TVS Zeppelin R: The First Hybrid Cruiser by TVS

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Expected Launch Price

₹ 1.50 Lakh

Key Highlights

Displacement

220 cc
Mileage

--
Top Speed

--
Kerb Weight

168 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity

20 litres
Seat Height

725 mm

Full Specification for TVS Zeppelin R

Latest on TVS Zeppelin R

TVS will launch the TVS Zeppelin R with a mild-hybrid engine and a belt final drive, a first for India and the world
TVS Zeppelin R is expected to be launched in January 2024
Zepplin R will be against the bikes like Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise
The price is estimated to be around Rs 2.5 lakhs
The Zeppelin R has one variant – Zeppelin R STD

Introduction of TVS Zeppelin R

The firm, situated in Hosur, came up with the idea for the TVS Zeppelin R. The Zeppelin is worth a look, though, since ideas presented at the Delhi Auto Expo by TVS frequently end up in production.

The Zeppelin gets powered by a 220cc liquid-cooled motor. In addition to this engine’s output, the bike also contains an integrated starter-generator that may provide the engine additional motive power. The class-leading performance may increase with a 1200W regenerative aid motor with a 48V Li-ion battery.

Additionally, class-leading fuel economy is a result. But the firm did not specify a power output or fuel efficiency number.

Other components include a ‘bio-key’ speedometer, all-LED lighting, upside-down front forks coated in gold, and internet connectivity. The motorbike also has an inbuilt action camera—a feature that thrills motorcycle vloggers worldwide.

TVS followed the Ducati Diavel and the Bajaj Dominar’s power cruiser model. This format will be appealing to a huge audience. TVS has not previously used this format. Thus, it makes perfect sense for them to expand into it.

Of course, the final product will not include all of the features seen at the Auto Expo, but the Zeppelin is still a fascinating design.

What’s new in the TVS Zeppelin R?

TVS plans to launch its first cruiser in the following weeks; the TVS Zeppelin R. The Hosur-based bike maker has been quiet about the cruiser for 4 years. So, this development will be surprise for riders.

The major change is that the incoming TVS Zeppelin R will have a mild-hybrid engine with a belt final drive, a first for India. The mild-hybrid system would be among the first of its kind for a two-wheeler.

A brand-new 220 cc single-cylinder engine that generates 20 HP and 18.5 Nm gets equipped with mild-hybrid technology. We do not, however, know if these numbers reflect the combined power of the engine and motor or not.

Highlights of TVS Zeppelin R

Colour and variants of TVS Zeppelin R

Since the bike has not been launched yet, the colour varieties available for this bike are not out yet.

The TVS Zeppelin R will have one variant.

TVS Zeppelin R STD.

Engine of TVS Zeppelin R

A brand-new 220 cc single-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology can produce 20 HP and 18.5 Nm. However, we are unsure if these numbers reflect the combined power of the engine and motor. However, the figures are still largely acceptable for a beginner cruiser.

The single pod instrument console, which has an analogue tachometer on a split digital cluster, is mounted on top of the headlamp. Because the tachometer only goes up to 10,000 rpm, the engine may not be a free-revving unit.

Features of TVS Zeppelin R

The speedometer and odometer each have their digital readouts on the right side. A brushed silvery finish is applied to the restraining bar of the flat handlebar, which looks fantastic in the cockpit. An offset fuel-filler cap is installed on the tank, much as the Apache RTR 4V.

The component that divides the tank in half and is matte black contains the key slot. The step-up design is applied to the single-piece seat, while the rear cowls taper towards the small rectangular LED tail lamp. The cruiser also features a little plastic tail tidy where the indicators are kept.

The new TVS Zeppelin R will include a rear tyre hugger with enormous brushed silver clamps akin to the Ducati Diavel, an LED tail light and a digital speedometer and will get the TVS lettering stamped on them.

Transmission and brakes of TVS Zeppelin R

While the rear has a standard mono-shock suspension, the front has enormous rake USD forks plated in gold. Despite a radiator guard being visible, the engine is most likely air-cooled. The back tyre has a gorgeous, plump appearance.

The Zeppelin R will have spoke wheels with disc brakes, 300 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear.

Pros and Cons of TVS Zeppelin R

Pros

Come with mild-hybrid tech that is new and first in the segment
Supreme design
Equipped with all digital console and advanced technological features
Electric bike

Cons

Price can be higher due to the technology
Already popular rivals in this segment that are well renowned and established
Since it is electric, lack of charging points could be an issue

Similar Bikes

Specifications & Features

Power & Performance

Fuel Type

Petrol
Max Power

20 BHP @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque

18.5 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Emission Standard

BS6
Displacement

220 cc
Cylinders

1
Bore

--
Stroke

--
Valves Per Cylinder

--
Compression Ratio

--
Ignition

Self Start Only
Spark Plugs

--
Cooling System

Liquid-Cooled
Transmission

Automatic
Transmission Type

Belt Drive
Gear Shifting Pattern

--
Clutch

--
Fuel Delivery System

--
Fuel Tank Capacity

20 litres
Reserve Fuel Capacity

--
Riding Range

--
Mileage - ARAI

--
Mileage - Owner Reported

--
Top Speed

--
Engine Type

--

Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

Braking System

Dual Channel
Front Brake Type

Disc
Front Brake Size

--
Rear Brake Type

Disc
Rear Brake Size

--
Calliper Type

--
Wheel Type

Spoke Wheels
Front Wheel Size

--
Rear Wheel Size

--
Front Tyre Size

110/70-R17
Rear Tyre Size

140/70-R15
Tyre Type

Tubeless
Radial Tyres

--
Front Tyre Pressure (Rider)

28 psi
Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider)

33 psi
Front Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)

--
Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)

--
Front Suspension

41 mm USD Fork
Rear Suspension

MonoShock

Dimensions & Chassis

Kerb Weight

168 kg
Overall Length

--
Overall Width

--
Overall Height

--
Wheelbase

--
Ground Clearance

160 mm
Seat Height

725 mm
Chassis Type

--

Manufacturer Warranty

Standard Warranty (Year)

--
Standard Warranty (Kilometers)

--

Features

Odometer

Digital
DRLs (Daytime running lights)

--
Mobile App Connectivity

--
GPS & Navigation

--
USB charging port

--
Front storage box

--
Under seat storage

--
AHO (Automatic Headlight On)

Yes
Speedometer

Digital
Fuel Guage

Digital
Tachometer

Digital
Stand Alarm

Yes
Stepped Seat

Yes
No. of Tripmeters

Digital
Tripmeter Type

--
Low Fuel Indicator

Yes
Low Oil Indicator

Yes
Low Battery Indicator

Yes
Pillion Backrest

--
Pillion Grabrail

--
Pillion Seat

--
Pillion Footrest

Yes
Digital Fuel Guage

--
Start Type

Electric Start
Shift Light

Yes
Killswitch

--
Clock

Yes
Battery

Li-ION
Headlight Type

LED
Brake/Tail Light

LED
Turn Signal

LED
Pass Light

Yes
Additional features

--

Expert Reviews

The Zeppelin idea seems strong enough to go into production in the following two years. However, according to how TVS plans to position the bike, we think it may look quite different from the model you are currently viewing.
We believe it makes sense to provide the production version as a premium participant in the market segment the TVS Zeppelin presently occupies a unique place.
The bike’s features make it more sophisticated as it gets hybrid elements, its USD fork, spoked wheels that can handle tubeless tyres, and belt drive.
With awesome looks and comfort, TVS Zeppelin is a good option for longer and smoother rides.

Top 3 Competitors of TVS Zeppelin R

TVS Zeppelin R vs Royal Enfield Meteor 350

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 starts from Rs 2,00,000 whereas that of the TVS Zeppelin R is Rs 1,50,000.

The electrical Zeppelin R gets powered by a 220cc liquid-cooled motor. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 comes with a 349 cc engine, whereas TVS Zeppelin R has a 220 cc engine. The TVS Zeppelin R runs on a 1200 W motor. On the other side, the Meteor 350 lacks motor support for running.

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is available in 10 colours, and the information about TVS Zeppelinn R’s colour availability is not out yet.

Both the bikes possess cruiser bodies; the Royal Enfield 350 has an analogue speedometer, whereas the TVS Zeppelin R has a digital speedometer. For daily and intra-city rides, Zeppelin R is recommended over Meteor 350 due to its less kerb weight and better balance.

TVS Zeppelin R vs Bajaj Dominar 250

The price of the Bajaj Dominar 250 is around 1,75,000, and that of the Zeppelin R is around Rs 1,50,000.

TVS Zepplin R incorporates a 200 cc engine that produces a power of 20 HP and 18.5 Nm Toque. In contrast, Dominar 250 entails a 248.5cc engine generating a power of 27 PS and 23.5 Nm torque.

Zepplin R gets a fuel efficiency of approximately 44 Kmpl, and Dominar 250 has a fuel efficiency of approximately 35 kmpl.

TVS Zeppelin R vs Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220

The price of the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 is around Rs 1,30,000, and that of the TVS Zeppelin R is around Rs 1,50,000.

The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 comes with a 210 cc engine, whereas Zeppelin R gets equipped with a 220 cc engine. The Zeppelin R runs on a 1200 W motor. On the other side, the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 lacks motor support for running.

The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 is available in two colours and one variant, whereas the TVS Zeppelin R is available in one variant with no information about the colour options yet. Both the bikes possess cruiser bike bodies and are suitable for rides on the city roads.

Compare of TVS Zeppelin R

Model
Price
Displacement
Max Torque
Max Power
Fuel Type
Fuel Tank Capacity
Cooling System
Kerb Weight
Front Tyre Size
Rear Tyre Size
Mileage
Wheel Type
Front Brake Type
Rear Brake Type
Engine Type

TVS Zeppelin R
Rs 1.50 Lakh

Rs 1.50 Lakh

Rs 1.50 Lakh

Rs 1.50 Lakh

Rs 1.50 Lakh

Rs 1.50 Lakh
220 cc
18.5 Nm @ 7000 rpm
20 BHP @ 8500 rpm
Petrol
20 litres
Liquid-Cooled
168 kg
110/70-R17
140/70-R15
--
Spoke Wheels
Disc
Disc
--

Bajaj Dominar 250
Rs 1.64 Lakh

Rs 1.64 Lakh

Rs 1.64 Lakh

Rs 1.64 Lakh

Rs 1.54 Lakh

Rs 1.64 Lakh
248.8 cc
23.5 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
26.63 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
Petrol
13 litres
Liquid Cooled
180 kg
100/80 - 17
130/70 - 17
35 kmpl
Alloy
Disc
Disc
Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, DOHC, 4 valve, Liquid Cooled, Twin Spark, FI
View more

Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220
Rs 1.37 Lakh

Rs 1.38 Lakh

Rs 1.41 Lakh

Rs 1.38 Lakh

Rs 1.38 Lakh

Rs 1.37 Lakh
220 cc
17.55 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
18.4 bhp @ 8,500 rpm
Petrol
13 litres
Oil Cooled
163 kg
90/90 - 17
130/90 - 15
53 kmpl
Spoke
Disc
Drum
4 stroke
View more

View Full Specification

Conclusion

The public saw the TVS Zeppelin R for the first time during the 2018 Auto Expo. The pandemic, war, and the semi-conductor scarcity significantly influenced the bike’s launch date, even though TVS had initially planned to introduce the bike in 2020.

A 220 cc engine was incorporated in the TVS Zeppelin concept; however, TVS is unlikely to include it in the final version. In reality, there are rumours that the TVS Zeppelin R may have a 250 cc engine or use the 310 cc motor from the TVS Apache RR 310. These are still rumours, though.

The concept’s mild-hybrid system, similar to the SHVS seen on some Maruti Suzuki vehicles in India, is another intriguing feature. While it’s too soon to say for sure, there’s a high likelihood TVS will introduce it with the Zeppelin R.

FAQs regarding TVS Zeppelin R

Why is TVS Zeppelin not launched in India?

TVS Motor was about to unveil the production version of the Zeppelin 220 concept at the Auto Expo held in February 2020. But due to the economic slowdown in the automotive sector, TVS decided to skip the auto show.

Is TVS Zeppelin R a hybrid bike?

The most significant update is that the upcoming TVS Zeppelin R will feature a mild-hybrid engine with a belt final drive, a combination first time in India. The mild-hybrid system would also be among the first in the world for a 2-wheeler.

Is TVS Zeppelin R a good bike for city roads?

Overall looking mass and low maintenance, extraordinary design, good balance, and excellent bike pickup— these features of the Zeppelin R make it a perfect bike for a daily city road ride.

What are the best features of the TVS Zeppelin R?

The Zeppelin has a claimed top speed of 130kph. The parent company of the bike, TVS, claimed an aggressive yet comfortable riding position with a feet-forward stance and a two-part seat. The cruiser has a wheelbase of 1,490mm, a kerb weight of 168kg, a 300mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS.