2019 TVS Radeon long-term report: Introduction
Dude, why are you riding that?"... is something that I have been commonly hearing of late from my friends, whenever they see me riding the TVS Radeon. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Radeon. Just the sight of a healthy (polite for huge) guy with all the necessary safety riding gear on a commuter motorcycle is not too common. Interestingly, what is nearly common is the Radeon's kerb weight, displacement and my own weight.
Since I have been riding my Triumph Tiger 800 for close to two years now, commuting in the city is not something I truly enjoy...err..enjoyed. The change in that stand has happened because of the Radeon. Considering the drastic shift from manoeuvring a 216kg beast to a 112kg lightweight offering, the Radeon's capability to cut through the chaotic Mumbai traffic has thoroughly impressed me. And while doing that, the single-cylinder engine makes a throaty note, a synonymous trait on all new age TVS motorcycles, the RTR 160, RTR 200 and also the flagship Apache RR 310.
However, there are some attributes of the Radeon that I am taking time to get used to. Look at the handsome Apache series. Wonder why TVS designers did not take some inspiration from them instead of making the Radeon look like its closest rival. Maybe because I am not its target audience or perhaps it's a thing that will grow on me.
Acquired January 2019
Inducted at 110km
Total mileage 324km
Fuel 3.20 litres
Economy 66.82kmpl
Starts Rs 58,992
110cc
4-Speed
8.20
8.70
69.3 Kmpl
