TVS Radeon: New kid on the block

The two-wheeler segment in India, especially, the 110cc commuter motorcycle segment, is very competitive. All big players like Honda, Hero, Suzuki, etc., have multiple models in this segment. TVS Motor Company too has joined the league with the launch of its Radeon. Now, the Chennai-based manufacturer has four models in this segment, which include Star City Plus, Victor and the Sport. The new TVS Radeon has been placed between the Sport and the Star City Plus models and the company believes that this new bike will provide the push that they need to grab a larger slice of the pie. We recently got a chance to ride the new Radeon in city roads to see if it will be able to attract the attention of buyers.

Design
Visually, the TVS Radeon is an exciting mixture of different design ideas and elements. While it is essentially a standard commuter bike, if you will take a closer look, it will feel very different. Like, its pearl-white colour option, on our test motorcycle, is unusual for bikes in this segment. It even has thigh pads, which you must have noticed in Royal Enfield motorcycles. The engine compartment too looks distinct with its golden touch — or paint job, to be precise — with the bold TVS logo. Overall, the TVS has managed to give the new Radeon a retro touch that makes it look more premium. The quality of plastics and switchgear is great for its segment and feels like it should last without complaint for a long time. The seat ends in a grab rail with a small parcel tray behind it, adding to functionality.

Engine
The TVS Radeon uses the same engine as Star City Plus, which is a 109.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor, the only difference is the all-new single-cradle tubular frame. The engine makes 8.3 bhp at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 8.7 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The engine itself is quite smooth and offers peppy performance for a 110cc motor. The motorcycle stays at its best between 40-60 kmph. Push the engine harder and you can feel slight vibrations, but it isn't bothersome. The exhaust note too is better than most other 110-cc motorcycles. Overall, the Radeon offers good performance and it doesn’t mind sitting at 60 kmph for long durations. The TVS has claimed Radeon’s fuel efficiency at 69.3 kmpl and with a fuel tank capacity of 10 litres including reserve, the motorcycle has a real-world range of over 650 kilometres on a single tank, which is really impressive.

Performance
The new TVS Radeon is an easy motorcycle and has a very straightforward approach in the performance department. The seating position, pegs, and handle will feel natural even for a six-feet-tall rider. The low seat height makes the Radeon usable for riders of all sizes as well. The handlebar of the motorcycle is well placed, which makes it easy to fit the bike through narrow gaps in moving traffic. The light feel of the motorcycle makes it easy to manoeuvre. The seat is wide and cushioned enough to make it comfortable. The suspension setup is slightly on the firmer side. The telescopic front and 5-step adjustable hydraulic twin shock absorbers at the rear of the Radeon will ensure that they are not easy to bottom out, even on bad road conditions. Clutch operation felt a little springy at times and takes some time to get used to. But, this did not in any way hamper gear changes, which slot in place easily with the heel and toe shifter. In terms of braking, the Radeon has drums at both ends, with no option for a disc upfront. It is also the first bike of the segment to get combined brakes, which TVS refers to as Synchronised Braking Technology (SBT).

Verdict
The Radeon is a unique model with its retro-inspired styling, refined engine and a solid built. The quality and refinement suggest longevity, as does a five-year warranty. The TVS Radeon is priced at `50,820, which is in-line with its rivals such as the Honda CD 110 Dream DX, Bajaj Platina ES 100 and Hero Splendor Plus. For the price, it also offers more features such as the side stand warning, eco and power mode indicators, as well as an optional USB charging point. The TVS Radeon is a quality product and is definitely worth consideration if you are looking to get a commuter motorcycle for yourself. Overall, this new kid on the block looks like a good package with a handful of differentiating elements in an overcrowded segment.