When TVS introduced the NTORQ in 2018, it was a well-received addition to the 125cc scooter segment. Targeted mainly towards youngsters, the NTORQ 125 scooter ticked all the right boxes. The NTORQ 125 was stylish, comfortable, performed well, and was a convenient option for people looking for a decent scooter. So it wasn’t a surprise when it made quite an impact in the 125cc scooter segment with sales numbers exceeding more than 1 lakh sales in international markets, including Nepal. In 2020, the NTORQ 125 became the largest selling 125cc premium scooter in the Nepalese market.

To top it off, the NTORQ 125 achieved this feat within two years of its launch in the Nepalese market. Now, in just over three years, the TVS NTORQ 125 has emerged as the most selling premium scooter in its segment with over 50,000 units sold in the Nepalese market. Not only is this landmark figure fuelled by the performance, technology, and comfort offered by the NTORQ 125, but also due to the immense trust and confidence shown by Nepalese consumers towards the brand.

In line with the NTORQ’s immensely successful journey in Nepal, TVS is now ready to set new benchmarks in the competitive 125cc scooters segment and relay its accomplishments with the launch of the BS-VI TVS NTORQ 125 Race Edition.

IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT…

The BS-VI TVS NTORQ Race Edition continues to retain the same bodywork as the BS-IV model. The scooter comes draped in a three-tone red, black and grey paint job. The Race Edition also gets chequered flag graphics to accentuate its sporty appeal. Additionally, it is equipped with a hazard lamp which can be enabled by a red hazard switch. The fit and finish is clean and solid. Everything from the 3D NTORQ logo to the double-stitched seats to the cycle parts feel impressive. Apart from an updated motor, the new BS-VI NTORQ also sees its fuel-tank capacity increase by 0.8 litres. With the addition of fuel injection, a new catalytic converter and a larger fuel tank, weight is also up by 1.9kg. The extra weight does make it the heaviest scooter in its class, but that doesn’t hinder the performance.

The BS-VI NTORQ Race Edition gets an LED headlamp with T-shaped DRLs, a T-shaped LED tail light flanked by faux vents which TVS says is inspired by a stealth fighter jet. You also get a 22-litre spacious storage bin with LED boot light and a USB charger. Other usable features are the external fuel filler cap which is positioned on the rear panel, and the engine kill switch. There’s also an OBD port under the seat for diagnostics at the service centre.

FULL MARKS ON THE FEATURES LIST…

The BS-VI TVS NTORQ 125 continues to get the best-in-class TVS SmartXonnect, a technology platform that makes the NTORQ the country’s first Bluetooth-connected scooter. Besides the usual telemetries like speed, fuel level, odometer and a trip meter, you also get sporty stats like top speed, 0-60kmph time, lap timer, along with other data like incoming call alerts, the scooter’s last parked location, and vehicle statistics, etc. Riders can download the dedicated NTORQ app (available on Android) and sync it with the scooter. It certainly feels like the scooter is targeted towards the GenZ- just as TVS claims. The BS-VI NTORQ 125 is certainly the most feature-rich product, if not Nepal’s most tech-loaded scooter, at the moment. We have to give TVS full marks on the features list.

THE BS-VI MOTOR…

Although the three-valve air-cooled fuel-injected BS-VI motor of the TVS makes the same power and torque figures as the BS-IV version (9.4 hp and 10.5Nm of torque), peak power now comes 500 RPMs earlier. The biggest change in the BS-VI motor is the fueling method. The scooter now uses fuel injection technology instead of the previous carburettor method and TVS claims a best-in-class pickup, power and acceleration with the BS-VI TVS NTORQ 125 Race Edition.

A few hours on the saddle is all it takes to be impressed by the TVS NTORQ 125. The moment you twist the throttle you can tell the scooter is no slouch. All 118kgs of claimed kerb weight sets off in a hurry and you can feel the engine eagerly propelling you forwards. The fuel-injected motor offers better refinement and fuel efficiency which is quite commendable. The NTORQ 125 does sound slightly different from other scooters due to the grunty exhaust note.

The acceleration seems more linear and the increased power output is noticeable on long straight stretches. The 1285mm wheelbase lends to a stable ride. And because you have plenty of torque at lower revs, it makes in city navigation (even through tight traffic) a breeze. We were really impressed with the refinement levels on the BS-VI engine. The new BS-VI motor feels smooth and responsive to the throttle inputs. Everything feels smoother and crisper than the outgoing model and it inspires confidence to push the scooter to its limits.

A MORE RELAXING RIDE…

The other impressive aspect of the BS-VI NTORQ has to be the suspension setup. The front gets a telescopic unit and the rear gets a gas-filled spring shock absorber. The supple suspension setup paired with the ground clearance of 155 mm is perfect for Nepali roads. Whether it’s navigating between the plethora of potholes or Hail Mary-ing right through them, the NTORQ 125 takes it all in stride. We also like how the tall handlebar and low seat height of 770mm cater to the average Nepali rider allowing us to keep our feet planted on the ground at all times.

The NTORQ 125 sports 12-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with chunky rubbers. The wheels offer high-speed stability and inspire confidence to take on the corners. Braking duties are undertaken by 220mm Roto Petal Discs at the front and 130mm drum at the back. The braking continues to impress and inspires confidence.

WE CAN SEE HOW TVS NEPAL HAS SOLD OVER 50,000 UNITS OF THE NTORQ 125 IN JUST OVER THREE YEARS…

If you’re in the market looking for a scooter that can help you run errands on a daily basis, is fun to ride, and has a tried-and-tested brand name behind it, the new BS-VI TVS NTORQ 125 Race Edition is worth your consideration. The BS-VI NTORQ 125 Race Edition feels more composed than the outgoing model. It’s not the fastest scooter in the market, but it can hold its own even when you really push the motor. Additionally, the new motor is very responsive and smooth, and the extensive features list will surely leave you impressed. The NTORQ is TVS’ constant endeavour to keep providing an aspirational product to the ever-evolving customer base. And, the milestone of 50,000 units is a testimony of the trust the Nepalese consumers have shown towards the brand, over the last three years.

The latest model may have reached an asking price of Rs 2.77 Lakh, but it’s a significant improvement from the outgoing model. It is definitely worth swapping the new BS-VI NTORQ 125 Race Edition for its rivals. The introduction of the BS-VI TVS NTORQ 125 Race Edition is expected to further cement its position as the market leader in the 125cc premium segment. Add to this TVS’ strong dealer network and it makes it a value-for-money proposition that you just can’t ignore.