Exclusive - TVS Zeppelin R Trademarked

TVS might launch its first cruiser motorcycle in 2021

The TVS Zeppelin concept was among the highlights of the 2018 Auto Expo and for a good reason: It was among the most radical concepts shown by the Hosur based brand. It was also its first attempt in the cruiser segment. While we expected to hear something about the TVS cruiser at the 2020 Auto Expo, TVS like many other renowned names from the industry gave the Auto Expo a miss. This led us to believe that TVS might have dropped plans of developing a cruiser motorcycle as it doesn’t have any connection with its heritage or legacy.

However, recent patent documents have revealed that it has copyrighted the name ‘Zeppelin R’. This means that TVS might rename the production version of the cruiser the ‘TVS Zeppelin R.’ While a trademark application isn’t a confirmation of a product's launch as it’s common practice to reserve some names, we feel that the TVS Zeppelin R is headed for production and might be launched in 2021. Action in the cruiser space has increased a lot with new entrants such as the Honda H’ness CB 350, Jawa Perak and the upcoming Royal Enfield Meteor 350. 

Also Read: TVS Zeppelin First Look

While most of the above names are roadsters or cruisers, the TVS Zeppelin is more of a power cruiser and this will help it in distinguishing itself. The concept bike featured a 220cc, single-cylinder motor and belt drive system. We are hoping that TVS engineers would have bumped the displacement to 250cc as it will give the Zeppelin a better standing in the presence of higher displacement rivals. A retail price of under Rs 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom) does sound tempting. Whether TVS will make the jump in the cruiser segment is something we will have to wait and watch, but we think the Zeppelin R can make a big impact.