For people not in the know, the TVS XL was first introduced way back in 1980. With this moped, interestingly, TVS entered the racing world. The moped was available with a 50cc engine. Despite rising demand for modern and feature-loaded two-wheelers, TVS Motor Company has retained the old XL 100 Heavy Duty. It is also India’s only moped, which is one of the most affordable and most efficient offerings. In this article, we talk about 5 interesting facts about the new TVS XL 100 that meets the new BS6 emission norms.
India’s Most Affordable Fuel Injected two-Wheeler
Not just BS6 compliant Fuel Injected engine, the TVS XL100 comes with several modern features. The BS6 version of the Moped is around Rs 3,500 expensive than the regular model. It is available at the TVS Motor Company dealerships across India for a price around Rs 44,000. The XL100 has no direct rival in the market and is currently the most affordable fuel injected two-wheeler.
Modern Styling
The basic idea behind the development of the TVS XL 100 remains the same, as it resembles the old-school XL 50. It features spoked wheels and halogen lighting with LED DRL upfront. The instrument console is basic in nature, featuring a speedometer, an odometer and a low-fuel indicator light that lights up when the moped hits reserve.
Interestingly, TVS is also giving a USB charging socket under the instrument console. It features TVS iTouch silent starter system, which is a very nice addition to the moped. Quality of switchgears are not very likable. There is a long footboard to carry luggage. Customers can also remove the rear seat (Split Seats) to further increase the luggage carrying capacity.
The TVS XL 100 is very comfortable to ride, as it offers tall handlebar and front-set footpegs for upright riding posture. The moped is designed in a way to accommodate both short as well as tall riders. TVS engineers could have used better cushioning for the seats, as the hard seats will make longer rides slightly difficult.
Performance
It is currently the smallest FI two wheeler in the market. It is powered by a 99.7cc, single-cylinder engine with EcoThrust FI that produces 4.3bhp at 4,000rpm and 6.5Nm of torque at 3,500rpm. The moped gets a single-speed gearbox and is claimed to offer a top speed of around 55-60kmph. The moped is claimed to return 65kmpl, but in real-world conditions it delivers close to 55kmpl. The engine works really well with the small moped, as it didn’t feel underpowered at any point. Thanks to the low 89kgs weight, the TVS XL100 is an easy moped to ride through traffic. For suspension duties, the XL100 gets telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. The suspension set-up is nicely tuned to absorb regular undulations. TVS should offer a slightly higher ground clearance, as the current model sits a tad low at 155mm. For braking, the TVS XL100 moped gets 110mm drum brakes at both ends and SBT (Synchronized braking technology). The braking system could have been better.
Impressive Pulling Power
TVS claims that the maximum payload that one can carry on the XL 100 is 130kg; however, we have seen people carrying even larger and heavier loads. The customer can also remove the rear seat to further increase the load carrying capacity.
Handicap Kit & Factory Custom
TVS has created a kit for differently-abled XL 100 riders, which has received ARAI-certification for it to be road-legal. Adding to it, TVS had showcased the XL Goa at the TVS Racing MotoSoul event. The custom XL 100 was finished in neon shades and had features like disc brake, LED light and new instrument console sourced from the TVS NTorq 125.
