TVS NTorq, Track Test

TVS has been on a roll this year. The launch of TVS Apache RR 310 was eagerly awaited ever since TVS announced their collaboration with BMW. However, their best launch this year – and quite possibly of all time –  is not the entry-level sports bike, it’s the NTorq 125.

When we first rode the NTorq this year, we were simply blown away by what a great package this small scooter was. The overall build quality, sporty design, ride and handling, peppy and smooth engine, brakes, incredible features, and, of course, its aggressive price point make the NTorq a perfect package. 

TVS took its own sweet time to launch a 125cc scooter, but when they did decide to join the party, they made sure to launch only the best. And that’s exactly what the NTorq is – the best 125cc scooter you can get your hands on today.  

The design of the Ntorq is not that outlandish, but it does look quite stylish. It’s got a pointy front apron with TVS Ntorq 125 decals, handlebar-mounted turn signals and an overall hunkered down look. The chunky exhaust, sharply-raked tail-section and 12-inch diamond cut alloys look sporty as well. What really made a big impact on us, though, is its quality and fit-and-finish. The attention to detail is really impressive, and little things like the matte paint finish, TVS Racing decals, subtle carbon-fibre lookalike panels and red-stitching on the seat stand out against its rivals.

The NTorq also comes loaded with some segment-first features. It’s India’s first connected scooter, as it comes with Bluetooth connectivity or SmartXonnect feature. The system pairs your smartphone with the scooter via an app and allows you to use navigation. You’re also notified about calls and text messages while riding.

The engine is simply a blast. It’s an air-cooled, single-cylinder 125cc motor that develops 9.2bhp and 10.5Nm of torque. The engine is smooth, with a crisp throttle response. And, it reaches 60km/h quite effortlessly. Beyond that, however, the progress is slow. On the track, we even managed to reach a top speed of 95km/h, and still the engine felt calm and composed with no vibrations at all. However, the main highlight of the NTorq is its ride and handling balance. It comes with a telescopic front fork and gas-filled, hydraulic-type, coil-spring shock at the rear. And, from what we can tell, the suspension’s been tuned to perfection! 

Overall, the NTorq is certainly worthy of ‘Best of 2018’ honours. It’s earned it, and it also means that we’ll keep fighting over the keys as long as we have a long-term NTorq in our fleet.