TVS RADEON BS VI Smart Workhorse

The TVS Radeon now comes with a BS-VI 4 Stroke Duralife engine with a displacement of 109.7 cc with an Eco-Thrust Fuel Injection technology. This engine boasts of a 15% more mileage, the company claims. The outgoing Radeo BS IV had a fuel efficiency of 69.3kmpl as per the World Motorcycle Test Cycle of WMTC. Thus, if we got by the company’s claim that this new model has 15pc more mileage, then we can safely assume that the new BS VI model has a mileage of 79.70kmpl.  

This motorcycle comes in a base edition that has a self mechanism with alloy wheels, it also has a Commuter Bike of the Year edition with self and drum brakes and there is also a Commuter Bike of the Year edition with self and disc brakes. We got the commuter bike of the year edition with drum brakes. The bike has a convenient all gear self start.

EXTERIOR DESIGN & FEATURES

The motorcycle has a length of 2025 mm, a width of 705 mm and a height of 1080 mm. The wheel base is 1265 mm. This particular model has a kerb weight of 116 kg. This model costs Rs 64 287, ex showroom Delhi.

Let’s get straight to what’s new in this BS VI model.  Well, it’s not got a new robust thigh pad, a petrol tank cushion, the seats are cushiony and are premium, there is an option of a disc brake in the top model, then there are these new metallic clutch and brake levers and new chrome mirrors. Usually levers are made of some alloy and are prone to breaking when it bike hits the ground by mistake.

The TVS Radeon now gets a car like speedometer. A USB charging spot, a full chrome metal exhaust, chrome bezel headlamp with led drl, solid suspension with chrome shrouds and pillion grabrail with carrier are the other features offered in this bike. There is also a lady pillion handle with a hook. For keeping you mobile phone, you can get a petrol tank cover but that is part of the accessory that you need to buy separately. The TVS Radeon BS VI gets new refreshed premium graphics too.

The side box opens up with your ignition key and you can find your tool kit there. The maintenance free battery is also placed there. Not to be missed are the new refreshed premium graphics of Radeon. The Radeon gets a side stand indicator with beeper. But the beeper is not part of standard fitment. The turn signal mounting is kind of unbreakable and is quite flexible for longer life.  

 PERFORMANCE

Commuter bikes really do not come with fancy features, especially up market safety features. But as mentioned above, they do come with a lot of practical features.

The TVS Radeon is powered by a 4 Stroke Duralife engine with a displacement of 109.7cc. This BS VI engine has Eco-Thrust Fuel Injection and delivers a maximum power of 8.08bhp@7350rpm and a peak torque of 8.7 Nm @ 4500 rpm. Compared to the BS IV model this new bike has retained the peak torque, while peak power has marginally come down by around 0.20 hp.  The engine is mated to a 4-speed gearbox. Here you do not have to engage the first gear by pressing the gear lever down with your foot, rather all the four gears are engaged with an upward movement, achieved when you press down with your heel. It starts with N and then all gears movements are up.  This is a very practical feature for a commuter bike which is constantly in and out of traffic. 

The Radeon gets both an electric start switch as well as a manual foot kick. That’s again a convenient feature in a rush-rush commuter segment. 

The bike sits on large 18 inches high performance dura grip tubeless tyres, both in front as well as in rear. The front measures 2.75 x 18, while the rear comprises 3.00 x 18. It has 5-spoke alloy wheels.

The model we rode did not have disc brakes. But it has synchronised braking technology (SBT) for shorter braking distance.

Though it has a robust 4 stroke dura-life engine which had more than adequate mid range torque, the braking was slightly sloppy. I would have loved if all the trim levels of this model had got disc brakes. In today’s crowded and erratic world of traffic, disc brakes along with ABS need to be part of very day riding.

While the engine performance of the TVS Radeon BS VI is very impressive, its ride and comfort too is very good. The motorcycle has telescopic oil damped suspension in front and 5 step adjustable hydraulic suspension at the rear. These offered more than adequate comfort on Delhi’s pot holed roads. With a ground clearance of 180 mm, the bike stays clear of all bumpy hurdles.

This bike has super strong box iron chassis, a unique impact resistant (UIR) design that keeps it safe from scratches and breakage.

VERDICT

Unlike race bikes and cruiser bikes that are judged by their fancy up market features and their high dose of technology related features, the commuter bikes are judged more by their practical and affordable features. The TVS Radeon has a plethora of practical features and while providing them, the company has largely not compromised with performance and safety for the commuter.