TVS Graphite scooter spotted on test

TVS Graphite has been spotted on test, it seems so. Not many remember this scooter. It was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo, the first year when Auto Expo had been moved to Greater Noida. This new scooter has been spotted on test in Karnataka by a Team-BHP reader, Prabhanjan Tattar. Looking at the scooter it seems that TVS is now ready with this new scooter and ready to innovate. 

TVS Graphite Design

The design elements of this new scooter have been borrowed from the stealth bomber aircraft. The idea was to make it look aggressive. The scooter has sporty styling and TVS claims it has been fine-tuned by the company’s sports division.

The fascia of this scooter looks aggressive with the single headlamp and front apron bears cues from the BMW Motorrad styling. BMW began the asymetric styling on its two-wheelers and this looks similar to that. TVS has always been original and we reckon this is just a co-incidence. As the design is inspired from a bomber plane. It wasn’t even so that BMW was involved in Graphite or Draken’s design. The black and yellow concept showcased was the only one ever showcased.

The seat also saw a rise as it moved to the rear. The seat styling is looking aggressive, though we aren’t sure if this will be comfortable enough. The tail lamp is also pointy. The fuel tank is on the floor on the concept, which cannot be seen on the production version. This has been done to not affect the aggressive rear styling. There is monoshock suspension at the rear, which makes it the only scooter so far to offer bike-like suspension.

Also Read: TVS Jupiter 125 | Honda Activa 125 | Aprilia SR 125

TVS Graphite Specifications

Even though this might be a concept, but this is the first scooter in India to offer AMT (automated manual transmission). This is the technology that is driving most of the two-pedal cars in India. Maruti had launched the Celerio in 2014 with AMT, and this was unveiled before that. For a scooter to get this technology it is a big boon. At the same time, this new scooter gets paddle shifts too. So the rider can shift up and down without having to press the clutch. This is meant that the scooter should have better performance than the regular scooters.

Even the rider will be more involved too.

The engine capacity of this scooter is expected to be 125cc. This new scooter will churn close to 10bhp of power. It will have fuel-injection too. There is bulbous exhaust too.

TVS Graphite Suspension and Brakes

The front suspension of the Graphite showcased had 30mm telescopic suspension and a single shock absorber for the rear. It was built on high tensile steel to give the body better strength too. The concept had disc brakes on both the tyres and dual-channel ABS too. However, we reckon the production version will get only single channel ABS and rear tyres will have drum instead of disc.

TVS Graphite Other Features

One of the other major highlights have been the active LED console. This displays vital vehicle information, ride data and even provides connectivity. There is also an inbuilt immobiliser and smart e-key too.

TVS Graphite India Launch Date

We do not expect this new scooter to be launched anything soon this year. The new TVS Graphite should come in by mid 2018. We can even expect the production version to be showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo. This will make it an exciting time for a scooter of this caliber.

TVS Graphite Price in India

Again, it is a tad early to come to any conclusion. But we do expect that the TVS Graphite should be priced at Rs 60,000 to Rs 65,000 (ex-showroom). This will make it a great option for many to consider. As the AMT technology is more affordable than CVT, we expect this scooter to offer more for a lesser price. That is our prediction though, we will have to wait and understand what all has been offered on this new scooter and then come to a price conclusion.