TVS Max 125 Semi Trail - Utilitarian Bike

TVS - for a novice rider like me, the brand name did not register initially.  Had to do some research to figure out who or what TVS was.  The TVS Motor company is the 3rd largest 2 wheeler manufacturer in India.  Founded by TV Sundaram Iyengar in 1911, the company initial ventures were trucks and buses.  Currently, TVS Group spans across industries like Automobile, Aviation, Education, Electronics, Energy, Finance, Housing, Insurance, Investment, Logistics, Service and Textiles.

In the Philippines, TVS Motorcycles is distributed by Wheeltek, they have brought in 4 models from TVS namely the Apache 200 FI, the Neo XR, the Rock 125 and the Max 125 Semi Trail.

The TVS Max 12 Semi Trail is a loaner bike from a good friend.  I use this as my daily driver around the city.  it does exactly that and more since being a semi trail variant, the suspension is raised to accommodate more play in case of off-road riding.  Spoked wheels are mounted with dual sport tires for all terrain capability.

Fuel efficiency is good from the 125 cc - single cyclinder 4 stroke engine.  This engine will provide enough torque at the lower gears to get you up those inclines and low hills.  What might keep you wanting though is the 4 speed transmission.  You would wish for an extra gear for higher speeds.  I got to as fast as 70KPH but after that, the acceleration flattens.  Im sure it can reach a 100 kph but will take some time to build up to that speed.  Stopping power is adequate with a front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Not your usual shifting pattern as the Neutral is at the lowest level with the other  gears on top.  NOt to be confused as the indicator on the photo refers to the heel pad of the shifter.

The instrument panel is very straight forward that shows your basic speed, distance, fuel gauge, turn signal indicators plus the Neutral gear indicator.  An actual gear indicator would be in my wish list though.

Lights are pretty standard with park, signal and tail lights, a stronger headlight is desired though. Starter is push start with a kick start option.  Under the seat is a small storage area just enough to put your tools and small items.  there is also a 12V DC lighter socket for your power needs.

Basic info available from the instrument panel.

Aggressive looking front stance.

Large tank capacity of 14.5 liters gets you the distance needed.  It also gives you ease of gripping for stability and the illusion of a bigger bike.

With a price tag of P49,900, i think this is a good value for money daily driver option for you. Available in Blue, Red and Green colors.

SPECIFICATIONS

• ENGINE TYPE: 4 Stroke
• NUMBER OF CYLINDERS: Single
• BORE X STROKE: 57mm x 48.8mm
• DISPLACEMENT: 124.53 cc
• MAX. POWER: 8.1KW (11ps) @8000rpm
• MAX. TORQUE: 10.8Nm/5500rpm
• COMPRESSION RATIO: 9.4:1
• WHEELBASE: 1260mm
• OVERALL LENGTH: 2000mm
• OVERALL WIDTH: 700mm
• OVERALL HEIGHT: 1070mm
• FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 14.5L
• BATTERY: 12v 5aH
• IGNITION SPECS: DC-Digital TCI
• FRONT WHEEL DIMENSION: 2.75 x 17"
• REAR WHEEL DIMENSION: 90/90-17
• FRONT SUSPENSION: Telescopic Suspension
• REAR SUSPENSION: Series Spring

Price and specs from wheeltek.com.ph