit scary about the brake's performance. While the brakes did stop the vehicle, it never inspired any confidence. The Wego I have has drum brakes around. So I enquired the A.S.S about retro-fitting the disc brake in front. They did not give any positive reply and cited it involves replacing the fork, tyre rim etc etc.
LOOKOUT STARTS
Disappointed with the brake's performance, I decided to upgrade to a new scooter with Disc brake.
My Requirements were
1. Front Disc Brake
2. Better performance engine
3. Fuss free ownership
4. Should be serviceable easily
Also, I am bit choosy about brands and colors. During my lookout either I did not like the brands, or the color was not available. Wifey suggested to wait for sometime. Anyway I thought I would give a try with the current crop of scooters. Based on my preferences, I squared upon 3 brands, Yamaha, Aprilia 150 and Honda.
Yamaha RAY-ZR Disc Brake
Test drove Ray-ZR in Erode, my home town. The engine was smooth but the peppiness is missing. Brakes were okay, better than wego. Did not connect with the heart. So I dropped it out.
Aprilia 150
Test drove Aprilia 150 in home town. The test ride experience was good, but the test vechicle was a beaten one. Too much vibration and did not felt like a 11nm engine. Mediocre. Later I learned from the show room people that young ones, who test drive the scooter tried to do all sort of stunts and that had caused the test-drive scooter to go bad. Unfortunately they did not have any other test-drive vehicle at that time. For some reason, Aprilia did not connect to me.
Honda Activa 125
I did not test drive Honda. My past experience with my Unicorn 150 and the crowded service centers returned to my mind as nightmare. While the bike is a gem, the service centers are totally bad. Over crowded, over loaded, irresponsible and careless attitude.
AUTO EXPO 2018, NTORQ LAUNCH & BOOKING
Back to Jan 2018. The Auto Expo started and TVS NTORQ was launched. I immediately walked to Indian TVS Bellandur to enquire the booking. The showroom people said there is no word of availability from the company yet. So I walked into Kubera TVS where I bought my Wego earlier. The sales girl said "Yes sir, we accept booking for NTORQ". Happy, I paid Rs.5K on spot and booked it. Little did I realised that I was the first one to book at Kubera TVS.
The sales girl called me next day to inform that I will be allotted the first NTORQ from the first lot they receive. I opted for Yellow color and she was positive that first batch would be Yellows and Reds. The waiting duration was 12 days. So I waited patiently, and as committed I received a call after 12 days from Kubera Motors, HSR Layout. The SA informed me that the scooters have arrived, and I can visit the showroom and pay the rest of the amount to close the deal. That evening I visited Kubera Motors and paid the rest of money. There would be another 2 days delay for the RTO formalities. 2 days later I was called and informed that the scooter is ready, and I will be first customer to take delivery of first NTORQ 125 from Kubera TVS. I was happy again. Told my wife, and she was too excited.
D-Day
Myself, wifey and son visited Kubera TVS in HSR layout to take the delivery of my Yellow NTORQ 125. Wifey was super-impressed to see the scooter in real. My son was instantly hooked to it. Like how most kids claim the vehicles as their own - he said "Appa, this is my ntorq" Hehe.
The Delivery
Kubera TVS is not known for exceptional customer service nor A-Class delivery experience. Even though mine is the first NTORQ to be delivered, there was no special arrangement. Not even a photo.It was yet another delivery in their day-to-day life. I even doubt if their claim that my NTORQ was the first NTORQ delivered from the showroom is true or not.
After the signing formalities are over I was told to go and collect the scooter from the service area. So I asked my wife to stay there and walked out. The SA accompanied me. My NTORQ was waiting outside. After the SA spoke to the delivery incharge, he took the scooter to service area once again - checked the engine, lights and other stuff. When the checking was over, the scooter was driven back to delivery area (actually the road). I thanked the SA and by this time my Wife and son walked out and joined me.
The delivery incharge demonstrated the basic operation of the vehicle and handed the key to me. Smiling, I switched on the ignition and the scooter roared to life with its signature exhaust note. Me, Wifey and son drove the scooter to the nearest Petrol bunk and filled the tank to the brim. We then had coffee and Sambar vada in the nearby restaurant and returned home. The evening was good.
REVIEW The Engine
NTORQ 125 uses a 125 cc 3-valve engine mated to a CVT. (I guess this engine is derived from their 125cc engine from TVS FLAME) I am pretty sure that that is the only reason TVS was able to keep the price a bit low. The engine is not smooth like their 110cc engine found in Wego or Jupiter. It sounds bit gruff. But it is torquey, and feels more responsive. The fly-in-the-ointment is - vibration at low RPMs. But when the RPMs increase, the vibrations fade out. Overall - 7/10 points
The Transmission
It's a CVT and it works fine. No complaints so far. 7/10.
The Style
Radical for a TVS scooter. Targeting the young crowd. While the front facia looks similar to Dio and Ray-ZR, the rear looks absolutely different with modern, air-craft like vents. The build quality is good. No loose screws, or no rattling panels. 8/10.
The Brakes
The front disc brake works as expected, and feels safe. The rear is a drum brake. So using the Front and Rear in tandem works good. 8/10.
The Tyres
The TVS REMORA tyres are a bit of surprise to me. They have enough grip and helps in cornering and straight-line stability. The rear tyre is wide and adds some sporty character to the looks. 7/10.
The Seat
The flattest seat I've experienced. It pains my butt after 40 mins. Saddle sore is pretty common. I am thinking of adding a inch of foam to the seat, to make myself feel comfortable. 3/10.
The Lights and Horn
NTORQ comes with a LED DRL under the headlight. It is neatly integrated and has a decent throw. The headlight is a single reflector one powered by 35w Halogen bulb. Resembles a lot like Dio's headlight. It takes a day or two to get used to the fixed head-light system. But the throw is pretty okay, and high-beam is actually better than the low-beam. The Horn note is on the bassy side. Not the usual "keee keee" sound. It is "kheengghhhh kheenngghhh" - bassy. 7/10.
The Exhaust
Distinctive exhaust note. Bit deep with bassy note. 7/10.
The Dashboard
Well it is fully digital and says it can connect with my Android phone and assist in driving. I have not checked this feature yet. Will post a separate thread when time permits. 6/10.
The Fuel Efficiency
It lingers around 35-40 KMPL depending on driving style. A little disappointing though. 5/10.
Driving on City Roads
In a congested traffic, the scooter performs as expected. Feels fine, good braking, and better engine performance helps a lot. I find it better than driving my wego, and my BIL's Access 125. The Engine kill switch is a welcome addition. It is handy in congested traffic, to save some fuel. The mirrors offer decent coverage of my rear.
So here are some pics of my scooter.
Here are some QA styled observations
How is it when compared to Suzuki Access 125?
My BIL has Access 125, which I liked for the comfortable seat. While the Access 125's engine is pretty smooth and the performance is good on par with NTORQ 125, it does not offer the NTORQ's sportiveness. People who prefer comfort should try Access 125 and not NTORQ.
Can I drive on long drives?
Yes, But make sure the saddle sore is taken care of. The scooter rides well planted on the road and with calculated over-takes this can be a good cruiser for weekend long drives.
Rattlings?
Number Plate vibrates with the rear mud protector. It is a design fault.
How is the suspension and tyres?
Suspension is bit hard. Especially the rear suspension. On bad roads, you will feel the undulations pretty much. The tyres are okay though. The rear tyre is good and helps in cornering, like a bike.
Is this better than Wego and Jupiter?
Yes this is better than Wego and Jupiter. Better power.
How about the Storage space?
It accomodates medium sized full-face helmet. The storage space also has a USB charger and a LED light. Pretty handy.
Is NTORQ 125 really heavy at 116 kgs?
It does not feel like one.
LIKES
1. Sporty Design
2. Good Engine
3. Good Performance on Road
4. Brakes
5. Handling
6. Tyres
7. Rear T light
DISLIKES
1. Seat. It pains!
2. Vibrations at idle and low RPMs.
3. Hard rear suspension
4. Storage space could be better
5. No LED for blinkers. Uses standard bulbs.
Conclusion
I was skeptical when booking the scooter without test driving it. But thank god, the scooter did not disappoint. Overall I am satisfied with the purchase. NTORQ 125 feels like a better alternative to Honda Dio and Yamaha Ray ZR. It's own quirks include bad seat and vibrations in low rpm.