TVS Ntorq 125 Race XP
A sharper and more powerful moto-scooter
The Race XP makes an unshakeable case for itself by being the most powerful of the lot and the only one with such a comprehensive suite of smartphone connectivity options
The TVS NTorq 125 redefiNed TVS’ place in the scooter market when it was first launched. its sleek bodywork, performance, and smartphone connectivity made this scooter rather popular among buyers, especially the young generation. A rather persuasive lot because a teenager i know convinced his father to buy one because he liked what he saw. At some level, we can empathize with that because what kid would be mad enough not to throw a fit for a scooter that has taken design cues from stealth aircraft, eh? With the Ntorq 125 race XP (that’s “Xtra Power”, apparently) TVS have given the scooter a makeover and i am glad to report that the changes are not just skin-deep.
Changes in the aesthetic department are hard to miss even though the bodywork and lights remain the same as in the previously updated BS6 model. New race-inspired graphics adorn the apron and the side cowls while the wheels have been given a shimmering coat of red paint to appeal to the young and young at heart alike or, maybe, TVS have just taken a page out of a rival’s book. either way, the Ntorq pulls off the look quite well.
Visually, the instrument console remains unchanged but it has been equipped with a few new features, most of which are accessed through the updated smartphone app, including a segment-first voice assist. The rider can now toggle between Street and race modes using the console, app, starter button or voice assist. The voice command feature is best used via a connected system within the helmet that has a dedicated microphone. Although rather impressive, it is still a work in progress because it is not as intuitive as the virtual smartphone assistants that we are used to and, at present, the system is only equipped to handle a limited (but thoughtful) list of commands. TVS claim that the latter will be resolved
with use because the app is learning every day and new commands can be included in the future. The occasional glitch apart, i believe this app’s Achilles heel is its demanding nature with regard to the smartphone’s resources. To work best, it needs high-location accuracy and an overrun of battery optimization. A youngster who is trying to save his/her smartphone battery to squeeze in that extra game of PUBG or browse through a few more mindnumbing reels is not going to be keen to allow such exhaustive permissions.
Keeping the digital things aside, let’s get down to the real deal. While the mechanicals have remained unchanged, a new fuel mapping that allows for optimized combustion has given the Ntorq 125 a slight boost in power. The 124.8-cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine now makes 10.2 hp and a peak torque of 10.8 Nm; in race mode, that is. Switch to Street and it drops to a respectable nine hp and 10 Nm of peak torque, which, frankly speaking, is ample power for the urban environment. in terms of acceleration and top speed figures, TVS claim that in race mode, the Ntorq goes from 0 to 60 km/h in 8.6 seconds and tops out at 98 km/h while the Street mode’s figures are 10.1 seconds and 85 km/h respectively. With such power comes a little vibration at the handlebar but, fortunately, not too much to put you off.
even with the red paint, connectivity options and electronic wizardry, my favourite aspect of this scooter is its agility. A weight loss of two kilograms over the standard model further aids this cause and the Ntorq continues to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee when it comes to threading through traffic. The ride is on the stiffer side but not uncomfortably so and that is precisely what the pillion rider had to say as well.
overall, as a 125-cc, sporty twist-and-go, the Ntorq race XP shines brilliantly and it goes up against the Aprilia Sr 125 (rs 96,037), the honda Grazia 125 Sports edition (rs
85,148), and the Yamaha rayZr
Street rally 125 (rs 77,330). Then at rs 84,025 (ex-showroom, as were all the aforementioned prices), the race XP makes an unshakeable case for itself by being the most powerful of the lot and the only one with such a comprehensive suite of smartphone connectivity options. Also, did i mention it has red wheels?
Overall, as a 125-cc, sporty twist-and-go, the Ntorq Race XP shines brilliantly