Tvs's fiero f2. Review on TVS Suzuki Fiero F2

The original Fiero had respectable performance but the F2 needed an edge to match if not get over the present day competition. Its predecessor already packed in the technology so there was no need to question it on this front. And, it is individualistic in its own way because it goes against the established grain for bikes in the premium segment with subdued style which is surely a departure from the girly looks of the original Fiero. So what made yours truly term it as a super commuter when it has Pulsar 150-matching performance if not its killer looks? Read on and it will be made clear... Make no mistake, the new Fiero F2 retains the strong engineering which so distinguished the original motor. Today the 147.5cc single overhead cam motor has been retained in toto barring certain crucial detail changes which have seen power and torque being slightly reworked to peak at different engine speeds. The engine still breathes via a Mikuni BS26 CV carburettor but the compression ratio has now been marginally boosted to 9.4:1 from the previous 9.2:1. Max power developed remains constant at 12bhp but this is now produced 500 revs lower at 7000rpm. The intake and the exhaust have been slightly retuned and there is also an air injection system placed into the circuit which helps produce peak torque of 10.5Nm at 6500rpm. The TVS boffins who are renowned for their engine wizardry have worked to enhance the low end torque which definitely makes its presence felt in slow speed pick-up when pottering on in tight traffic conditions.

Just like in its previous avatar, the Fiero F2’s engine employs a digital CDI ignition system but it now dispenses with its automatic advance curves and employs the Victor’s switch activated ignition system which works on throttle movement to activate one of two ignition maps for performance or fuel efficiency.

When I titled the road test feature super commuter I had in mind all round performance along with other biker feelgood traits like handling and ride. On the performance front, the Fiero F2 delights in the strong surge of power from low down. To get this 126kg (kerb weight) bike moving from standstill, the low end torque kicks in from 3000rpm onwards and one can feel the torque talking as one shifts up right into top to keep humming away in the green zone and beyond.

The Fiero F2 doesn’t have the fire and brimstone approach of the Pulsar 150 nor is it a screamer but then having the use of just four cogs spread across the rev range means that the shift points had to be so optimised that performance didn’t drop off when upshifting. A pointer to the efficacy of its mods is evident when one considers the fact that even though the new bike is longer and heavier she outperforms the lighter original. Zero to 60kmph comes up in 6.94 seconds (7.8 seconds recorded by its predecessor) while zero to 80kmph is achieved in 13.56 seconds. The standing quarter mile dash is achieved in 21.91 seconds (at a 91.93kmph terminal speed)

Yes, I say well almost and you already know the reasons. Style needs to be addressed for sure while a fifth cog in the transmission has to be brought into the picture. On the latter aspect I have it on good authority from the merry men at TVS that such a gearbox will be on offer from July this year.

Contrary to the lack of contemporary style which I always lay much stress on, the looks of the Fiero F2 grow on you with time and logging of kilometres. It is like a comfortable sports shoe which you always like to have on as it wraps around your foot like an outer skin. The Fiero F2 does this and in a most effortless manner. The more you ride the bike, the more it begs you to take it to its limits and yours without in any way giving you a hint that she would bite back. The forgiving nature of its ride and handling is exceptional but like I said in a manner totally different from say a Pulsar which is more aggressive in its stance and sportiness.

TVS intends to offer the F2 at a price point matching the Pulsar 150 with a disc brake and the choice of an electric start version as an optional extra. We think this is a sound move and one which stands a great chance of adding to the company’s volumes, both in terms of sheer numbers produced as also in its bottom line.