TVS Radeon
We ride the 2021 BS6-compliant TVS Radeon commuter motorcycle with its upgraded look and feature list
The BS6 Radeon brings the growing nameplate into the next decade with a slew of updates
The commuter is a motorcycle that gets millions across the globe to and fro on their daily schedule. this segment plays an important role for the regular commuter, being reliant and fuel-efficient buddies when on the job. companies have been ramping up their commuter segment motorcycles in an attempt to stay relevant in the tech-savvy modern age we live in.
tVs motor company launched the radeon a couple of years ago. it is a very comfortable machine that ticks all the segment boxes. come 2021 and tVs have launched a new Bs6-compliant radeon, with a few upgrades that will take on some of the other big players in the region. But how did the radeon fare? Quite well, honestly; it may not be the best in the segment, but it sure is close.
Visually, the radeon is almost like its Bs4 variant. We see the same 10-litre tank, though, with a few new paint schemes as well as upgraded tank-pads and graphics. the large seat has ample room for two corpulent folk, as well as new chequered stitching panels that help conform it to its retro-themed style. the 2021 radeon also gets a whole new coloured console that gives out a fair bit of information. at the front, the radeon is fitted with leD daytime running lights (Drl), which seems to be the new norm for most new motorcycles. they have the ergonomics which are in tune with the rest of the segment, bar one. however, this tried and tested riding position is indeed comfortable for both short and tall riders. also we have features that would never have been spoken of in this segment a decade ago that make themselves felt in the top-end variant — a usB charging port, metallic levers, chrome mirrors, and a chrome exhaust, to name a few.
Powering the 2021 tVs radeon is a Bs6-compliant 109.7-cc Duralife, eco-thrust fuel-injected engine that produces 8.2 hp at 7,350 rpm and 8.7 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. transmission is carried out by a four-speed gearbox that feels very smooth and refined. the engine also follows the refined pathway, being smooth in its power delivery and yet it feels quite alive when the throttle is twisted to its maximum. Braking is carried out by a 130-mm drum unit up front and a 110-mm drum at the rear aided by
The 2021 TVS Radeon does indeed have a few things going well for it
tVs’ synchronized braking tech which activates both brakes when the rear one is applied. however, the front drum brake did feel a little too lazy even when a little aggression was used on the lever. the 2021 tVs radeon does have the coty edition (commuter of the year) that sports a 240-mm disc brake which should do the trick. We will confirm this statement once we ride that variant. you get a single-cradle tubular frame, telescopic front forks, five-step adjustable hydraulic rear shock-absorbers, and five-spoke 18-inch alloy rims, all of which help in handling unfavourable road conditions quite well.
Which brings us down to the price. the base tVs radeon has been priced at rs 59,962 and the coty edition at rs 64,287 and rs 67,287 for the drum and disc variants respectively (all prices ex-showroom). that latter price tag puts the radeon up against the hero Passion Pro, which impressed us when we rode it and could just have pipped the radeon. the 2021 tVs radeon does indeed have a few things going well for it but, at the rate motorcycle tech is evolving, there is a surge of features being offered across the board. the 2021 radeon is surely a relevant commuter for now, but, for how long? Further modernization of the commuter segment does seem to be on the cards.