Introduction

125cc is an optimal segment of bikes, giving a new way of looking the mass commuting with that extra power above the 100cc engine, at the same time, enjoying fuel efficiency, better than the 150cc segment. There has been many attempts from Bajaj, Yamaha and TVS to woo the customers of this segment with their spicy products. For instance, Bajaj brought in the Caliber 115, then the Bajaj XCD 125, while TVS had the Victor 125cc and Yamaha’s Gladiator. With much more expectations from the buyers and that feel good factor anticipations must be satisfied by the two wheeler maker, otherwise, the product would bomb. TVS Flame, did not had a red carpet welcome, due to the controversies with engine patent technologies, but still, has some cool utilities and more than regular commuting bike looks.

Styling and Design

The shrinking Apache headlamp, fits the 125 cc Flame, nice devoid of the borders. The screws that patch the visor, with the front cowl is a new style. With a host of bikes borrowing many aspects from its predecessors, TVS Flame stands out of crowd with its self definitions. Can you imagine to have a small compartment in front of the fuel tank lid? It is possible with the TVS Flame design. Smartly the tank storage area can be press locked and opened by a special position in the ignition slot itself. In this Tank box, you can store a wallet and riding gloves. The Hunk like tank shrouds boasts the bold all silver Flame logo.  The handle bar fits well with the bike’s frame. The switches have top notch finish, like in RTR. While the right arm has the power start switch and headlights, pilot lamps, on/off switches, the left arm of the handlebar contains the horn, high/low beam, turn indicator switch, horn and a yellow pass switch on the front edge, for your left index finger usage. The instrument cluster has the neat tachometer, which is pierced by the TVS glossy plastic at the centre. All the tell tale lamps are aligned on the left, like traffic signals, especially when you look from bottom to top, the spanner glows for the service indication, amber for reserve fuel, high beam, Neutral and turn indicator are lined up in a slightly curved fashion. The digital console on the right shows the speedometer, odometer, clock and trip meter, with digital fuel gauge inside. Two buttons are provided, one to change the mode of display and another one to set the parameters, say for clock or trip meter. The tank merges with the saddle in a steeper manner, and the rider seat design has a new blend, shaving itself for more knee recess and better grip between the thighs.

The engine compartment is all black, with the 3V logo on the left side, the commuterish heel toe shifter and rear brake lever are positioned for a relaxed ride, not like the one in Apache which was designed for a racy foot rests. While the frame raises towards the rear, the saree guard and pillion foot rests are optimally positioned for comfortable ride. While the grab rail has the Apache like look, it is unique with its batman like protruding edges. The rear cowl has twin red lamps, but the split done by the black strip gives a stupid look, as if someone has pasted a black insulation tape on the warning lamp. The orange indicators have pointed nature. The exhaust gets a new chrome finish at its mouth, that is triangular in shape through out its length, with a small heat shield too, bending to suit its design.

Engine

While, the competitor’s claim of twin spark technology was under dispute for quite sometime, Flame’s 3 valve engine is not much known. Roping the AVL for designing the CCVTi engine, the two inlet ports are found on the top and bottom of the carb. The top port opens up only when the throttle is wide opened, otherwise, the power train runs by the air fuel mixture through the bottom port only. Flame’s engine generates 10.4/8250 PS/rpm of maximum power and  10/6250 Nm/rpm of maximum torque. With a top speed of above 95 kmph, the fuel efficiency sums up to 48 kmph.

Ride and Handling

With the tank shrouds, projecting out, Flame gives a bigger bike stance when you hop on it. The ergonomics doesn’t add feathers to the Flame’s cap. While the bike’s theme is sporty, the seating is typical commuterish providing no encouragement for a fast cornering or traffic squeezing tactics. The longer 1320 mm wheelbase, keeps the bike planted on road, and handling for the regular riding is good. TVS has given the 5 step adjustment to the rear shock absorber, which is first time for a 125 cc Indian bike. While the gear shifts and pull on every gear is not that great to put in words, an additional 5th gear would have been a good option for guys who want to go flame beyond 80 mark, where, Flame on its 4th gear, takes a very leisurely time to reach the 100 kmph mark. The 8 litres tank is less for a 125 cc bike, curbing the kilometers before one refuels it.

Suspension in Flame, doesn’t give the necessary float to the rider, rather it gives a bouncy feedback. Brakes, breaks Flame’s sporty character. Yes, an uninspiring long meters are taken by Flame to stop from a 60 kmph speed to 0. Like in other competitior’s 125 cc bikes, a disc brake should have been given as an option, but sadly Flame comes with 130 mm drum brakes only. Pillion comfort is commendable and the night riding is safer with the wider headlamp assembly, almost giving a secure light thrown up ahead.

Verdict

TVS answers to the recent line up of bikes from its manufacturing rivals, but does the Flame gives any nightmare to its fellow 125cc bikes. A big no. The CCVTi could not deliver the much claimed mileage, and the bike’s average ride on rough surfaces is a turn down. In spite of the beautiful big bike like engine tunes, the pickup and power is marginally better than the Victor 125cc and doesn’t have that quickness which you find in a Yamaha Gladiator. And, who knows, if anyone among you like its styling and unique features like the tank storage box or the tank design, with its cheaper price tag, you would buy it, but later, don’t blame the Flame, for it’s performance has no fame and there ends her carrier game.