TVS Ntorq 125: Last Tuesday morning at TVS Motor’s Hosur facility, the company’s test track buzzed with activity as a fleet of Ntorq 125 scooters tore around the circuit, their distinctive exhaust notes creating a symphony that’s music to any petrolhead’s ears.
I was there to experience the latest iterations of what has become TVS’s most successful youth-oriented product – a scooter that has transformed the company’s image from a maker of reliable but somewhat staid commuters to a brand that young riders actually aspire to own.
TVS Ntorq 125 Breaking the Mold: Design That Demands Attention
The Indian scooter market has historically been dominated by practical, inoffensive designs that prioritize function over form. The Ntorq 125 tore up that rulebook when it first launched, and the current model continues to push design boundaries in a segment that desperately needed some visual excitement.
“When we first conceptualized the Ntorq, we made a conscious decision to break away from traditional scooter design language,” explains Arun Siddharth, VP of Marketing at TVS Motor Company, during a trackside chat.
“We wanted to create something that a 20-year-old college student would proudly show off to his friends – not just a practical vehicle his parents approved of.”
That philosophy is immediately apparent in the Ntorq’s aggressive styling. The front apron features sharp, angular lines with twin LED position lamps that give it a predatory appearance. The headlight is positioned lower in the apron, bucking conventional design norms and contributing to the scooter’s distinctive face.
The side profile continues this theme with muscular panels that create a sense of forward motion even when stationary, while the stepped seat adds a sporty touch that’s rare in this segment.
What particularly impresses is TVS’s attention to detail. The machined aluminum footpegs, the carbon-fiber-patterned panels, and the aircraft-inspired fuel cap all contribute to a premium feel that elevates the Ntorq above its competitors. Even the digital console is designed to resemble a fighter jet cockpit – a small touch that resonates strongly with the target demographic.
The Race XP variant, which I spent most time testing, ramps up the visual drama with its MotoGP-inspired racing livery, red rim tapes, and exclusive color schemes.
The contrast-colored rear shock absorber – painted bright red – adds another sporty touch that draws the eye. It’s this variant that has proven especially popular with college students and young professionals looking to stand out from the crowd.
Performance That Matches the Looks
Style without substance quickly wears thin, but fortunately, the Ntorq 125 delivers in the performance department as well. At its heart is TVS’s 124.8cc single-cylinder engine, which in the Race XP variant produces 10.2 PS at 7,000 rpm and 10.8 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm – making it one of the most powerful 125cc scooters on the market.
These numbers translate to real-world performance that doesn’t disappoint. During my testing on TVS’s facility, the Ntorq Race XP consistently hit 95 km/h on the speed straight, with the speedometer indicating just north of 100 km/h.
More importantly, it reaches 60 km/h – the speed that matters most in urban environments – in just 7.8 seconds, making it properly quick off the line at traffic lights.
“We benchmarked the Ntorq’s acceleration against international models,” says K.N. Radhakrishnan, Director and CEO of TVS Motor Company. “Our research showed that young riders value initial pep more than outright top speed – that instinctive rush when the signal turns green. That guided our engine tuning philosophy.”
The engine itself deserves special mention for its refinement. 125cc scooters can sometimes feel buzzy at higher revs, but the Ntorq’s three-valve head (unusual in this segment) helps it breathe better, reducing vibration while improving efficiency.
The CVT transmission delivers power smoothly, though it exhibits the characteristic rubber-band effect under hard acceleration that’s common to most scooters.
The Race XP variant features two riding modes – a segment first. Street mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while Race mode sharpens throttle response and allows the engine to rev more freely.
The difference is noticeable, particularly in mid-range acceleration, where Race mode provides a welcome surge of power between 40-70 km/h – exactly where you need it for overtaking in urban traffic.
Fuel efficiency, while not the primary consideration for the target audience, remains respectable. TVS claims 47 km/l under standard test conditions, but real-world usage is likely to yield around 40-42 km/l – which still gives a range of approximately 220 km from the 5.4-liter fuel tank.
Handling and Dynamics: The Fun Factor
Where the Ntorq truly distinguishes itself is in the handling department. The scooter rides on 12-inch wheels at both ends (100/80 front and 110/80 rear), larger than the typical 10-inch wheels found on many competitors. This, combined with a wheelbase of 1,285mm, gives it excellent stability at speed without sacrificing maneuverability in tight spaces.
The telescopic front suspension offers 95mm of travel, while the rear gas-charged shock absorber provides 80mm – adequate for absorbing most urban road imperfections.
The suspension is tuned slightly on the firmer side, which contributes to the Ntorq’s sporty handling characteristics but does mean that larger bumps are felt more than on softer-tuned competitors.
During my testing on both the smooth track surface and the intentionally rough section of TVS’s facility, the Ntorq demonstrated impressive composure.
It changes direction eagerly, with neutral steering that inspires confidence even when pushed hard into corners. The weight distribution feels spot-on, allowing for mid-corner line adjustments without drama.
“We spent considerable time tuning the chassis,” explains Mohini Mathur, Head of Scooter Development at TVS. “The goal was to create a scooter that’s not just fast in a straight line but actually rewarding to ride on winding roads. That’s not typically an area where scooters excel, but we wanted to change that perception.”
Braking performance comes from a 220mm disc up front and a 130mm drum at the rear on higher variants, with synchronized braking technology (SBT) that automatically applies some rear brake when the front brake is used.
The system works well, providing progressive stopping power without the front-end dive that can unsettle less sophisticated setups. The disc brake offers good feel through the lever, allowing for precise modulation – something young, enthusiastic riders will appreciate.
Tech-Forward Features for the Digital Generation
Perhaps the Ntorq’s most significant departure from conventional scooters is its technology integration. The fully digital instrument cluster doesn’t just display the usual speed, fuel level, and odometer – it packs in features that would have been unthinkable in this segment just a few years ago.
The Bluetooth-enabled SmartXonnect system pairs with TVS’s dedicated app to provide navigation assistance, incoming call alerts, and message notifications.
It can even show last parked location, trip stats, and service reminders. The system allows riders to set custom user profiles and includes some novelty features like “do not disturb” mode and overspeeding alerts that parents will appreciate.
“Today’s young consumers live digital lives,” notes Praveen Kumar, Head of Digital Products at TVS. “We wanted the Ntorq to integrate seamlessly with their smartphones rather than forcing them to choose between staying connected and riding. The technology should enhance the experience, not compete with it.”
During my testing, the Bluetooth connectivity remained stable throughout, though the turn-by-turn navigation prompts are somewhat basic compared to dedicated GPS units. Still, they’re perfectly adequate for urban navigation and represent a genuine value-add in this segment.
Other notable features include an LED headlamp (on higher variants) that provides good illumination, a pass switch, engine kill switch (still uncommon on scooters), external fuel filler, and USB charging port conveniently located in the front storage compartment. The 22-liter under-seat storage can accommodate most half-face helmets, though full-face lids still pose a challenge – a limitation common to most scooters in this segment.
Market Positioning and Variants
TVS offers the Ntorq in multiple variants to cater to different price points and preferences. The range starts with the drum brake version, progresses through the disc brake and Race Edition variants, and tops out with the Race XP model I tested.
Prices range from approximately ₹78,000 for the base variant to ₹91,000 for the Race XP (ex-showroom), positioning it as a premium offering in the 125cc segment.
This pricing puts it in direct competition with the Suzuki Burgman Street, Honda Grazia, and Aprilia SR 125 – all strong contenders with distinct personalities.
The Ntorq positions itself as the sportiest and most tech-savvy option in this cohort, and sales figures suggest this strategy is working. TVS has sold over 1 million units since the Ntorq’s introduction, with particularly strong performance in urban markets and among the 18-25 age demographic.
“We’ve captured a customer base that previously might have considered motorcycles their only option for a sporty two-wheeler,” says Siddharth.
Almost 70% of Ntorq buyers are under 30, and for many, this is their first personal vehicle purchase. That’s significant because it’s establishing brand loyalty with a generation that will make multiple vehicle purchases over their lifetime.”
The Ntorq has also found success in export markets, particularly in Latin America and Southeast Asia, where its combination of performance and features has resonated with similar demographics. This international validation has further enhanced the scooter’s aspirational value in the domestic market.
Living with the Ntorq: Practicality Meets Personality
While the Ntorq’s sporting credentials and visual appeal are its headline attributes, daily usability remains crucial for any scooter. In this regard, the TVS offering makes some compromises but remains thoroughly practical for urban commuting.
The floorboard offers adequate space for most riders, though it’s not as expansive as some comfort-oriented competitors. The 770mm seat height is accessible for riders of various statures, and the seating position strikes a good balance between comfort and control.
The seat itself is well-padded and contoured to prevent sliding forward under braking, though some riders might find the stepped design slightly restrictive on longer journeys.
Pillion accommodation is decent, with a well-padded seat section and conveniently positioned grab rails. The rear footpegs fold neatly away when not in use, maintaining the scooter’s clean lines.
Fuel efficiency, as mentioned earlier, is respectable if not class-leading. The larger engine and performance-oriented tuning inevitably impact consumption, but the trade-off seems reasonable given the Ntorq’s positioning. Maintenance requirements are standard for the segment, with service intervals every 3,000 km or three months.
One minor gripe is wind protection, which is minimal due to the small front apron and absence of a windscreen. At highway speeds, this results in noticeable buffeting – though this is unlikely to be a major concern for the primarily urban use case.
TVS Ntorq 125 Conclusion: Style with Substance
The TVS Ntorq 125 successfully challenges the notion that practical commuters must be visually uninspiring. It delivers a compelling combination of head-turning design, spirited performance, and tech-forward features that resonates strongly with its target demographic of young male riders.
What’s particularly impressive is how TVS has maintained this appeal over multiple model years through thoughtful updates and special editions that keep the product fresh in a highly competitive market.
The Race XP variant, with its increased power output and riding modes, demonstrates the company’s commitment to continuous improvement rather than resting on past successes.
Is it perfect? Not quite. The firmer suspension prioritizes handling over comfort, storage space remains at a premium, and the premium variants command a price that pushes into entry-level 150cc motorcycle territory. But these compromises feel deliberate rather than oversight – conscious choices to reinforce the Ntorq’s sporting character.
For young riders seeking a scooter that makes a statement while delivering genuine performance credentials, the Ntorq 125 makes a compelling case.
It’s not just transport; it’s a lifestyle accessory that happens to be practical enough for everyday use. In a market where traditional motorcycles have long dominated the aspirational space, that’s no small achievement.