TVS Zeppelin India Launch Likely To Take Place In Early 2020

It will be TVS’ first cruiser to hit the streets 

TVS debuted the Zeppelin concept back in the 2018 Auto Expo in India. The Hosur-based brand usually brings out the production version two years after the concept is shown. Case in point are the TVS Draken concept and the TVS Akula concept which subsequently turned into the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Apache RR 310 respectively. Going by this trend, the brand is likely to launch the production version of the Zeppelin concept early next year. The production bike is likely to be priced under Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom).

Though TVS usually takes part at the Auto Expo, this time around it has given the show a miss. This is likely due to the transition from BS4 to BS6 emission norms and also probably due to economic slowdown. So it does make sense for the brand to launch the motorcycle just before the ’Expo. It will also be TVS’ first cruiser to go on sale. This is a new direction for the two-wheeler maker as so far the company has primarily concentrated on performance-oriented sporty bikes derived from TVS’ experience from racing.

That said, expect the upcoming bike to have a power cruiser design, mirroring TVS’ racing ethos. The concept bike was powered by a 220cc single-cylinder fuel-injected motor with “E-boost” technology. This system essentially packs an integrated starter generator system which comprises of a 1200W electric generator and a 48V lithium-ion battery that is charged by the engine. It is similar to a mild hybrid system like in Suzuki Ciaz and the Hosur-based brand claims it will help in improving performance and efficiency. 

Since going electric is the way in the future, expect TVS to start things off by implementing the same technology in the production bike too. The engine sends power to the rear wheel via a belt drive but expect TVS to use regular chain drive in the production version.

The concept motorcycle featured an HD camera integrated into the headlamp bezel to record your rides. This may not be featured in the production version, however, expect TVS to equip the bike with a digital instrument console with bluetooth compatibility like the recently-launched Apache RTR 200 4V.  

While the concept bike had inverted fork, the production bike is likely to get traditional fork and a monoshock at the rear. Also, the spoke wheels will be replaced by alloy wheels with tubeless tyres.

In terms of competition displacement-wise, the Zeppelin will go up against the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 which is priced at Rs 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).