The veteran scooter maker’s portfolio includes the well-received Scooty Pep, Streak and Wego. Every manufacturer is toiling hard to gain ground in the lucrative Indian scooter space. Honda’s bestselling Activa is the current class leader that TVS is drectly aiming with the Jupiter.
On the outside
TVS’s contemporary-looking Jupiter scooter comes with neatly moulded body panels that instantly catch the eye, while the scooter is styled to hold wide appeal. It can pass off as a young college going student’s scooter, and still also fit the bill as a daily commuter. The scooter’s front apron is home to a set of clear-lens turn signal indicators, as well as a central air vent. Above is a bright headlight that works well at night, and sits surrounded by a pair of pilot lamps. The bold, analogue instruments contain a speedometer, fuel-gauge, economy or power riding mode indication and low fuel warning. There’s really good attention-to-detail, especially with the switchgear. The switches get dimpled texture that add good feel. The switchgear includes a nicely integrated pass-light flasher as well. The scooter’s palm grips feel soft to touch and comfortable.
Its front brake lever has a flatter profile, while the more rounded rear brake lever comes with a locking clamp. The Jupiter’s rubberised floorboard is roomy enough. TVS Offer convenience hooks below the handlebar and rider’s seat, and these can be neatly tucked away, flush within the body when not in use. There isn’t a front storage compartment or cubby holes though. The Jupiter’s seat is stitched in white, which is a nice touch.
The scooter’s fuel-filler lid is located at the tail end of the scooter, you don’t have to bother lifting the seat up.
Storage space under the seat remains about the same as on any rival scooter. Other nice touches include an easy to deploy main-stand, catchy looking 3D emblems, an alloy grab-bar for the pillion and 5-spoke alloy wheels that are black finished. It’s rectangular tail-light is flanked by clear lens turn signal indicators that are attractive to look at.
Power Torque
The scooter is powered by a 109.7cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder and air-cooled engine; also used by the Wego, albeit in a different state of tune. The Jupiter generates 8bhp at 7500rpm, with a peak torque figure of 0.81kgm at 5500rpm. The engine is tuned for commuting, and power delivery feels strongest in the mid-range of its powerband. Throttle response and low end grunt are adequate for a scooter. The scooter proves adequate for its class, although it lags a slender margin behind the refinement and smoothness available on the Honda Activa.
The Jupiter goes past the 60kph mark from standstill in 9.9 seconds, which pegs it at par with the Wego, and the segment leading Activa. The Jupiter steams on to achieve a true top speed of 86kph when stretched to the limit. It weighs 108kg and is held together by a steel constructed, underbone type frame.
From the saddle
TVS has equipped the Jupiter with a telescopic fork suspension in front, while there’s a gas-charged rear shock absorber - resulting in good ride quality. You’re seated similarly to the way you are on a Honda Activa, in a comfortable, upright riding position, with the handlebar offering good leverage. Its large and generously wide riding saddle isa bit uncomfortable side on longer distances because of the soft padding.
The TVS feels planted and stable for a scooter at all times, and negotiates corners just as well as any of its rivals. The tubeless tyres offer ample traction. When testing the brakes, the Jupiter halted from 60kph in a reasonable 21.32 metres. TVS’s motorcycles and scooters are known for their good fuel efficiency, and the Jupiter is no different. It returns 43.4kpl in congested city traffic, and 45.3kpl when on the highway.
Is it worth the money?
TVS’ latest product is a stylish, feature rich and well put-together automatic scooter that makes good sense as a daily commuter in urban India. The Jupiter scores well with good features, comfortable ride quality, secure handling and decent fuel-efficiency, to make this a notable contender from TVS. At ₹49,666 - 53,666 (ex-showroom, Delhi), it’s well priced too.
