TVS MotoSoul 4.0: Celebrating all things motorcycles

December is the month we motor-noters eagerly await, as it’s the least stressful time of the year. There are rarely any new unveils, and launches are often pushed to January, resulting in very few first drives/rides either. This gives us some much-needed time to unwind. December is also packed with biking festivals held in Goa, and unsurprisingly, you won't find any Indian auto journalist turning down invites to these festivals, because what better way to relax than in the holiday capital of the country! The TVS MotoSoul is one such biking festival I always look forward to, and after two vibrant days at this year's edition, I’m happy to report that just like every year it didn't fail to impress. Held at the hilltop in Vagator, Goa, over the weekend of 6–7 December, it saw thousands in attendance—TVS owners, bikers, and even families who, like me, were simply there to have a great time. Why, you ask? Because it has it all! Great location? Check. Good food? Yes. Soul-stirring music? Of course. All this combined with some great motorcycles, makes the MotoSoul a no brainer.

TVS has played a pivotal role in developing and promoting motorsports in India since 1982. It is the pioneer of the ‘One Make’ championship in the country, becoming the first Indian manufacturer to introduce the series in 1994. Over the years, TVS has provided many aspiring racers with a platform to showcase their extraordinary talent and what I particularly like about MotoSoul is its focus on an aspect of motorcycling that deserves more attention–honouring Indian athletes who have represented our country, performing exceptionally well and made us proud. TVS off-road racer Aishwarya Pissay, who became the first-ever Indian to win a World Championship in motorsport with her 2019 Bajas World Cup victory, is a prime example and she was present. Recently she scored her third podium in the same gruelling race. On this achievement Vimal Sumbly, Business Head - Premium, TVS Motor Company said, “Aishwarya Pissay’s extraordinary achievement of securing her third Baja World Cup medal stands as a testament to the incredible potential of Indian racers. As the first and only Indian to win three world championship medals in motorsport, Aishwarya has redefined excellence, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. Her success is not only a reflection of her perseverance and skill, but also an affirmation of TVS Racing’s unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and expanding the horizons of what Indian motorsport can accomplish. Aishwarya’s victory is a milestone not only for her but for the entire racing community, and we are immensely proud to have played a part in her remarkable journey." Well, isn't that something.

Champions like Harith Noah, Jagan Kumar, Rugved Barguje, Saimah Baigh, and Rushabh Noah were also honoured and these athletes engaged in a candid session with the audience, educating eager listeners on all things racing.

TVS dropped an unexpected bombshell at the MotoSoul – a brand-new engine platform! Dubbed the ‘RT-XD4’, this is the first platform designed, developed, and engineered entirely in-house. The first engine in this family is a 299cc single-cylinder unit, christened the RT-XD4 300, and on paper, it’s rather impressive. It features dual overhead cams with a downdraft port to deliver high revs. It also boasts a dual oil pump setup with a split chamber crankcase for optimum lubrication and a dual cooling jacket cylinder head with a water jacket on top and an oil jacket below for enhanced cooling. A dual breather system effectively prevents oil contamination and reduces oil consumption. Other highlights include plasma spray coating for improved durability, superior thermal management, a high-inertia shell bearing crankshaft, and a helical gear-driven balancer system. Most importantly, this forward-inclined engine produces 35bhp at 9000 rpm and 28.5Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. It will be mated to a six-speed gearbox, features a slipper clutch, and comes with a ride-by-wire throttle, potentially enabling ride modes and other electronic aids. Additionally, the engine boasts a flat torque curve. It remains to be seen which bike TVS equips with this engine, but it’s highly likely that the first product to feature the RT-XD4 300 will be the eagerly awaited TVS adventure motorcycle.

No MotoSoul is complete without a showcase of custom TVS bikes, and this year was no exception. Among the highlights were two particularly striking models, modified by Indonesian bike customiser Smoked Garage. The first, called the ‘Mizuno’, is based on the Ronin and pays homage to classic café racers. It features an aerodynamic fairing, a fibreglass rear wheel cover, a titanium exhaust, and a racing suspension setup. The second, based on the RTR 310, is dubbed the ‘Vortex 310’. This build sports a dual exhaust setup, an angular racing tank, a smaller taillight, and an anti-drag wheel cover. In addition to these standout bikes, several other custom builds drew significant attention from the crowd.

TVS also unveiled the 2025 Ronin at the MotoSoul, which is set to go on sale in January 2025. It comes in two new colours – Glacier Silver and Charcoal Ember – replacing the outgoing Delta Blue and Stargaze Black shades. The mid-variant now includes dual-channel ABS, and the bike features a redesigned rear fender, which looks noticeably better than before. Apart from these updates, everything else on the neo-retro bike remains unchanged.

TVS also announced a new collaboration with Italian brand Givi and showcased a new storage box for TVS bikes. There are more products to come out of this partnership in the near future.

As always, MotoSoul offered a range of engaging motorcycling activities, including flat-track racing, slow-speed racing, obstacle racing, and a motocross fitness arena where participants could learn how professionals train for off-roading. To top it all off, performances by artists such as Raftaar, KRI$NA, and the incredible duo Vishal-Shekhar kept the vibe lively.

It’s safe to say that the two days at MotoSoul 4.0 were a soul-cleansing experience and a fantastic way to end the year on a high note. Next time, I’m planning to ride down to Goa, which will make the experience even sweeter. Here’s hoping the TVS adventure bike becomes a reality by then.