2020 TVS Jupiter Classic Review 5

TVS first introduced the Jupiter in 2013, amidst disputing sales of the mighty Honda Activa and creating a space for itself, this classic scooter cemented its place as a reliable and practical option for anyone looking to purchase a non-nonsense scooter.

Over the years, the TVS Jupiter has remained more-or-less the same in almost all aspects with the exception of a few tweaks and updates. Where does this scooter stand now? Why should you go for it? How does it fare against the competition? Find out all about the above and much more in this detailed research analysis on the TVS Jupiter.

Pros: Looks Elegant, Comfortable Seating, Refined Motor, Impressive Fuel-Efficiency

Cons: No Disc Brake, Dated Speedometer, Windscreen Vibrates

TVS Jupiter Variants

The TVS Jupiter is available in five variants, each variant differs from the other in a few subtle aspects. The variants are:

  • SMW
  • Standard
  • ZX Drum
  • ZX Disc
  • Classic ET-Fi

TVS Jupiter Design

To start off with, the BS6 Jupiter is not all that different from the previous offerings. Across the variants, there are a few subtle differences to be noted. While all variants are fitted with the same blacked-out alloy wheels and LED headlight, the Classic variant is equipped with chrome mirrors, tinted windscreen, dual-tone seat, beige panels, and an elegant pillion backrest that goes well with the overall setting of the scooter. The sophisticated front and rear body panels remain the same across all variants. Summing it up, the Jupiter is a minimalistic yet stylish scooter.

TVS Jupiter Features

The instrument cluster on this scooter remains completely unchanged over the previous versions. The setup- similar to the styling of the scooter, is simple and classic with just an engine malfunction light and a low-fuel telltale light. Additionally, it also gets an analogue speedometer, odometer, eco mode light, and an analogue fuel gauge.

On the mechanical side, the Jupiter is equipped with a 109.7cc fuel-injected engine with a CVT automatic transmission. The LED headlamps and taillamps are some reprise to an otherwise, low-on-features scooter.

TVS Jupiter Engine Performance

The performance has remained unchanged following the BS6 update. The 109.7cc motor makes 7.47 PS of power at 7000 RPM and 8.4 Nm of torque at 5500 RPM. The interesting aspect, however, is the addition of ET-Fi (EcoThrust Fuel Injection), resulting in cleaner and smoother revs through the speedometer. Both- the low-end and the mid-range feel punchy and responsive while the top-end feels flat. The overall refinement is commendable with a comfortable cruising speed between 45-60 km/hr.

TVS Jupiter Mileage (or Fuel Efficiency)

The previous versions of the Jupiter themselves returned impressive mileage figures. Now, with the addition of FI, the Jupiter is better than most offerings in this area. The fuel tank, too, has been improved to accommodate another litre- taking the total capacity to 6-litres. In city riding conditions, this scooter returns 45-50 km/l. On the highway, one can expect around 50-55 km/l. Considering these numbers, one full tank of petrol should cover 300 km which is fairly impressive.

TVS Jupiter Handling (or Dynamics)

The Jupiter handles with great poise and ease, all variants of the Jupiter are equipped with the same telescopic suspension at the front and a mono-shock at the rear. The high-rigid underbone chassis and the kerb weight of 107-109 kgs also complement the brilliant riding dynamics.

TVS Jupiter Comfort (or Ergonomics)

The Jupiter has always been a comfortable scooter. The posture is upright with a spacious footboard, both- tall and short riders will find themselves comfortable. At 765 mm, the seat is wide and soft- accommodating both the rider and the pillion. The Jupiter Classic variant gets a cushioned pillion backrest that makes it all the more comfortable for your fellow passenger.

Speaking of storage, the 21-litre under-seat storage cannot store a full-face helmet. The external fuel lid is a practical addition too and helps you refuel effortlessly.

TVS Jupiter Safety (or Brakes)

The Jupiter has five variants on offer, among them- the SMW, Standard, ZX Drum and Classic variants are equipped with 130 mm drum brakes, on both wheels. While the bite and stopping power is sufficient on these variants, barking on the ZX Disc variant is a cup of tea as it is equipped with a 220 mm disc brake at the front and the same 130 mm drum brake at the rear. The braking feedback is more than satisfactory on this variant, owing much to the meagre weight of 107-109 kgs. Interestingly enough- the Classic variant, being the costliest of the lot, misses out on a front disc brake, robbing it of some practicality. However, the inclusion of SBT (Synchronized Braking Technology) across all variants makes this smart scooter a safe bet on our perilous roads.

TVS Jupiter Service

TVS has established a wide network of aftersales service centres around the country. They offer a wide range of authorised service centres and showrooms across the country where people can buy their motorcycles and get them promptly serviced, at an affordable cost. Motorcycle and scooter spares are also quite easily available. The service interval for this particular scooter is around 3000 – 4000 km costing you anywhere between Rs. 500/- to Rs. 1000/-.

TVS Jupiter Price

Following is the price of the TVS Jupiter (on-road, Mumbai) –

  • SMW Variant – Rs. 79,800/-
  • Standard – Rs. 82,063/- 
  • ZX Drum – Rs. 85,176/-
  • ZX Disc- Rs. 88,673/-
  • Classic – Rs. 90,036/-

TVS Jupiter Resale Value

TVS is a brand that promises products that are easy to maintain, sturdy, and have a respectable build quality. The Jupiter should have a fairly adequate resale value depending on the mileage on the odometer, age, accidents (if any), and overall maintenance.

TVS Jupiter Colours

If you’re looking to purchase this able commuter, you’re spoilt for choice with over eighteen different colour schemes to choose from, each as attractive as the next. The colours are as follows:

TVS Jupiter SMW Variant colours:

  • Metallic Silver
  • Metallic Titanium Grey

TVS Jupiter Standard Variant colours:

  • Matte Blue
  • Matte Silver
  • Midnight Black
  • Mystic Gold
  • Pristine White
  • Titanium Grey
  • Volcano Red
  • Walnut Brown

 TVS Jupiter ZX Drum Variant colours:

  • Starlight Blue
  • Royal Wine

 TVS Jupiter ZX Disc Variant colours:

  • Starlight Blue
  • Royal Wine
  • Matte Starlight Blue

TVS Jupiter Classic Variant colours:

  • Autumn Brown
  • Indiblue
  • Sunlit Ivory

TVS Jupiter Specs

  • Engine: 109.7cc, Single-cylinder, Air-cooled
  • Power: 7.47 PS at 7000 RPM
  • Torque: 8.4 Nm at 5500 RPM
  • Transmission: CVT
  • Top Speed: 80 km/hr
  • Fuel Consumption: 45-55 km/l
  • Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), 3 Step Adjustable Coil Spring (Rear)
  • Tyres: 90/90/12 (Front), 90/90/12 (Rear)
  • Brakes: 130 mm Drum (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear) (SMW, Standard, ZX Drum, Classic)
  • Brakes: 220 mm Disc (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear) (ZX Disc)

TVS Jupiter Dimensions

  • Length x Width x Height (mm): 1834 x 678 x 1286
  • Wheelbase: 1275 mm
  • Seat Height: 765 mm
  • Ground Clearance: 150 mm
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 6-litres
  • Kerb weight: 107 kgs (SMW, Standard, ZX Drum, ZX Disc)
  • Kerb weight: 109 kgs (Classic)

TVS Jupiter Rating

We give the TVS Jupiter a 4/5 rating.

TVS Jupiter vs Honda Activa 6G

The Honda Activa is a scooter that needs almost no introduction, from being the Honda’s highest-selling two-wheeler to the country’s most sold scooter, the Activa is an indisputable force by itself. The Honda Activa 6G is available in 4 variants and 8 colours to choose from. What’s more? It’s also one of the few scooters that retain metal body panels! With its vast service network and tried and tested reliability over the years. The Honda Activa is almost synonymous with the word ‘scooter’.

On the design front, both scooters showcase class and simplicity- fine choices for the mature audience. The fuel-efficiency figures and the kerb weight too, are almost identical. The Honda scooter, however, does not have a disc brake variant to offer. The pricing between the two is highly competitive with the base variant of the TVS scooter starting at around Rs. 7000/- cheaper than the Activa base variant that is priced at Rs. 85,213/-. While the comparison is neck-to-neck so far, the wide array of colours options and slightly bigger fuel tank may sway you- the buyer, towards the TVS Jupiter.

TVS Jupiter vs Hero Maestro Edge 110

The Hero Maestro Edge 110 is available in 2 variants and 6 different choices of colours. This 112 kg scooter has a host of impressive features- USB charging, an under-seat storage lamp, engine immobiliser, external fuel lid and a synchronised braking system. The instrument cluster on the Hero scooter is impressive in its digital display avatar. However, the lack of a disc brake variant is slightly disappointing.

Between the TVS offering and the Hero scooter, the latter looks more sizable and crude at places while the Jupiter is seamless and eye-pleasing. Both commuters share similar fuel efficiency figures but the Jupiter has a slightly larger fuel tank. The pricing too, among the scooters, is highly identical. Which one are you rooting towards?

Final Verdict

The TVS Jupiter is great value-for-money. The easy-going manner it handles and the likeable ride quality surely pleases the masses. But, for the performance-committed audience who are looking to get the most out of their vehicle- the Jupiter may not be an ideal choice. The Classic variant, sure enough, is the best looking. But, the ZX Disc variant steals the show with updated features and a front disc brake. What’s more? The ZX Disc variant is cheaper by around Rs. 2000/- and gets TVS’ silent start system as well over the top-end Classic variant. We hope this article has helped provide some clarity and hopefully aided you before your big purchase. Thank you for reading and ride safely. Cheers!