TVS Radeon

Design & Features: In a bid to refresh its ageing commuter portfolio, TVS launched the 110cc Radeon in India. The design is just like any other commuter (read Splendor), but the Radeon stands apart because of the LED DRLs placed below the headlamp, a plush seat and tank grips on the sides. It gets some premium touches too - the engine casing gets gold treatment, and the exhaust system is finished in chrome. TVS offers a USB port as an option, which is located just behind the headlight nacelle. The bike is available in four colours: white, beige, purple and black. Its black 18-inch alloy wheels are shod with Duragrip tubeless tyres for optimum grip on bad roads. Engine & Specifications: The Radeon gets the tried-and-tested 109.7cc Dura-Life engine from the Star City Plus, albeit it is tuned for better low-end torque, which would be ideal in city commutes. The motor produces 8.4PS at 7000rpm and 8.7Nm at 5000rpm while working in conjunction with a 4-speed transmission. TVS claims the engine returns a fuel efficiency of 69.3kmpl. This, coupled with a 10-litre fuel tank should easily result in over 500km of range. True to its positioning as a premium commuter for rural areas, it gets a ground clearance of 180mm. The tubular steel frame is suspended on telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers with 5-step adjustability. Braking is managed by 130mm front and 110mm rear drum units, but it features Sync Braking Technology for newbies which comes in handy during emergency braking.

Bajaj Discover 110:

The 2018 Discover 110 has a relatively fresh styling in the segment, thanks to the inverted horn-shaped LED DRL. The design of the motorcycle is in line with the Discover lineup. It not only has a bigger 115.5cc motor, but churns out slightly more power and torque as well (8.6PS & 9.81Nm). It retails for Rs 51,674 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Honda CD 110 Dream DX:

The CD 110 Dream DX is Honda’s most affordable commuter at Rs 48,641 (ex-showroom Delhi). Its styling is a bit subdued, to appeal to rural buyers. It also makes marginally more power and torque (8.42PS & 9.09Nm) than the TVS Radeon from its 109.19cc engine.

Hero Splendor iSmart 110:

The 110cc iSmart variant of the Splendor has a more contemporary design. It also enjoys the benefit of iSmart technology, which switches off the engine when it idles for too long, thus conserving fuel. This commuter also makes slightly more power and torque than the TVS Radeon - 9.5PS and 9Nm respectively.

The TVS Radeon should be an ideal buy for customers looking for a no-nonsense, functional commuter that’s built to last. The large seat should make the motorcycle more comfortable on those traffic-laden urban streets as well as on pothole-ridden rural roads. Its competitive pricing should also appeal to price-conscious buyers who are looking for something new.