TVS Jupiter 125 Review: Likes & Dislikes
Modified On Oct 7, 2021 07:41 PM By Arun Mohan Nadar for TVS Jupiter 125
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Despite its late arrival, the Jupiter 125 has quite a few tricks up its sleeve to dethrone its established rivals
TVS disrupted the 110cc scooter segment when it launched the Jupiter 110 many years back. The logical progression for TVS would have been to enter the 125cc space to rival the likes of the Suzuki Access 125 and the Honda Activa 125. Instead, the Hosur-based brand entered the sporty segment by launching the Ntorq 125, which has established itself as undoubtedly the best sporty 125cc scooter on sale.
Now, TVS has turned its attention to the 125cc family scooter space with the new TVS Jupiter 125. As expected, the new Jupiter 125 comes with a set of nifty segment-first features, which should help it stand out. Does TVS have yet another winner in its hands?
Likes
Convenience
This was one of the main targets for TVS designers and engineers when they started developing the Jupiter 125. They managed to achieve it by positioning the fuel tank in the floorboard -- this has two benefits. First, the fuel filler cap has been placed below the handlebar, and it can be easily accessed via the keyhole. This means you can ride into a fuel bunk and get the job done without even having to get off the scooter -- now isn’t that convenient?
And just in case you thought that having the fuel tank in the floorboard might be dangerous in case of a crash, TVS assures us that it’s perfectly safe as this tank is made of metal and is located between the spars of the frame in order to beef up its safety.
Spacious
The other advantage of positioning the fuel tank under the footboard is that it frees up underseat storage space. At 33 litres, the TVS Jupiter 125 boasts the largest underseat storage for any 125cc scooter on sale. In fact, you can store two ISI-certified helmets (one full-face and the other half-face) underneath the seat. The LED under seat storage light comes as standard across all variants.
Apart from the massive underseat storage, you also get a 2-litre cubbyhole (below the handlebar) where you can store your mobile phone, water bottle, or other items. There’s even an optional USB charger next to it. Even the floorboard space is among the best in the segment, and TVS claims you can easily carry an LPG gas cylinder. However, we strongly recommend our readers to not do such a thing as it can be a safety hazard.
Performance
The 2021 Jupiter 125 is powered by a 124.8cc motor that shares its bore and stroke figures with the TVS Ntorq 125. TVS claims that it’s an all-new engine (different from that of the Ntorq), and it has been tuned to offer good bottom and mid-range performance.
Understandably, the Jupiter 125 isn't as quick as the Ntorq, but the scooter does feel peppy from 0-40kmph. The strong mid-range means that it pulls cleanly from 20-60kmph too, which will be really useful while commuting in the city. Post 70kmph, the Jupiter 125 gathers momentum slowly; we did manage to clock around 90kmph on the TVS test track. The slightly weak top-end is courtesy of the 2-valve head motor, unlike the 3-valve head on the Ntorq 125.
Features & Quality
TVS has loaded the Jupiter 125 with a host of features, including start/stop tech, LED underseat storage light, brake lock, and an optional USB charger. The instrument console is a semi-digital unit with an analogue speedometer. The LCD unit displays real-time fuel efficiency, overall fuel efficiency, two tripmeters, reserve range, and a side-stand indicator.
The new Jupiter 125 also gets LED headlight and a conventional taillight. While the indicators are bulb units, you do get LED DRLs with them. As expected from TVS offerings, the fit and finish levels are top-notch, and the switchgear quality is among the best in the segment. Our test scooter was draped in a unique shade of orange with vibrant-looking metal flakes -- the overall paint quality was impressive.
Comfort & Ride
The riding position is upright and comfortable. Even the handlebar is placed high, and it didn’t foul my legs (I am 5’10” tall) while taking u-turns. The footboard space is gracious; even with my size-11 shoes, there was space left. The TVS Jupiter 125’s seat (65mm longer than the Jupiter 110) is also the longest in the segment. Rider aside, even the pillion has loads of space, and the seat padding is also spot on.
At 765mm, the seat height is the lowest in the segment, but the wide seat can be a bit problematic for shorter riders. Additionally, the TVS Jupiter 125 is the only scooter in its segment to offer a gas-charged shock that can be adjusted without a tool. The ride quality is supple, absorbing most of the bumps in a calm and composed manner.
Dislikes
Styling
I liked the taillight design and the rear panel in general, thanks to the unique character line. But we cannot say the same about the face of the scooter. The LED headlight is sharp, but the shape of the indicator and the chrome strip running above it is similar to Activa 125. We would have preferred a more unique face for the Jupiter 125.
Connected features
The TVS Jupiter 125 misses out on Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, present on most 125cc scooters on sale. However, TVS said they might offer this as an update next year, depending on customer feedback.
Verdict
The TVS Jupiter 125’s USP is undoubtedly its features list, which not only adds value but also elevates the user experience -- a critical prerequisite for buyers in this segment. The base price of Rs 73,400 is also on par with its established competitors. From our first-ride experience at the test track, the TVS Jupiter 125 left us impressed. However, its ultimate test is, of course, in the real world, and we are sure its H2H with the Access 125 and Activa 125 will be an interesting one.