Hi there, I am back and this time I review a very special motorcycle. It may not be larger than life, but it certainly seems like a ground breaking launch from a company that has the reputation of bringing to us rock solid products – the Shogun, Samurai, Fiero, Victor, and the RTR series. Every product is unique in its own approach targeting and tailor made for the enthusiast in each segment. Be it commuting, racing, or best of both worlds, TVS has come a long way in bringing us good value-for-money products that don’t burn a hole in your pocket when it comes to maintenance, but at the same time never compromise on performance. After being nearly three years in the making and after a few let downs for the true enthusiasts in the form of Jive and the new RTR series, TVS really needed to shake off the dust and rise - rise from the ordinary, run of the mill stuff, and reach for something much higher and brighter - something that will put them back in the reckoning and back in the picture where the battle is getting more intense and exciting than ever before. As an enthusiast and as a customer, this is the best time and we can sense brighter times ahead with the auto giants battling it out for survival and at the same time going for the crown. After coming up with names such as Victor and Vigor for the same project, the name Phoenix emerged out of nowhere at the time of the launch. In Greek mythology, a “phoenix” is a long lived bird that is cyclchandru021y regenerated or reborn. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. This is what TVS needed - it needed a new beginning, new life, and new wings to soar higher. Let’s not waste anymore time and get right to the review. Having owned an RTR myself and having become a dad recently, I was looking for good solid commuter vehicle that would not make me miss the fun I had on the RTR and at the same time be frugal enough for a family man. I have bought this vehicle just recently and more than a review, this is my hands-on experience with this superb piece of art.
LOOKS/DESIGN:
Though this bike belongs to the commuter segment, the average Indian biker has come of age and his demands and expectations run sky high. One can also attribute this to the manufacturers who are setting new standards by introducing higher segment features even on commuters. Bajaj has always been a game changer and a trend setter, no matter what the segment. The newly launched Discover 125 ST has been a hot seller, courtesy the loads of new features that distinguishes it from the rest of its peers. TVS has been the only other company that has been brave enough to match Bajaj step to step. Though TVS really gave the Pulsar brand a run for the money with the launch of the RTR series, in the commuter segment things haven’t really been moving as swiftly as the Discover branding for Bajaj. A lot of input has gone into the Phoenix’s design due to the fact that the mind of the average Indian biker is now sharper than ever before. So when you look at the Phoenix, it strikes you with its bold and larger than life graphics(TVS calls it aircraft inspired avant-garde design) that catches the corner of every eye irrespective of whether it hits the road or is standing still. Apart from the dual tone graphics, we have LED pilot lamps that further enhance the dynamic quotient of the headlamp design and also seem a rip-off from the latest RTR series. Then we have the petal tail lamp, which according to me is “okey dokey.” The tank, side panels, and rear panels are not overdone and appear just about perfect. They could have given it Y-shaped alloys as those aboard the Discover 125 ST to just match the equation. When you look at it closely, you would notice that the classic commuter type styling is written all over it, but it is the sensibly done graphics, wonderful paint job, and the “Dynamic Elegance” design concept that makes it stand out among the competition. Build quality is top notch with the switchgear being similar to the one found on the RTR series and has a softer feel and a premium touch to it. Right from the air cavity foot pegs to compound padded seat to the fully digital console to the soft textured handle grips, the premium factor is quite evident in the Phoenix’s design.
COMFORT:
For a commuter, comfort is as crucial as the economy factor it vouches for. The commuter segment targets those souls who have had enough of sport riding postures and want to relax; and also the middle aged group who need to cover kilometers of distance without straining their back. A lot of homework has been done by TVS with this particular launch. According to sources, around ten select customers were chosen from each state and were allowed to experience the vehicle real time and give their sincere feedback. Based on their feedback and inputs, the product has been further developed. As a guy who has ridden all sorts of bikes in the past decade, when it comes to a commuter what really makes the ride comfortable are the shocks. Good suspension is something that can almost entice a rider in making up his choice, especially on Indian conditions. The first thing I wanted to know was whether TVS had come up with something new in this department because the RTRs sport stiffer suspension to highlight their racing DNA and also enhance the handling. The previous commuters from TVS’ stable aren’t well known for their suspension either, however, TVS has got it spot-on this time with launching the five-step adjustable’Series Spring’ suspension and high response damper. This rides like a breeze, believe me. You don’t feel a thing on the road. It is by far the best set of suspension I have ever experienced to date. Having owned a Splendor, Pulsar 180, and RTR 160, I personally felt the double Nitrox suspension aboard the Pulsar was the best so far. However, this Series Spring setup outdoes it just by that much. Also the raised handlebars, plush seat, and easy-to-reach switches add on to the comfort factor. The seating position with raised and wide handlebars is ideal for not putting a lot of strain on the back even on longer rides.
BRAKING:
I personally feel a disc is not necessary for a commuter given the very nature of the segment. However, as mentioned earlier the average Indian biker has come of age and demands a lot more for the money he is shelling out and hence we have Roto Petal disc on the front as an option if thou art ready to shell out 2k more for it. I have ridden both the variants and I really could not make out a whole lot of difference; in fact, the disc variant had a hint of vibration when I was using the front disc. You have the option of choosing from a 130 mm drum or 240 mm disc at the front and a standard 130 mm drum at the rear. The brakes are good and confidence inspiring.
PERFORMANCE/HANDLING/RIDE QUALITY:
After the Victor, no other commuter really seemed to impress or make its presence felt in the commuter segment. TVS premiers the EcoThrust engine with Phoenix, which I believe is a gem of an engine. This engine they claim delivers the perfect blend of performance and economy. It also comes with Digital-Mapped Ignition whereby the engine adapts itself constantly and automatchandru021y to varying speeds. Though this bike is just a commuter, I was really taken aback by its swift nature right from the word go. Having owned an RTR, which is critchandru021y acclaimed for its fast and furious nature compounded by the racing throttle response, I was wondering what kind of a transition would it take for me to adapt to a commuter bike. Surprisingly and most interestingly, the moment I slotted the bike into first gear and let go of the clutch, what came next was the most pleasant and enjoyable ride I have ever experienced. The engine is so refined that it is unlike any other engine you have found on other TVS motorcycles and I would also say on par or to some extent even better than the Hondas. You need to ride it to believe it. The gear shift is simple and effortless. The four gears are all up like that found on a Splendor. The acceleration is very linear and smooth. The 124.5 cc EcoThrust engine puts out 11 PS of power @ 8000 RPM and 10.8 NM of torque @ 6000 RPM. There is no sense of uncertainty or instability in any gear. Irrespective of whether you have a pillion on board or not, the bike surges ahead with consummate ease. The handling again couldn’t get better. You can easily flick it around corners and it is very simple to maneuver in city traffic conditions, thanks to its shorter wheelbase. On empty stretches, you can just sit back and relax and the buttery smooth engine just keeps underscoring the premium feel that the company is trying to give to every rider aboard. The USP(unique selling proposition) of this bike that I would like to highlight apart from the ultra smooth engine and superb suspension is the wet-multiplate clutch. There is absolutely no strain on your palms unlike the Bajaj bikes even as you use the clutch endlessly on clogged city streets. The one thing that you might miss amidst enjoying the ride is a fifth gear, but four gears I feel are sufficient for a commuter. Also tubeless tyres would have sealed the deal and made it a perfect package. All in all, this is the best riding experience I have ever had on a TVS motorcycle.
SPECIAL FEATURE:
The reason for me to include this section is because of a unique feature on-board – hazard lights. For those unaware, the hazard lights turn on all the four indicators at a time, which marks our presence on the road especially in foggy or rainy conditions. This is not a first because LML Freedom has the privilege of introducing it first, however, it is a very good safety feature to have on board.
MAINTENANCE AND AFTER SALES SERVICE:
Having owned an RTR, I don’t personally feel maintenance is going to be an issue with TVS vehicles. Spares are comparatively cheaper and TVS vehicles are known for their rock solid durability in spite of being thrashed around. After-sales service however depends on the dealership and it is up to you as the owner to make sure your bike is taken care of.
FUEL EFFICIENCY:
If you notice, the commuter segment all of a sudden appears a bit crowded with a host of launches from bike manufacturers across the nation - the reason being the soaring fuel prices. Like it or not, cost effectiveness and maintenance is getting into everyone’s head. We see more people shifting from the sports segment to the commuter segment, which is why we see manufactures loading the commuter bikes with features found on sports bikes. So how does the Phoenix score in this department? Is it frugal enough to seal the deal after powering its way across different sections of this review? Yes. Though TVS claims 67 kmpl, I have owned this bike for the past week and I could say the figures are close to 60 kmpl. This is outstanding considering the ride quality, performance, and comfort that is also on offer. Extracting maximum mileage from your vehicle has a lot to do with how you ride. If you notice, there is a green highlighted area on the speedometer of the Phoenix. Try and ride in the highlighted area, which I suppose is between 40 and 60 kmph, in the top gear and avoid frequent braking and clutching to optimize maximum mileage.
CONCLUSION:
I have recently purchased this ground-breaking launch from TVS and trust me this is not an ordinary launch, no wonder you see a lot of attention being given to this product by TVS; if you don’t believe me, just check out the official Phoenix website here https://tvsphoenix.com/ . TVS are banking high on this product and there is no doubt why they should not. When you have a winner on your hands, good sensible marketing strategies is all it takes to put you back in the reckoning. TVS have silenced their critics after the new RTR series debacle with the Phoenix. They have walked the talk and delivered such a product that is going to unsettle the commuter segment for sure. As an enthusiast, one should rejoice as every manufacturer regains lost form because things can only get better with the competition heating up. As a buyer, you and I are in for a treat. Cheers to TVS, cheers to the Indian Motorcycling Industry to the years that lie ahead.