BIKE REVIEW: TVS Phoenix 125

The TVS Phoenix 125 is a comfortable commuter motorcycle and at Rs 60,500 is affordable too, writes Faisal Ali Khan of MotorBeam.com.

One of the most important segments in India is the commuter segment, which accounts for a major chunk of sales in the Indian two-wheeler market. The 125cc space is often referred to as the premium commuter segment as buyers want decent performance with good mileage.

TVS launched the Phoenix 125 last year, which rivals Bajaj Auto's Discover 125, Honda's CB Shine and Hero MotoCorp's Glamour.

On the styling front, the TVS Phoenix looks quite attractive. Despite being a commuter bike the Phoenix looks rather sporty with the graphics theme very well executed.

The Phoenix boasts of multi-coloured front mudguard, headlight, side panel along with a well designed fuel tank which has 125 neatly written on it.

The alloy-wheels have 6-spokes unlike other bikes which have 5-spoke alloys. The headlight gets LED pilot lights too, an Apache influence. The black theme works well with the tyres, engine and exhaust finished in black colour.

The rear sports a solid grab rail.

Being a commuter bike, seating is very important and the Phoenix 125 has spot on ergonomics. The seat is a bit low but very upright which is a boon for long distance commutes.

The seats are on the softer side which makes it uncomfortable after long rides. The rear view mirrors offer decent visibility although they could have been wider.

The TVS Phoenix comes with an all digital instrument cluster which is a first for a commuter segment motorcycle.

There is no tachometer and the round dial of the speedometer is difficult to read on the move.

The console also displays service due and low battery indications.

Switch gear comes from the Apache and is of excellent quality.

The TVS Phoenix 125 uses a 125cc, single-cylinder petrol engine which uses air-cooling and is made of aluminium. The motor belts out a respectable 10.9 BHP of power and 10.78 Nm of torque.

Power delivery is smooth although the unit does get a bit rough at higher end of the power band. At lower speeds and RPM, the Phoenix 125's engine is very smooth and offers peppy performance.

Power is delivered in a linear fashion and there are no vibrations. This motor offers very good drivability in the city and it's the low and mid range which is the strong part here.

Top speed of the Phoenix is 90 km/hr and the motorcycle pulls quickly to 70 km/hr post which it does tend to struggle.

The 4-speed transmission offers smooth shifts although it's not super slick like on its Japanese rivals. Mileage is around 55-60 km/l which is very good.

The TVS Phoenix uses a single down tube chassis along with Series Spring rear suspension setup which gives it a good balance of ride and handling.

It is easy to push the Phoenix into corners as the feedback is very good. Ride quality is pliant and the brakes offer good stopping power, thanks to the 240 mm front disc brake.

However, softer compound tyres would have given the Phoenix better ride and braking.

While TVS has given the Phoenix quite a lot of features, it has missed out some essentials like under seat storage and LED tail lights.

The fuel filler cap doesn't have a flap mechanism which is disappointing. The Phoenix is the lightest motorcycle in its class, weighing in at just 116 kgs.

The TVS Phoenix 125 offers quite a lot to the commuter segment buyer. Quality on the bike is good and it offers good performance while being very frugal.

The comfort and dynamics are excellent as well and at a price of Rs 60,500 on-road Mumbai, the Phoenix is affordable too.