TVS Jupiter

Despite the design being about a decade old, the Jupiter still manages to look fresh, sleek and stylish. All the six variants come with an LED headlight, engine kill switch, external fuel filler cap, apron-mounted all-in-one lock, among others. The more expensive ZX SmartXonnect variants (disc and drum) feature a full-LCD instrumentation with turn-by-turn navigation, voice assist, call and SMS alert. On the other hand, the Jupiter Classic features a premium-looking tinted visor, round rear view mirrors, fender garnish, 3D logos and and two exclusive colour schemes. Meanwhile, the TVS Jupiter ZX gets a semi-digital instrument cluster whereas the base Jupiter variant, including the one with steel wheels, gets a full-analogue console.  

You don’t get any flashy stickers on the Jupiter, like you would on the TVS NTorq 125, but some of the colours such as the Royal Wine and the Starlight Blue give the scooter a premium look, something that’s not easy to find on other family scooters. Plus, certain variants get a 3D logo, dual-tone seat and a few chrome bits to increase their style quotient.

There are several variants on offer, including the standard model with either alloy or steel wheels, ZX, ZX Drum SmartXonnect, ZX Disc SmartXonnect, and the Classic. All variants, except the ZX Disc and Classic, are offered with a front drum brake as standard. You get slightly more premium colours and a dual-tone seat on the ZX trims while the Classic gets a dedicated 3D badge, tinted windshield, and a small backrest. The SmartXonnect variants get a fully digital instrument cluster, as mentioned earlier.

Though we have ridden the BS6-compliant version of the Jupiter, the latest BS6.2-compliant model isn’t all that different from its previous version in terms of dynamics. The 109.7cc engine has undergone several changes to meet BS6 norms. Even with the addition of fuel injection, the Jupiter scooter doesn’t feel as peppy as before, making it lose out on a bit of performance. The acceleration isn’t as good as it did before, something which we also experienced on the BS6 NTorq 125. That said, the motor remains just as refined as before. At very low speeds, you might still notice a bit of roughness but that fades away as you reach speeds upto 35-40kmph. 

In terms of numbers, the current TVS Jupiter is powered by a 109.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that churns out 7.88PS at 7500rpm and 8.8Nm at 5500rpm.

The TVS Jupiter mileage stands at 64.1kmpl thanks to the new fuel injection system. Sadly, the small 110cc motor isn’t suitable for highway riding as you cannot sustain speeds above 70kmph for a long time. Plus, if you do take it out on the highway, mileage is bound to be affected.

The TVS Jupiter is known for its comfortable ride quality. It handles rough roads well on most occasions thanks to the soft suspension setup and 3-step preload adjustable monoshock. It doesn’t feel floaty, and remains composed even when going over bumps.

In terms of handling, it’s easy to navigate through traffic comfortably. The 12-inch wheels inspire a good amount of confidence while taking turns as the Jupiter remains composed through corners. The BS6 Jupiter is heavier than the older version, so though the brake feel and bite remain more or less the same, it takes a longer distance to come to a stop as the scooter is heavier. Depending on the variant, you can get either a 220mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum, with CBS (Combined Braking System) as standard. The scooter’s weight ranges from 104-109kg, depending on the variant. 

The TVS Jupiter remains a dependable scooter that scores high on mileage and convenience. While its performance has taken a slight hit due to the BS6 changes, the Jupiter still continues to offer an easy and hasslefree riding experience, which is an extremely important aspect in a good family scooter. Plus, it looks good, which is always a nice bonus.