Stunning Stunner...!

Stunning Stunner...!

Purchased this black Beauty in May 2015. Beauty, comfort, good mileage, good built quality, low maintenance, everything is in this bike. One thing.. this bike is not for everyone. Only few people in any town will love it because........ ye bike sab se hat kar kuch alag hi feel karati hai..
The 125cc segment has always been considered the premium end of the commuter motorcycle business, but unlike the 100cc segment it has not had a clear market leader. Several manufacturers have tasted success, like Honda with the Shine and Bajaj with its Discover but none have been able to better their competitors by a significant margin. TVS had been conspicuous by its absence after the Flame, and are now back to regain lost ground with their new Phoenix 125. We rode it at TVS’s in-house test track at Hosur two month’s back and came back impressed – the engine and handling seemed to make it fun to ride at the track. We were however unable to assess it in the real world, which is the real battleground for the Phoenix. TVS has billed the Phoenix as a ‘premium’ 125cc commuter and now that we have the motorcycle with us we decided to pitch it against our all-time favourite 125, the Honda CBF Stunner which has held its ground as a high-end 125cc motorcycle for long.

Design, build and finish

TVS have played it safe with the Phoenix’s styling package. They have gone the conventional way with a bikini fairing and simple body panels. It does not break any new ground in the styling department but looks fresh, especially in the red colour that our test bike wears along with the black powder coated engine. There are hints of the Apache in several places, though the stickering does a great job of hiding those cues from you, and giving the Phoenix an average look. The fairing looks plain in comparison to the more flashy designs you see on new-age motorcycles, but tries to look elegant with its curvy lines, and houses two parking lights. The design language continues onto the fuel tank – unlike most new motorcycles it does not get knee recesses. The single piece seat is flat, while the body panels and the tail light are all elements that do not stand out and look conventional. Interestingly, the graphics on the fuel tank are quite in contrast and are the only bits on the Phoenix that try to look sporty.

The Stunner’s styling on the other hand is sporty, with its half fairing and stepped seat. Despite it being launched four years back, it looks appealing, especially to those looking for a commuter that looks larger than a 125. For that matter, it is more accommodating for taller riders as compared to the Phoenix, an advantage for this Honda. Unlike the Phoenix the Stunner’s lines are sharp, and there’s a hint of aggressiveness in the styling, which has made the Stunner popular with those youngsters who want a flashy yet affordable machine, even though its simpler looking sibling Shine continues to be the largest selling 125 in the country. The all-digital clocks on the Phoenix look more modern, but are slightly confusing – the circular digital display is the speedometer and not the tacho, and this takes some getting used to and there’s no tachometer at all. The Stunner’s clocks on the other hand look routine, with a twin-pod layout but have an analog speedometer and tachometer both, and are simple and lucid. Build quality and the quality of switchgear and levers on both bikes is impressive. Fit and finish levels are good as well, and both bikes have a solid feel.