We really don’t know what grudge TVS holds against the clutch (actually, it must be the terrible experience the engineers must have had testing the Apache, with this pathetic ergonomics!), but it has come out in full force against the clutch with two new offerings that promise hassle-free city riding. The real big one is the Jive, India’s first automatic clutch bike. This 100cc entry level bike has a rotary gear box mated with an automatic clutch. Though it might not be much of looker, this is a properly important bike that could well change the face of basic commuting in India. Priced as Rs. 41,000/- (Ex- showroom Chennai), it might well revive TVS’s sagging fortunes. TVS has reportedly spent a cool Rs. 25 crores on developing the technology, while that may sound like chicken feed to most major auto companies, for an ailing two wheeler manufacturer, it is a lot and represents somewhat of a gamble on TVS’s part.
The money spent on it means that it comes packed with technology, an anti-stall mechanism enables the rider to stay in high gear at low speeds without the bike stalling. Also one can go from top gear to neutral in one step and start from any gear. The practicality continues with ample under-seat storage (another first for an Indian bike!). On the back of the Jive, TVS also launched the Wego, an activa-killer so to speak, with its 110cc engine and oodles of practicality. The Wego will add to TVS’s extensive scooter portfolio along with the Scooty Pep and Streak. If one gawked at the 25 crores spent on the Jive, TVS has invested upwards of 50 crores on this scooter and has high hopes pinned on the two. The Wego costs Rs.42,500 (ex-showroom Chennai). According to H S Goindi, president (marketing), they are expecting increased sales of 40,000 units a moth purely due to these new models.
The barrage from TVS is not going to stop for some time as they plan to introduce 2 new models every year along with infinite variants of these models. Provided TVS gets the comfort factor right for both vehicles, Hero Honda and Honda have reason to be concerned as it is their market share that TVS is going for. Here is hoping the average Indian commuter will jive to TVS’s tune.
Press Release:
TVS Launches Jive Clutchless Bike
Chennai November 25, 2009: TVS Motor Company today unveiled two novel products – India’s first auto-clutch motorcycle and an automatic scooter. Unveiling the new motorcycle and scooter, the company’s Chairman, Mr. Venu Srinivasan asserted that these two products are set to transform the very definition of city commuter biking. Ride convenience is the focal point and both products will provide a sporty riding experience with an unparalleled combination of comfort, performance, ease of operation and fuel efficiency.
Christened TVS Jive, the new motorcycle is propelled by a 110 cc engine which features innovative T-Matic technology* (patent applied for) which features a rotary gear technology coupled with an automatic clutch. The bike’s four speed engine delivers a solid four stroke performance with 8.1 Bhp @ 7500 rpm and a torque of 8.1 Nm @ 5500 rpm. TVS Jive’s light weight at 110 Kgs makes it convenient to handle. Alloy wheels complement the bikes wheelbase of 1260 mm which makes cornering and maneuvering effortless. The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres with two litres as reserve.
TVS Jive is packed with features* and superior technology* that make it one of the most convenient motorcycles to ride in the country. One of the major features of this motorcycle is the absence of the clutch lever, making riding on this motorcycle a hands free gear shift experience. The bike therefore can be ridden by almost anyone who has a sense of balance as there is no need for manual clutch-gear co-ordination while shifting.
A unique feature of this motorcycle is its anti-stall mechanism which makes smooth riding possible at low speeds even in high gears, without the engine shutting off. This is not possible in motorcycles with the regular clutch system. The downward rotary gear system enables the rider to reach neutral straight from top gear. However, it is not necessary that the bike has to be in neutral while starting. The bike can be started in any gear and is fitted with an electric start for convenience. It is also the first motorcycle in the country to have an under seat storage space, large enough to hold a water bottle, vehicle documents and even a small umbrella.
Each unique feature emphasizes the overall objective – ease and convenience of use.
TVS Jive is priced at Rs 41, 000 (Ex-showroom Chennai)
