I am the owner of a TVS Jive for 2 months and have covered 2000 km. I have lived in Sri Lanka for the past 6 years and have covered over 50, 000 km on 5 different bikes(Bajaj Pulsar 180, TVS Star Sport. Yamaha Gladiator and HH Hunk). I am 61 years old and am 6ft 2in and 90Kg.
The 2k miles on the Jive have been a mixture of town and country mostly with my wife as pillion(combined weight 130 Kg) using normal petrol. The bike is well maintained and with correct tyre pressures.
I bought this bike for its ease of use and fuel economy and I am not disappointed. It is also very comfortable and the rear brake lever for my long legs is just in the correct place ie I don’t have to lift my foot to engage as with many othe bikes - very important safety aspect. The seat is soft but comfortable and is good for longer distances, but the plastic is thin and will rip easily.
The switchgear LHS handlebar is not good to the touch and poor quality.
The handling is v good, better than my last bike, the HH Hunk and the brakes(both drum) are fine for the dynamics and power of the bike. This bike is happiest at 45 to 55 kmh; v smooth and quiet. I have taken it to 80+ but above 60 there is some tingling vibration but that is lessening with miles on the clock.
The economy is excellent averaging 67 kpl from new. It has been constant more or less. I am not a senile 61 years and I nip along quite smartly and have been surprised at the smooth torquey nature of the bike. It overtakes easily and the gearbox is good as long as you don’t change like Valentino Rossi.
So, not as convenient as a scooter but the mileage is 50% better so no contest if you care about the planet and your pocket.
BUT. the flaw in this gem? Some component quality eg rusted exhaust flange bolts already, faulty rear brake pads, no dash light on RHS of display, and the PDI was actually dangerous: less than 18 psi in both tyres, different settings for left and right rear suspension for example. I have been riding for 45 years so suggest you check a new TVS v carefully. An inexperienced rider could have been killed due to this lack of care by TVS. Shame really as the Star I had 5 years ago was faultless and still is(its with a relative). TVS are singing about 30 lakh Stars sold but they appear to have taken their eye off quality control along the whole chain of events to the customer.
Would I buy another Jive? Yes. its almost the perfect bike for S Asia but check carefully all aspects of the particular bike you will buy.