Indian Brand TVS launches motorcycles in the Philippines

Given the rising cost of living, worsening traffic in the metro and state of our public transportation, riding a motorcycle is one of the most cost-efficient ways to get around. But many motorcycle models available can seem very intimidating to drive or are expensive and costly to maintain.

While there are a lot of big bikes out there from established brands ideal for recreation and touring, the reality is that average Pinoys just want a way to get from Point A to B easily during the week. In this case, a practical, budget-friendly and low-maintenance motorbike you can use in high-traffic areas in the city as well as provincial or rural roads is the best option.  

TVS Motor Company ranks among the top ten two-wheeler companies in the world. It is said to be one of the leading two-wheeler and three-wheeler exporter in India, distributing to over 60 countries. While TVS has been present in the Philippines since 2016, it’s aiming to make its presence more felt with their line-up of quality bikes that everyone can afford. 

TVS Motor Company just recently launched two new products for the Philippine market – the TVS Dazz, a 110cc scooter and the TVS King, a 200cc three-wheeler designed to be a passenger carrier. The two products join their diverse offerings ranging from Underbones, Backbone Solo and Business Backbone bikes which are targeted for the rapidly growing market.

A quick look at the price range of TVS bikes shows that the entry-level TVS XL 100 costs just Php 29,900 while one of the more expensive models, the Apache 200 Fi costs only Php 109,000.00. Their line-up of bikes available in the Philippines include:

• Underbones – TVS Neo XR 110cc and TVS Rockz 125cc
• Backbone Solo – The Apache series
• Business Backbone – TVS Max 4R 125cc
• Scooter segment – TVS XL 100 and TVS Dazz

I think the budget-friendly price range of TVS motorcycles will make riders and even non-riders looking for a solution to traffic woes take notice. The price point of motorcycles offered by TVS is generally lower than the popular leading brands. While the bikes look pretty basic and simple and may not be the most exciting bikes style-wise, for those interested in getting a starter motorcycle or another bike for general family use, these motorbikes won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

TVS DAZZ

The TVS Dazz is a scooter designed for modern commuters who want a practical as well as stylish offering. It’s currently available in three colors – Matte Black, Matte Grey and Matte Pink. The scooter is manufactured for international markets and comes with a 110cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, paired to a CVT unit. It packs power of 8.57 bhp @ 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 8.3 Nm @ 5500 rpm. TVS Dazz meets the Euro 3 standards in Philippines. One of the interesting features is that the scooter has a built-in USB charger. I don’t have first-hand experience using it, so I’m sharing a video review from MotoPH below. PRICE: Php 49,900.00

TVS KING

TVS King is a futuristic three-wheeler offering durability, comfort and convenience. The three-wheeler product is designed for evolving cities for the tricycle passenger carrier market for both Government units as well as personal transport. Powered by a 200cc, modern low friction 7-port engine with the peak torque at lower rpm, the vehicle is ideal for braving city traffic without frequent gearshifts.  

I’ve seen similar three-wheelers like these being used as passenger tricycles in island provinces like Siargao and the taxicle in smaller cities like Naga City. This style of tricycle is more spacious for those who need to carry bulky items and makes it easier for passengers (including elderly passengers and children) to ride and enter. While it’s still not that common on Manila streets, it could be an option for specific tourist hubs, provinces or small island communities. Check out this video of the TVS King in action on a flooded street in India :p 

The engine, which operates at lower revolutions for a given road speed, delivers good mileage thus enhancing the reliability of the product. TVS King has been made to suit the needs of the Philippines customer with a Fuel Injected (EFI) variant that meets Euro 3 standards. PRICE: To be announced

TVS XL100

At first glance, the TVS XL100 cc looks like an e-bike, but it’s actually a heavy duty, multi-utility automatic 100 cc 4-stroke engine scooter. The simple, robust bike has a lightweight build, fuel tank capacity of 4 liters and requires minimal maintenance, making it a handy option as a business workhorse, urban rides and rural use. The easy-to-use bike comes in Fire Red and Sun Yellow.

It looks very unintimidating, sturdy and easy to drive, making it ideal for city driving, chores, or short rides around the village. It doesn’t have an electric start though, just a kickstart, which can be a bit of a hassle if the engine dies while you’re stuck in traffic. For small business-owners, this bike can be customized with racks to carry various loads and deliveries. I personally think it could be a good base for a small retro cub project bike for island or provincial use. PRICE: Php 29,900.00

While the Philippine motorcycle market has long been dominated by established Japanese brands, TVS believes that their products can be competitive here given the fast-growing market. The mobility needs of the country are on the rise and TVS believes they have the necessary products to cater to the specific requirements and needs of the customers in the Philippines, which they feel shares a similar overall driving experience to India.

TVS Motor Company products are available in all Wheeltek Motor Sales Corp, Bacolod Eversure Marketing Inc, Rhean Motor Center, Key Motors Inc, Stargold Motorcycle Corporation and Gud Motor Trading Inc. For more information, please visit www.tvsmotor.com.