2019 TVS NTorq 125 vs Honda Grazia 125 vs Suzuki Access 125 SE vs Aprilia SR 125 vs Hero Maestro Edge 125: Spec Comparison

Does the 2019 TVS NTorq 125 still make a strong case for itself in the competitive 125cc scooter space?

TVS has launched the 2019 version of the NTorq 125 which gets a couple of new features and cosmetic updates. Pair this with its sharp styling, feature rich instrument console and a competitive price tag, and you have one heck of a scooter. While the specifications of the scooter remain unchanged, it gets a competitive edge in terms of features. The scooter has been around for a while now, and the recent updates should ruffle some feathers in the current 125cc scooter space. Here's how it stacks up against its rivals.

Features - [UPDATED]

The NTorq was well-equipped to begin with, but TVS felt the need to give it a bit more oomph in the form of a new LED headlight running a T-shaped DRL and a nifty hazard light (segment-first). For added flair, the scooter now adorns a new race-inspired livery and two new colours - metallic black and red. 

It still packs a feature-rich digital instrument console that allows riders to pair their smartphone via Bluetooth and TVS’ SmartXonnect app. Customers can use the app to see the last parked location of the scooter, last ride report, built-in navigation, ‘do not disturb’ and auto-reply SMS feature. You could also search for nearby petrol pumps, hospitals, restaurants and authorised service stations. One can also personalise the console to flash your name every time you start the bike. Pretty cool, I must say! Oh, and it also gets an all-LED tail light.

The Aprilia SR 125 isn’t the best when it comes to features and practicality. It packs a basic twin-pod analogue unit and also doesn't come with a USB mobile charging unit, which is slowly becoming a norm in scooters. The Suzuki Access 125 SE has a semi-digital console which displays the odometer, service indicator, two tripmeters and the fuel gauge.

The Maestro Edge 125 also comes equipped with a semi-digital console where the analogue speedometer is placed bang in the middle, accompanied by the fuel gauge, trip and odometer to the right, backlit in yellow. Other notable features include an external fuel filler cap, LED DRL on the front apron, an optional mobile charging socket and dual-tone colours. Honda’s Grazia, on the other hand, was the first to introduce an all-digital instrument console (in the scooter segment) with the speedometer and tachometer placed on top while the fuel gauge, odometer and trip meter sit below, backlit in red. It also has a segment-first LED headlamp with clear lens indicators on either side.

The Access and Grazia both get a cubby hole right next to the choke knob - the Access SE' is deep enough to hold a bottle of water while the Grazia’s is big enough to accommodate your smartphone. Both have an optional extra charging socket for convenience. The rear seat can now be unlocked through the ignition itself, however, neither of them have an external fuel filler cap. The other three miss out on the cubby hole and charging socket.

Engine - [UPDATED]

On paper, the NTorq's 4kg weight advantage and a higher torque output should enable it to bolt off the light a wee bit quicker compared to the powerful Aprilia SR 125. However, the latter's higher power figure means it may claw its way back and achieve a higher top speed. 

The Hero Maestro Edge 125 seems to have a minor power advantage over the Suzuki Access on paper. However, it's also 9kg heavier, which should work against it while accelerating off the line. What also works for the Access 125 is its ultra-refined motor. What’s worth noting is that the Maestro Edge 125 also gets a fuel-injected variant which should be a smooth-running motor. However, we’ll reserve our comments for now since we haven’t ridden the scooter yet.

The Grazia, on the other hand, takes the last spot with the least power output. However, it does have the strongest torque output of the lot at 10.54Nm.

Underpinnings -

The Aprilia is the longest scooter in this comparison, followed by the NTorq, although the former is narrower in width which should make it easier to squeeze through traffic. The Access measures 1870x655x1160 mm while the Maestro is 1841x695x1190 mm. The Grazia on paper is the smallest in terms of overall dimensions, measuring 1812x697x1146 mm. However, with a seat height of 766mm, shorter riders would find it a lot more comfortable. As compared, standing tall with a seat height of 780mm, both the Aprilia SR 125 and Access 125 are more suitable for taller riders. The Hero Maestro sits in between with a saddle height of 775mm.

All the scooters in our comparison have telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock unit at the rear. The sportiest scooters of the lot, the NTorq and Aprilia 125, come equipped with 220 mm discs at the front, and 130 mm and 140mm drums at the rear respectively. While the Aprilia has a firm ride, the Ntorq’s suspension is well sorted. The Aprilia SR 125 has 14-inch alloys, the biggest in its segment, and wider 120/70-section tubeless Vee Rubber tyres which are perfect for the twisties. The NTorq stands second with 100/80x12 TVS Remora tyres at the front and 110/80x12 at the rear.

The Access sports the largest 240mm front disc (optional) but a somewhat smaller 120 mm drum at the back. The Grazia's braking setup consists of a 130mm drum/190mm disc at the front, and a 130mm drum at the back, combined with Honda's CBS technology, which enables you to operate both brakes by applying pressure on just the rear lever, a handy feature for novice riders. Hero’s Maestro receives the same braking setup as the Grazia.

All three - the Access, Maestro as well as the Grazia - receive 12-inch five-spoke alloy wheels up front shod with 90/90-section tyres and 10-inch alloys shod with 90/100-section MRF or Ceat tyres at the back.

Pricing and Verdict -

The NTorq tops the spec comparison thanks to its top notch features, performance, and mechanical components on offer. Its smart instrument console is feature rich and with a price tag of Rs 62,995, it’s placed perfectly in between its competition, undercutting the Aprilia, which is priced at Rs 74,027, by a little over Rs 11,000 (all ex-showroom Delhi). The Aprilia SR 125 is a dream scooter if you want a pure performance-oriented machine.

(Ex-Showroom Delhi)*

The Maestro and Grazia would be more interesting to customers who just love their styling, along with decent performance. As for the Access 125, it falls in between the fun to ride and practicality quotient.