The TVS Flame is nearing the end of its tenure with us and it has been smooth sailing all the time – a year and two months.
Torrential rain and constant exposure to the elements have taken a toll on the bike, with some metal parts showing signs of corrosion and the paint flaking in places. But the engine remains as reliable as ever and not a nut or bolt is out of place yet. However, the bike needs a bit of coaxing to perform and you can feel it grumbling beyond the 4,500 rpm mark. Not that you would rev it too much, mind you, as most of the bike’s pulling power lies in the mid and lower-mid range and this is also where it feels most comfortable. On a recent trip to the city outskirts, I was impressed by the Flame's ability to stay sedately at 70 km/h for extended periods of time without any stress. It also tackled the ghat sections around Pune with aplomb when the need arose, effortlessly changing colours like a chameleon.
The digital trip/odo combo and instant mileage indicator (IMI) provide all the feedback I need on its drinking habits. Which, incidentally, has been pretty good, averaging 60 km per litre in city riding conditions. As we go to press, the price of petrol in Pune has gone up by a daunting Rs 5 per litre, prompting an outcry everywhere, but I thank my stars that this fuel-efficient steed is still at my service.
