TVS Zeppelin cruiser concept was first previewed that at the 2018 Auto Expo. While its production version is yet to arrive in India, China-based Xiangshuai Heavy Machinery (a sub-brand of Jianshe) rolled out the Zeppelin’s copycat – Xianglong JSX500i. Here’s a brief on their similarities and differences.
What’s Same, What’s Different?
The JSX500i is a middleweight modern-retro motorcycle featuring a hexagonal headlamp and sharply designed fuel tank. Design bits such as radiator grille, engine cowl, side panels and stubby rear section also look similar to the Zeppelin cruiser concept.
What differentiate Xianglong JSX500i from the TVS Zeppelin are the all LED lighting, alloy wheels, taller handlebars with anti-slip design and upswept metallic exhaust. The USD forks, fitted at the front end, miss out on the golden finish. At the rear, it gets monoshock rear suspension with preload adjustability. Its braking system includes front dual and rear single disc brakes, which are further assisted by a dual-channel ABS (anti-lock braking system).
Dimensions
The Xianglong JSX500i measures 2,150mm in length, 890mm in width, and 1,180mm in height. It sits on a 1,460mm long wheelbase and stands on a 140mm higher ground clearance. It offers a fuel tank capacity of 16-litres. The JSX500i has been assembled with 17-inch wheels and 120/70 front and 150/70 rear Tenson high-grip tyres.
Features
The Chinese copycat of the Zeppelin has the old digital instrument cluster. The tachometer is splitted into two and the lower half of the console shows information such as clock, odometer reading and tell-tale lights.
Engine Specs
At the heart of the Xianglong JSX500i is a 471cc, twin-cylinder, water-cooled engine paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The motor makes a top power of 44.87PS at 8500rpm and 41Nm of torque at 6500rpm. It’s claimed to offer a maximum speed of 150kmph. The TVS Zepplin concept features a hybrid powertrain that includes a 1200-watt regenerative electric motor and a 220cc petrol unit. There is a 48v lithium-ion battery and ISG (Integrated Starter Generator).
Pictures’ Source
