Eagle-eyed Autocar India reader C S Varun Prasanth has just sent us these spy shots of what is an important, all-new 125cc TVS bike undergoing testing in South India in visibly ‘near ready for showroom’ state. This new bike will be a forerunner for TVS’ commuter model line-up, built tough to take over from the existing TVS Flame bikes.
The new bike sports TVS-typical styling, looking like part of its family with all the right kit in place for this segment, plus showing off a healthy dose of additional value-adding features that aren’t yet common in the 125cc segment. The photos show the new model is armed with blackened six-spoke alloy rims, smart stitching for its riding saddle and a flush-mounted tail-light at the rear. Much of the bike’s lower parts will come cloaked in black, including its front forks, engine, chain cover and swingarm.
The new TVS bike’s four-stroke, button-started, carburetted, single-cylinder and air-cooled engine can be expected to displace very close to 125cc, providing a stellar blend of adequate performance and exemplary fuel efficiency, as TVS commuter bikes are known to deliver.
A single downtube tubular steel frame will be standard, with a box-section swingarm used at the rear. And while the front suspension will be standard-issue hydraulic telescopic forks, the latest TVS will see really novel shock absorbers at the rear, deploying a form of clever multi-rated, dual-spring technology that is certain to promote terrific ride quality over a variety of terrain.
In front, you can spot another bonus in the form of a petal-type disc brake, surely an upmarket offering for this class of bike. TVS seems to be picking up the pace, finally, with indications pointing towards its upcoming 125 making an earnest effort to offer as much value for money as possible, to go on sale around August-September 2012.
Watch this space!