The TVS Fiero represents the first glimpse of bike sport in the new decade. After the death of the 350cc Enfield Bullet in Indian racing (hastened by none other than the tuners from Pune with their overbored Yezdi Roadkings and Enfield 200s) in the mid-1980s, the Fiero represents the advent of four-strokes back into the sport. The Fiero was also done to Gp C specs but this bike yet has a long development stint ahead of it.

Though Arvind did say that it had a mild cam in it and that a tuned length megaphonic exhaust was designed for it, the bike seemed to struggle for power. Of course, having ridden the fleeter and quicker accelerating two-strokes before he got on to the Fiero, the lumbering four-stroke did make itself apparent in its sluggishness. But then this is the route to go. MotoGP has already shown the way and Indian bike sport will have to head into this direction, based as it is on series-production machinery which as all of our readers are aware, has seen a major influx these days of sporty four-strokes. The Fiero handles exceedingly well for the mellow power its engine makes but with its excellent double-cradle chassis it gives the rider a lot of confidence. It would be very interesting to see how the Fiero will shape up with more development and also when faced with some worthwhile competition - ah, what a delightful thought!

On this wistful note we would like to end this track test report. I could have gone on and on but maybe we have to get some more miles under our belt. Read that as going back to the race track and trying to better our lap times. Hell, if we ain't competitive we are not doing ourselves and the bikes justice at all!
Adil Jal Darukhanawala