1) TVS Flame 125cc: Much expected TVS flame is finally here. First the deciding factor for any indian bike – the price It is available in two variants with and without disc brake Flame demands Rs45000(ex-showroom, chennai). With disc it demands Rs3000 more.
2) TVS Flame 125cc: Resembles the fighter jet in many sense, starting with the sharp nose and larger tank shrouds with embedded indicators both sides. Paint quality is top notch and especially the flamboyant graphics scores full point. Contemporary black theme and Mag alloy wheels with stylish fenders adds charm to the flame.
3) TVS Flame 125cc :Dual lens projected tail lamps and delta shaped exhaust mouth (which is easily the best among indian bikes) gives a fillip to the delta edge design. The only sore point is where suspension meets the cowl(seems like stitched in).
3) TVS Flame 125cc: CCVTi engine which uses three valves and twin spark plugs produces maximum power of 10.5bhp at 8250rpm and a peak torque of 10Nm at 6250 rpm. CCVTi beats pleasant and power delivery is progressive. Similar to other 125cc bikes it consumes a litre of petrol to go 63kms in our test drive. Expect the mileage/fuel efficiency anything above 60kms. Watch the video Feel the flame’s CCVTi engine right now(video soon)
4) TVS Flame 125cc: Build on a rectangular frame, flame handles tight corners easily. But the massive feel (credit to muscular fuel tank) and the 1320mm wheelbase hinders the tendency to flick. Unlike the apache, Flame’s ride is supple. Straight handle bar and upright seating position ensures ache free commuting. Large knee recess (credit to the tank shrouds) makes even the tall riders comfortable with the flame. Seats are wider and merges with the tank(similar to what we seen in pulsar 200cc) smoothly. The proven rectangular swing arm with 5-step adjustable twin tube suspension transfers little vibration to the rider as well as the pillion.
5) TVS Flame 125cc: Hosts a number of gauges but made usable by embedding odometer,digital clock, fuel gauge, mileage meter in the digital console. Large analogue speedo is bound by a number of warning lamps.
6) TVS Flame 125cc: Storage area on top of the tank is a welcome feature. But the storage bay limits the tank capacity to just 8 litres. Another issue with the storage bay it flip before loading the coke.Chisel shaped pilot lamps sits on the top of the low mounted headlamp are quite useful.
7) TVS Flame 125cc: TVS would be selling about 200 units of Flame in Tamil Nadu December, with a target of 20,000 units per month once the all India launch happens in January 2008. Ultimately the question is, can TVS Flame score against Bajaj XCD. Let’s wait! till we check out.
8) TVS Flame 125cc: No analysis please! this one is for everyone’s heart.
P.S: Our sincere thanks to Ramkay TVS (ramkay_tvs@yahoo.com), Velachery, Chennai (044 22441271)