Honda Livo vs TVS Radeon vs Hero Passion Pro: Spec Comparison
Published On Jul 3, 2020 09:59 AM By Gaurav Sadanandfor Honda Livo
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The BS6 Honda Livo is the latest entry into the 110cc segment, but can it hold its own against its rivals on paper?
Honda’s new BS6 site had just a handful of bikes and scooters, hinting at the fact that it had simplified its portfolio. Since the Honda Livo was nowhere to be seen even after the BS6 deadline, we’d pretty much written it off. But that clearly isn’t the case. The Livo is back stronger than ever with a BS6 heart and is ready to take on rivals such as the TVS Radeon and the Hero Passion Pro. Question is, will it be able to hold its own against its rivals on paper?
Engine:
Hero’s Passion Pro packs the biggest heart of the lot with 113 cee cees of displacement. It’s not surprising then that the bigger engine puts out the most amount of power: 0.36PS and 0.49Nm more than the Livo and 0.96PS and 1.09Nm more than the Radeon.
That said, a kerb weight of 115kg, which is the lightest of the lot, should put the Livo neck-and-neck against the Passion Pro (disc 118kg) while getting off the line. The fact that the Radeon weighs just as much as the Passion Pro while putting out the least amount of power and torque, positions it in the last place.
P.S. The Radeon may be the least powerful bike here, but we love its throaty exhaust note which makes you feel like you’re riding a bigger capacity bike.
Underpinnings
All three bikes are similarly equipped in terms of hardware. The only differentiating factor between the trio is the weight. The Livo is the lightest bike which should make it easier to move around in the parking lot or while zipping through traffic.
The Livo and Passion Pro also feature slightly larger drum brakes at the rear which should help these bikes drop the anchor sooner than the Radeon. Being the lighter bike, the Honda Livo might win this battle too.
But the TVS Radeon has a trick up its sleeve. It features a 5-step adjustable twin shock absorber setup which lets you bump up the preload of the rear suspension while carrying heavy loads thus preventing it from bottoming out. The fact that it gets a carrier integrated into the grab handle makes it more practical than its rivals.
Dimensions:
This is where the TVS Radeon comes into its own. It has the shortest wheelbase, which in theory should make it a better handler, but it also weighs in at 118kg which means it would take some effort. What works for the bike is its 10-litre fuel tank which when paired with its frugal engine returns one of the best fuel-efficiency figures. It also has 180mm of ground clearance which leaves more than enough space for those large dune-sized speed breakers in India.
The only dimensional difference between the Radeon and the Passion Pro is the wheelbase. The latter is 5mm longer. However, a tall seat height of 799mm may put off shorter riders.
As for the Honda Livo, it has the longest wheelbase, the lowest ground clearance but has the least amount of weight to carry. The weight advantage could also mean that it burns less fuel from its smaller 9-litre fuel tank, thus giving it a fighting chance against its competitors. A lower seat height of 790mm is also more suitable for riders of all heights.
Price & Verdict:
(all prices ex-showroom, Delhi)
Each bike has its positives and negatives so it's quite tough to pick a clear winner. Lets, put it this way, if you’re looking for a sharp, sporty-looking commuter which excels on the performance front too, go for the Honda Livo. Although, the choice comes at a premium.
If you seek outright power, the Passion Pro is the way to go. Its bright liveries make it quite eye-catching and its Auto Sail technology and engine idle start-stop system (i3S) make it an overall compelling option.
The Radeon makes sense if practicality tops your list. Its frugal yet reliable engine will see you going the distance while practical bits like the carrier will help with any extra load. It’s also quite feature-rich for its class, packing in an LED DRL, tank pads, a longer seat with premium stitching, chrome mirrors, and a tank cushion. In our minds, the best value-for-money proposition.