Grown up looks for sure but disjointed in its flow.

On the subject of style and looks, TVS can do better. The only thing which the Hosur-based motorcycle and scooter maker lacks is modern styling. While the original Fiero was too effeminate, its F2 version can at best be said to have emerged as a manly effort but devoid of flair when compared to contemporary competition. Motorcycle enthusiasts and users when considering a bike with the psychological 150cc engine tag on it always have visions of a large engined bike throbbing with style.

TVS has not gone the full distance as regards the external styling on the F2. The company decided to employ the same tank (making a new fuel tank is always a high sticker item on a motorcycle) of the original Fiero but with new tank muscular pseudo air scoops on either side along with the welcome fitment of an aircraft-type fuel filler cap fitted flush on top. TVS opted to retain the same side panels barring a slightly redesigned centre section which hints at a sort of a scoop without it being functional. The tail unit retains the same profile and section as the original Fiero but the tail lamp is now devoid of turn signal indicators, these finding individual spaced out stalk mounts as desired by the revised CMVR regulations.

The most distinctive aspect of the external styling though takes into account three vital new elements. The first of these and the most apparent of them all is the beaky front fairing with the clear lens look and housing a 35/35W halogen. Even though TVS announced the Fiero F2 first with a halogen bulb, it was beaten into production, and in the bragging stakes, by the Bajaj Kawasaki Caliber 115 which hit the roads month before last. That detail apart, the new fairing is well conceived and has both the bulk and the distinctiveness in super measure to give the F2 a whole new character.

The second element which is notable, but only if you look at it diligently is the longish stance of the bike which now has a sizeable presence to hurl at onlookers. The compact nature of the original Fiero has been banished by an increase in the wheelbase of the bike to 1270mm (from 1230). Thanks to the new front end fairing, the puffed up air scoops and the slightly reprofiling of the centre section plus the new seat with its spilled over edges, the bike comes across as a strong looker which means to, and can do, the business. Of course, it is no Lacoste cut that it sports, but the enhanced length along with the slight front end thrust makes for a visually lower weighted stance which is pleasing whereas the skinny tallish look of the original Fiero was notable for sticking out like a sore thumb.

The final element which will demand even more of the subconscious to soak in is the finish TVS has imparted to the engine, chain cover, rectangular swingarm and the cast sub-frames for the rear foot pegs. This is indeed a step in the right direction and thanks to the pleasing colour coded job, helps to present a most welcoming nature to the F2. TVS has much to do in exterior styling to go some distance in trying to catch up with Bajaj Auto and Hero Honda.

Where TVS has excelled is in making use of less to try and deliver more. The new instrument cluster bears me out on both counts, with a car-like panel housed in the new nose fairing incorporating a central rev counter (straight out of a Performance biker’s fantasy). On either side of it are the speedometer and the fuel level gauge while below the latter are the all-important green and orange telltale lamps for the optimum Fuel Efficiency and Performance zones, just like on the Victor. The quality of the switchgear, grips and levers is exceedingly good while the one detail with style emerges in the form of the rear-view mirrors with their twin textured and dual shaded turnout. I also like the way the exhaust end can is angled but just take a look at its extreme rear end and the treatment is amateurish.

There is much to commend on the style front if one understands the constraints TVS operated in with some standout elements on the machine. Unfortunately the flow or the harmony leaves something to be desired and it would be a shame for TVS to lose out on a good bike because of its not so scintillating aesthetic appeal.

External design elements include stylish new nose job with halogen lamp, puffed up dummy air scoops on either side of the petrol tank, a 240mm dia disc brake on the front wheel, a slightly revised central side panel, new design cast subframes for rear foot rests and that nattily angled exhaust end can.