TVS Radeon

TVS brings its own retro twist to the volume commuter motorcycle game.

- Abhishek Samuel

The TVS Radeon aims to break into a category where TVS Motor Company already has three players, the Star City, Sport, and Victor. The 110cc commuter segment is also a very sensitive one, with winners in the category being sales drivers for their respective manufacturer. So where does the recently launched Radeon fit within the company’s lineup and in its segment? Let’s find out.

Design and build

There is no simpler way to put it. The Radeon is targeted at self-employed 25 to 35-year-olds in small towns and rural parts of the country. And it hence seems to conform to the design approach of the top motorcycle in that space, the Splendor, and largely its segment. What sets it apart, however, are the added retro touches that make it look more premium.

TVS should look at this as a compliment considering the reverential gazes this motorcycle drew while we were out testing.

These touches include the champagne gold finish on the engine casing, the chrome bezel surround for the headlamp, the chrome surround for the twin pod square-shaped instrumentation, long brown seat, as well as rubber tank pads on either side, and a chrome silencer. The chrome and gold bits do bring it attention as we found out. They lend it a distinct look, that may tickle the retro motorcycle aspirations of its target user. I felt the touches were a tad ostentatious for my taste but they should work in the semi-urban setting from which TVS expects the bulk of Radeon sales.