TVS Max Semi Trail

To start with, the TVS Max 125 Semi Trail has an air of freshness and sturdiness in its overall design. The overall urban silhouette blended with off-road design cues makes the Max 125 Semi Trail look quite interesting.

At the front, the TVS Max 125 Semi Trail comes with a very flashy looking headlamp with busily styled bikini fairing, giving the motorcycle an aggressive and modern front fascia. The high mounted front fender with minimal body decals along with off-road spec tires gives it a distinctive frontal stance.

The side profile of the TVS Max 125 Semi Trail has been derived from TVS Phoenix sold erstwhile in the Indian market. The large fuel tank with nice recesses is not only ergonomic but also makes the bike look muscular. At the same time, the presence of bold body decals gives it a loud stance. The Y-shaped side body panels finished in black make the motorcycle look bigger.

The rear side body panels are completely inspired from that of the previous generation Apache, with the tail light and small single piece pillion grab rail being complete lift-offs from the latter. To give it an air of premium appeal over entry-level commuters, the engine, as well as the exhaust pipe on the Max 125 Semi Trail, is completely finished in matte black. To make the motorcycle a bit modern in appearance, the Max 125 Semi Trail comes with clear lens turn indicators and tinted visor above the headlamp.

The two pod instrument console on the Max 125 Semi Trail shows basic details of just an analog speedometer, odometer, and tell-tale lights. However, the switchgear quality feels premium and from one segment above, with electric starter and engine kill switch making their presence here.

Compared to the basic Max 4R, the TVS Max 125 Semi Trail comes with slightly more premium hardware. The suspension unit of the Max 125 Semi Trail comprises of hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and a set of series springs at the rear. The overall suspension offers a slightly more travel, which makes it more comfortable, while at the same time, offering a supple feedback over broken patches as well, thanks to the added advantage of off-road tyres. The Max 125 Semi Trail comes fitted with a more premium petal disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear, which offers nice feedback too.

The TVS Max 125 Semi Trail comes with the same four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, carbureted, 124.53cc engine, which powers the Max 4R 125 as well. In the same state of tune, the engine on the Max 125 Semi Trail produces 11PS of maximum power output and 10.8Nm of peak torque output. Here too, the engine is coupled to a 4-speed gearbox, although with revised gear ratios for a more even torque spread through the midrange.

The TVS Max 125 Semi Trail might miss out on premium safety features like ABS or combined braking system. However, it does come with a couple of premium safety features for a commuter motorcycle-like engine kill switch and front petal disc brake.

The TVS Max 125 Semi Trail looks like an interesting proposition between a premium commuter and a hardcore off-road dual purpose motorcycle. The nicely styled modern looking body panels make it a good premium step up over a basic 100-125cc commuter. While at the same time, the off-road design bits like high raised front fender, dual-purpose tyres, and longer travel suspension give it an added advantage in terms of riding dynamics and ride quality.