TVS Jupiter 125 vs Suzuki Access 125: Which One To Buy In 2022

125cc scooters are no longer the obscure sub-segment that they once were. The Suzuki Access 125, which leads the class, is currently one of the most popular scooters in the nation, selling over 40,000 units every month. TVS has a model in this segment as well, but the sporty NTorq, as entertaining and feature-packed as it is, isn’t for everyone. So Hosur has launched the Jupiter 125, a new 125cc family scooter meant to compete with the Access on an apples-to-apples basis. During our first brief test drive at TVS’ test track, it wowed us. But, when pitted against the king of the class, can it hold its own? Let’s have a look.

Engine Performance

The Access’s versatility is one of its most appealing features. And the engine exemplifies this all-around ability. Sure, it’s marketed as a practical family scooter, but it’s 125cc engine can compete with some of the more “sporty” 125cc scooters. It has a grunty, strong feel to it, but it’s also very smooth and polished, with scarcely any vibrations reaching the rider. The cherry on top is its great fuel economy, and the Access motor checks most of the criteria that Indians look for in their family scooters.

On paper, Jupiter seems to have a similar engine as Access. Yes, it has somewhat less power than the Access, but it has greater torque and does it at a lower RPM. But, on the other hand, it’s bearing a bit more weight. In the real world, Jupiter can keep up with the Access at city speeds rather well. It’s just as quick to take advantage of traffic gaps, due to the CVT tune that favours acceleration. On the other hand, there are a few more vibrations in the floorboard, and it lacks the top-end of the Suzuki. Jupiter’s acceleration starts to fade after 60 kph, but the Access continues to pull strongly; finally, Jupiter reaches an indicated 90 kph (VBox 80 kph), but the Suzuki still has a bit more in the tank.

Ride Quality

The chassis department is where it reclaims some ground. The Jupiter has the advantage on paper, with a preload-adjustable gas-charged rear shock and a 12-inch rear wheel over the Access 10-inch. This is also confirmed in the actual world. It rides rather nicely on local roads, smoothing out the tiny bumps admirably. It never thuds or crashes through the larger and harsher undulations that can’t be leveled, but rather rounds them off well, leaving you feeling well insulated from the road underneath. The Access rides well enough in its way, but it can’t quite equal Jupiter’s levels of absorption and plushness, and it ends up feeling a touch harsher in the back.

Both feature typical scooter handling characteristics, such as light steering and a modest top-heaviness. When leaning over, the Access is unnervingly imprecise, but the Jupiter is much more communicative and sure-footed around corners. Its brakes are more pleasant to the touch and perform better.

Space & Practicality

Because they are scooters, space and practicality are given a high priority. And Access’ superiority in this area is one of the many reasons why it has become the segment’s preferred scooter. Its utility factor is pretty good, with a large floorboard and plenty of space on and under the seat. Its handlebar is also substantially higher than Jupiter’s, so taller riders’ knees aren’t irritated. Jupiter, on the other hand, has upped the ante significantly, with more room on the floorboard and a longer seat. However, the under-seat storage compartment is its most major asset. Because the gasoline tank has been relocated to the floorboard, a large amount of room has been freed up behind the back half of the seat, resulting in a massive 33-litre storage area. That’s more than ten gallons more than the Suzuki!

TVS’ foresight has also had a good ripple effect. There’s no need to get off the motorbike to fill up since the fuel-filler is on the rear of the apron. The Access fuel-filling isn’t nearly as convenient — even though the BS6 scooter had an external filler cap on the rear, you had to manually enter the key into the cap to open it, which forced you to get off the scooter. It’s worth mentioning, though, that if you want to fill your tank to the full, Jupiter’s large filler neck means that gasoline bubbles up readily, and filling up the tank takes some patience.

Features

In terms of features, it’s a very equal battle. The Jupiter has trump cards in the form of a quiet starter and an auto stop-start system, whilst the Access counters with completely digital instruments and Bluetooth connection are on top models. Although Jupiter has to make do with a semi-digital architecture, its instruments are jam-packed with data. Other than that, they’re almost identical, with each receiving an LED headlight, a USB charger, and a boot light.

Both companies have taken a conservative approach to design, opting for simple, uncomplicated looks that are unlikely to divide people. The Jupiter has a more rounded and welcoming appearance than the Access, which is somewhat taller, more imposing, and more square-ish. The sheer quantity of chrome finish throughout the TVS, from the mirrors to the apron to the side panel and even a wide strip above the instrument cluster, sticks out. It also boasts somewhat higher quality and finishes levels at key contact areas, which, when paired with the chrome, gives it a more premium feel than the Access.

Despite this, the prices of the scooters are very comparable. Jupiter’s basic model (Rs 74,425) is marginally less costly than the Access (Rs 75,600), but its top-spec disc brake model (Rs 81,300) is almost identical to the Access’ most expensive, non-Bluetooth equipped version (Rs 81,000). The Suzuki-linked variants are more expensive than the Jupiter, costing between Rs 82,800 and Rs 84,800. (all prices, ex-showroom, Delhi).

Final Thoughts

Even now, it’s easy to see why Access has been such a hit in India. It continues to provide Indians with a near-perfect combination of performance, practicality, and efficiency. Its motor is one of the smoothest and most powerful in the industry, making it a better choice for taller riders. The TVS Jupiter 125, however, seems to be equal. The newcomer is just as swift, just as fuel-efficient, rides better, and has a greater practicality factor than the Access in the city. If you’re a tall rider or spend most of your time at greater speeds, Access could be the best option for you. If not, Jupiter’s advantages should persuade you to join Team TVS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the top speed of Suzuki access 125 and TVS Jupiter 125?

A. Top speed of Suzuki access 125 is 90kmph and TVS Jupiter has a tops speed of 92kmph.

Q. What is the on-road price of Suzuki access 125?

A. Suzuki Access 125 on-road price is Rs 88,416 in Delhi for Steel Wheel Model and Rs 92,399 in Delhi for the top version with alloy wheels and fuel injection.

Q. What are the color options in Suzuki access 125 BS6?

A. There are 10 color options available: Glass sparkle black, pearl Suzuki deep blue, pearl mirage white, metallic matte platinum, metallic matte fibroin gray, metallic matte black, metallic royal bronze, metallic matte Bordeaux red, pearl mirage white BT, and matte blue.