TVS Zeppelin cruiser motorcycle is a total BEAST; Unveiled at Auto Expo 2018

TVS Motors unwrapped the Zeppelin – a brand new cruiser motorcycle concept at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo. The Zeppelin uses a new 220 cc, four stroke petrol engine paired with an electric motor, and previews a new cruiser that TVS is expected to launch in the next year or two.

The electric motor’s torque will be used to boost performance-on-demand, somewhat similar to the mild-hybrid that’s used by the likes of the Maruti Ciaz and the Ertiga Diesels. The petrol-hybrid cruiser packs in a 1,200W electric motor running on lithium ion batteries, in a format that could become commonplace in future two wheelers.

In terms of design, the Zeppelin concept is sharply styled, with muscle cruiser cues. Think of it as a poor man’s Ducati Diavel if you will. The Zeppelin features a rectangular LED headlamp, chunky 41 mm forks in an upside down layout, a flat and wide handlebar,  an analog-digital instrument cluster, twin seats, kicked out footpegs, switchgear nicked off the Apache RR 310, Pirelli tubeless tyres shod on alloy wheels, and a belt drive that replaces the conventional chain drive. Other interesting features include a smart access key that TVS has named ‘Bio-key’, a HD action camera, dual channel ABS braking and an infotainment unit with cloud connectivity.

Of course, some of the features shown on the concept may not make it to the production bike. However, even without most of the radical features, the bike’s design, engine and cycle parts will make it a very appealing option for those seeking an affordable, entry-level cruiser.

TVS Motors hasn’t indicated a price level for this bike nor a launch timeline yet. As and when launched, it’s likely to sit well under the 2 lakh rupee mark considering it’s engine capacity. A high-end rival to the Bajaj Avenger 220? Well, that’s something that’s something that TVS Motors may seriously be looking at.