TVS NTORQ 125

In terms of design, the TVS NTorq Race Edition retains the same bodywork as the standard scooter but gets a sporty-looking LED headlamp and a three-tone red, black and grey paint job. It also gets a nifty looking Race Edition badge below the grab handles. While switchgear quality is not as impressive as the Japanese competition, it feels built to last. What is also impressive is the attention to detail like the machined pillion footrests that have a unique pattern. Overall, the quality is impressive with high fit and finish levels. 

Apart from an updated motor, the fuel-injected NTorq also sees its fuel-tank capacity increase by 0.8 litres. With the addition of fuel injection, a new catalytic convertor and a larger fuel tank, weight is also up by 1.9kg. The additional weight isn't ideal as the NTorq 125 was already one of the heavier scooters in its class. While the ground clearance is lower than other 125cc scooters, the NTorq’s underbelly did not scrape any speed breaker we encountered during our time with the bike. 

Overall, the NTorq 125 is a good-looking scooter and the Race Edition looks sportier and more premium.

The fuel-injected three-valve air-cooled BS6 motor makes the same power and torque as the BS4 version but peak power now comes 500rpm earlier. What’s immediately noticeable is the motor's improved refinement. While the previous motor sounded gruff, the updated fuel-injected mill now feels smooth even at higher speeds. As before, the motor feels responsive to all throttle inputs. 

However, there is a drop in performance figures with an additional 1.61 seconds to 60kmph. It is also almost a second slower in the 20-50kmph kickdown run. This can be attributed to the revised engine tuning and the additional 1.8kgs it now carries. The BS6 NTorq is not just 1.61 seconds slower than its BS4 predecessor but also 0.38 seconds and 1.77 seconds slower than the Honda Activa 125 BS6 and Suzuki Access 125 BS6 in the 0-60kmph run. That's disappointing given that the BS4 NTorq 125 was the quickest 125cc scooter around. Out on the highway though you can easily cruise at speeds of 70kmph without straining the motor.  

Besides, there is also a change in the way the NTorq 125 sips fuel. The dampened performance is compensated by the fuel-injected motor which is a lot more fuel-efficient than before, returning an additional 4.5kmpl in the city and about 2.8kmpl on the highway. On paper, these numbers might look minuscule but in the long run, they will add up and will definitely bring down the running cost. Add a 0.8-litre larger fuel tank to the mix and you get better range on a tankful.

The suspension setup remains unchanged and the BS6 NTorq 125continues to use the same telescopic fork and rear monoshock. Surprisingly, while the TVS Jupiter gets a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, the more premium 125cc NTorq continues to use a non-adjustable unit. The front suspension is set on the stiffer side and it helps the NTorq handle better. Direction changes are quick and the wider TVS Remora tyres offer exceptional grip and make the NTorq quite stable in corners. 

The tradeoff is in the ride department with the road imperfections filtering through the handlebars. It doesn't judder as prominently as the Aprilia SR 125 though and given the exceptional handling is a compromise we are willing to make. On the other hand, the rear suspension impresses by soaking up road imperfections without getting soggy. Interestingly, the ride quality feels composed at speed, whereas at low speeds it is a bit bouncy.

The NTorq Race Edition gets an LED headlamp. It offers a stronger and wider beam spread than the halogen unit. While it does get an external fuel filler cap we would have liked to see the fuel cap and seat release switch integrated with the ignition switch like in the Honda Activa 125 instead of it being positioned on the rear panel. The spacious storage bin also gets an LED boot light and a USB charger, both useful features. If we were to nitpick, we would have liked a cubbyhole with a USB charger in the front apron. 

The NTorq 125 gets a large digital instrument console that besides the usual speed, fuel level, odometer and tripmeter, gets sporty information like top speed, 0-60kmph time, and a lap timer. It even gets an engine temperature gauge. We would have also preferred  it show the average fuel consumption data and fuel range. It does get Bluetooth connectivity and a dedicated app that shows incoming call alerts, the scooter’s last parked location, vehicle statistics, and programmable navigation routes. 

On the other hand, the range-topping XT variant comes with a TFT-LCD combo cluster that comes with social media, e-commerce and food delivery notifications, voice assist, traffic update and even cricket live score updates. Overall, the NTorq impresses with its feature list.