TVS Bikes

About TVS

Latest Update on TVS Bikes

To kick off 2024, TVS showcased a flex-fuel version of the Raider 125. Other than this the brand is likely to launch two new models in 2024; the recently unveiled TVS iQube ST,  and quite possibly an ADV based on the Apache RR 310 platform.

2023 was an interesting year for TVS and the company showcased the top-spec version of their electric scooter, the iQube ST at Auto Expo 2023. The brand also brought back their biker festival, Moto Soul for its second edition in March 2023, and a third edition again in December 2023. At the festival, TVS showcased a flat track racer based on the Ronin and also confirmed that they will be starting a flat track championship called the Drift X Cup soon. The company also launched a naked version of their flagship motorcycle Apache RR 310, called the Apache RTR 310. The top-spec version of the Raider 125 with a TFT-console was also launched (first in segment) was also launched in 2023. TVS recently also announced an investment in Ion Mobility, a Singaporean electric two-wheeler startup. The investment is said to benefit both brands in expanding their footprint in Southeast Asian electric mobility.

Origin

TVS, a renowned name in the automotive industry, traces its roots all the way back to 1911 when its founder, T.V. Sundaram Iyengar, started a bus service company called Sundaram Iyengar and Sons Limited in Delhi. After his passing, his sons took over and in 1962, they joined forces with a UK-based company to establish Sundaram Clayton. This partnership aimed to manufacture automotive components such as motorcycle brakes and compressors. It wasn't until 1978 that TVS ventured into the production of mopeds at their plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, and in 1980, they introduced India's first 2-seat moped, the TVS 50.

In 1982, Sundaram Clayton joined hands with Suzuki from Japan to produce two-stroke motorcycles. Models like the Supra, Samurai, Shogun, and Shaolin gained popularity in the Indian market. TVS-Suzuki also made a mark in the motorcycle racing scene with a modified version of the TVS 50 that could reach speeds of 105 kmph. When this collaboration ended in 2001, all TVS Suzuki bikes were brought under the umbrella of TVS Motors.

Thanks to their extensive interest in and history with racing, TVS has been able to introduce many technological firsts in their bikes over the years. They introduced India's first fully indigenously made gearless scooter, the Scooty, the first bike with digital ignition, the Champ, and the Apache RTR, which was the first Indian-made bike with ABS. While the Scooty name still soldiers on in a couple of models, it has become synonymous with gearless scooters, it was the Jupiter 110 and more recently the Jupiter 125 which have been extremely successful in the scooter segment, outselling everything but the Honda Activa. More recently, TVS Motors forayed into the electric scooter segment with the iQube and iQube S. In the last couple of years, TVS has also tried to take on the likes of classic motorcycles like Royal Enfield with their latest bike, the Ronin. The Ronin is loosely based on the extremely popular Zeppelin concept that TVS had shown off at Auto Expo 2016 and uses a bored out version of the Apache RTR 200 4V’s motor to make it 225cc.

In 2013, TVS partnered with BMW Motorrad to co-develop and produce a new 310cc platform with them to produce bikes built on this platform for the German marque, but also a brand new full-faired sport bike - the Apache RR310 as well. TVS teamed up with Sherco from France to form the TVS Sherco Rally team for the Dakar Rally.

Production facilities/Dealership network

TVS Motor has four manufacturing plants, three in India (Hosur in Tamil Nadu, Mysore in Karnataka and Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh) and one in Indonesia at Karawang. TVS also has over 6,000 dealerships and touch points in over 1,000 cities across India.

Greatest Hits

TVS Suzuki AX100 - The 2-stroke performance alternative to the Hero Honda’s 4-stroke mileage champion - the CD100

TVS Suzuki Samurai - The evolution of the AX100, meant to deliver power to the people - the Pulsar 150 of its day

TVS Suzuki Shogun - 110cc 2-stroke - 14 horsepower on a bike that barely weighed anything - it was the ultimate choice for racer and rally enthusiasts

TVS Fiero - 150cc 4-stroke bike meant to take on the Hero Honda CBZ

TVS Scooty - Made as a lower capacity alternative to the Kinetic Honda DX, the Scooty name lives on even today on multiple scooters from TVS and has become synonymous with gearless scooters

Apache RTR 160 & 180 - TVS’ answer to the Bajaj Pulsar twin. These brought many technological firsts to the segment including fuel injection and ABS. Having seen many iterations over the years, the RTR 160 2V and 180 2V are still on sale today and going strong.

Apache RTR 160 4V - This 4-valve model of the RTR 160 brought with it many updates, including a more aggressive design and more performance than ever. The latest model features riding modes (a segment first) and still remains a benchmark for its class.

Apache RTR 200 4V - The elder sibling of the RTR 160 4V, the 200 4V actually came earlier and set the template for the 160 4V. It offers great performance and refinement, and the latest version also gets a preload adjustable fork.

TVS Jupiter - Made to take on the highly popular Honda Activa, the Jupiter outdoes the Activa in many key aspects