Introduction

There are only a few mopeds that is running on Indian roads, and TVS XL is one such moped. It is almost 20 years since TVS XL was launched and the XL super, with a better built chassis and suspension came into existince 10 years before. XL Super and XL Super Heavy duty are preferred for their lower price and easy maintanence. The “super” factors are the improved speedometer, switches, electricals and taller saddle and better engine silencer. Exploring the XL Super will let you know how this moped still sustains in the market.’

Styling and Design

Many new designs were brought to the TVS XL or 50, and a completely new moped came out in the form of XL Super. The round headlamp is the first noticeable change. The indicators are new add ons. The instrument cluster consists of chrome perimeter for the round speedometer. The key slot is on the right with tell tale glow lights for turn indicators and high beam. The buttons on the left arm of the handlebars contain improved large switches for lights on/off, high/low beam, turn indicators, a cute yellow button for horn and choke lever. The foot rest is fixed with a perpedicular rod running across the high mounted leg room area.  The petrol knob with the on-reserve-off positions is integrated with the side covers of the leg room. The 4.5 litre tank is vertically mouted with optional lock for the fuel filler cap.

The utility box under the rider’s seat has a neat U shaped cap, which can be opened using the ignition key itself. The seat shape is better than the previous TVS XL. The foot rest for the pillion is aptly shaped and the grab rail is also supportive. Utilities like side hooks and boxes can be easily added. The rear tail lamp is square shaped with the orange winkers prompting out. The half chain cover is made up of plastic and so are many parts, to save cost. There has been no compromise made with the toughness and load carrying capacity of XL super, inspite of its light weight, a rice jute bag can be easily carried by this moped.

Engine

XL Super is powered by 69.9cc engine that produces a peak power of 3.5@5000 rpm and maximum torque of 0.5 kgm @3750 rpm. The two stroke engine has the advantage of  torquey engine, giving a smooth pull from stand still. The centrifugal wire type takes care of the clutch department for this auto gear moped.

Ride and Handling

Kick starting the engine using a smart kick lever on the left, which in earlier XL, you have to pedal them using the clutch, a hefty task during morning. But this kick lever is easier and user friendly with its repel action. TVS has done a good job in reducing the noise from the otherwise louder engine tune.  Once the throttle was twisted, XL Super gave a slow but smooth pull which continued till the 25 kmph speed. While, the moped took a while to reach 40 kmph mark, I have no reasons to complain the performance of this tiny engine’s action. The handle bar design have been improved and has the additional option to have a hook between the swing arms, where you can hand a small grocery bag. The wider rear view mirrors sticking out, provide more rear view. Try once with this moped to buy groceries from near buy shops, with your groceries happily hanging on the side hooks, and your kid sitting upfront, you can even have a pillion sitting comfortable carrying more groceries.

Many middle class men and women prefer TVS XL super, because of its low maintenance and cheap price, thanks to the swift engine response, and the newly designed exhaust that has a circular shape under the engine and then transforms itself into the long exhaust. This mechanism widely helps in free flow of exhaust smoke, which was a major problem in the previous XL mopeds, where you need to dismantle the exhaust pipe and clean it often. The 12 V electronic provide better illumination at night, much improved than the previous TVS XL/moped.

Verdict

Not all could afford a 100 cc motorcycle for a decent one would cost 35 K But XL Super on the other hand comes around just 25 K, and almost does the same duty in carrying two adults in the slow moving city traffic. The advantage of front leg space and cheap spare parts plus easy maintenance, makes XL Super, a champion, in rural areas. Indians, with majority living in villages and developing towns, prefer a low cost, light utility moped and XL Super is the best choice.