the Indian two-wheeler market has always been full competitive turmoil, with manufacturers constantly striving to outdo each other in innovation and value-for money offerings. The latest trend is the TVS Haypar 125cc motorcycle, which was unveiled nationwide in dealerships this month.
There was a time when buying a 125cc motorcycle meant sacrificing either style or features in favor of better fuel consumption and lifespan. Today All that appears to have changed forever.
One of TVS Motor Company’s newest efforts to make the ride more accessible to people who want everything but not at a high cost is the Haypar. This motorcycle doesn’t just join an existing pack in the crowded 125cc category; the argument can be made that it is also redefining what standards should be for riders who pay.
When I saw the showrooms local Haypar, a week last Sunday, can’t recall any other time that I was so surprised to find it look this good once displayed among its competition. Bikes in this category are often dull and unimaginative, but TVS seems to have put a great deal of thought into its design language.
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A Look at the Design
The Haypar has sharp lines and modern looks that would easily create confusion with much more expensive motorcycles. Its sleek LED headlamp unit complete with integrated DRLs adds a cachet of sophistication seldom found in this segment.
From front to back, the body panels flow with a unity of design not often found in this price range almost. There are five different color schemes–Mystic White, Royal Blue, Titanium black and Pristine White -–so everyone can find what they like.
B. The digital-analog combo instrument cluster on the Haypar diesel version appealed particularly to my cousin, a 15km daily motorcycle commuter in total. Rather than the simple speedometers found in this category, Haypar’s display is very informative with not just fuel consumption as well but real-time mileage displayed. Maintenance reminders when needed or your machine will let you know in its own way–whatever that may be! And it even tells you what gear you’re in which is not something every bike does nowadays.
“When he was looking at the bicycle,” he remarked, “this is exactly what I want – it won ‘ t look shoddy and it wo n’t be too hard on my wallet.”
And then there are the ergonomics of the motorcycle. That seat is wide and well padded–its softness can only be met with pleasure for people who have long lane commutes. For this 5’ 10 rider, the riding position itself feels natural, yet below me at just the right angle to keep an upright posture without hurting back on extended trips is both footpegs or handlebars and I found this very comfortable indeed.
But seemingly storage was also a consideration. Beneath the seat is a small and useful storage compartment suitable for essential documents or perhaps a small tool kit. The USB charging port* near the handlebar is an optional extra that is very considerate of current trends.
Performance Beyond Your Imagining
Underneath its smart exterior is TVS’s newly developed 125cc single-cylinder engine, which generates a healthful 10.7 bhp and 10.8 Nm of torque. These figures appear modest on paper, but in fact they mean that the bike feels zippy under real-world conditions.
I was given the opportunity to take a quick test ride and found that the machine pulls cleanly from very low rpm with minimal vibration. Gear changes are crisp and true, with no of the vagueness that may afflict motorcycles in this price bracket.
But the big news is the claimed fuel economy of 70 kilometers per liter. If this figure proves correct in everyday riding, the Haypar 125cc could well be the most economical motorcycle of its size currently on sale anywhere in the market today.
He was a deliveryman I knew personally. He complained that almost 25% of his daily wage was gone due to gas costs. “If it can really give me 70kmpl,” he thought to himself, staring at the Haypar’s engine specs, “I’ll save enough within a year to pay for at least half of this motorcycle.”
The suspension on this bike features stock telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers in back. They provide a relatively soft ride without feeling spongy over India’s typically rutted roads, which is perfect for these conditions.
Up front a disc brake handles the braking, with the higher spec models offering a combined brake system (CBS) for additional safety. Braking performance is good, and lever modulation feel at all times provides predictability, even on slightly slippery surfaces.
The company says it has conducted extensive testing on this scooter to ensure its reliability. The engine has been designed with a long life in mind, TVS says, and performance will not deteriorate over years of daily use.
The service intervals for this motorcycle are quite fair at 5,000 kilometers. That makes maintenance less bothersome and long-term costs lower. And visits to the workshop should be infrequent anyway, because parts can be easily found through the extensive TVS service network in cities and countryside alike.
When it comes to competition, the Haypar goes up against better-known names such as Honda Shine, Hero Glamour, and Bajaj Pulsar 125. What differentiates it is not only its high-grade look but also that it is extremely economical on gas. All this yet it costs less than those peers.
The base model starts from Rs 78,900 (ex-showroom).
The version with alloy wheels and CBS is Rs84,500, an absolute bargain at that price!
There is a fairly reasonable price difference between the various versions as well, making it possible for those with higher specifications to also use their guarantee and extend over-budget just a bit for elegance in feeling.
A friend who recently purchased the Glamour said, “Had I waited a couple more months, I would have definitely considered the Haypar.
The feature-price ratio looks favorably inclined, and it honestly looks more costly than it is.
“TVS is also providing five years’ insurance with the new model, something which investors often expect to find at no extra cost but was not included as part of the price when both product and enterprise were launched.
The company lists more promotions for the first month of service, such as beneficial preferential equipment or bonus offers in exchange programmes throughout initial tour which starts soon.
For young professionals and students who want a motorcycle that is both economical and has style, or for people with a professional life who seek an equally reliable king with taste as well as reliability, an intriguing selling point (Jonathan)?
It’s good to see a maker aiming precisely at the concerns of price-conscious buyers without giving up quality.Where the TVS Haypar seems to strike a different note is in its fuel consumption pattern.
Standard return said to be 70 kmpl, and without sacrificing performance or style at all – an argument which is not self-evidently convincing but has some hope in reality.
It’s the 125cc engine from TVS Haypar which appears as though it might be that mixture of price, efficiency and wantability all combined which so many people have combed over in frustration for so long.Fingers crossed and wait-we’ll see if all this talk delivers other than promises, but on principle TVS may be on to something good!
