TVS Phoenix 125 review, test ride

TVS is back with a bang in the 125cc segment. The new Phoenix 125 aims to soar above the rest of its competition. Will it succeed?

Published on Nov 21, 2012 05:58:00 PM

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TVS’s Phoenix is a commuter motorcycle with conventional, still attractive styling and universal appeal. This new TVS 125 is smartly designed, and comes equipped with six-spoke alloy wheels, while its engine, exhaust and a few other parts are all finish in black. A broad, bikini fairing accommodates the headlight, which works well at night to produce a bright, well focused and conical spread when using low beam and also has integrated, LED powered pilot lamps. The digital instrument bay sports an amber-backlit display, with a trip meter, cascading fuel gauge, low battery warning, and service due reminder, all sheltered beneath a tinted visor. The prominent speedometer is a case of form over function, its digital display being cumbersome to read on the go. The Phoenix however has excellent palm grips, and switchgear that works with a smooth feel. The choke lever is mounted at switchgear level, that makes it handy and convenient to reach, but its design could have been better formed. TVS has equipped the Phoenix with a hazard warning switch as standard, making for a first in this segment, and this proved helpful whenever parked on the road shoulder.

We appreciate the high quality control levers on this TVS, however missed the presence of a cable-play operating nut for the clutch lever. The Phoenix rear-view mirrors functioned perfectly throughout our test ride. Prominent decals adorn the Phoenix, and boldly declare it a 125. The well-padded seat is covered with dual-textured fabric, running from the Phoenix’s ample and rounded fuel, this providing comfy knee indents for a rider’s thighs. At the rear you have an alloy grab handle and flush-fitted taillight.

The Phoenix is a well-built motorcycle, and shows off good paint lustre, thorough attention-to-detail and adequate overall fit-and-finish.