TVS XL100 Comfort BS6 Review: The Latest-Iteration Of A Two-Wheeler First Introduced 40-Years Ago!

Now in 2020, the latest iteration of this moped comes in the form of the XL 100. The TVS XL 100 is one of the last remaining mopeds which continues to remain on sale in India. TVS even gave the XL100 a BS6 update, with the addition of fuel injection. These new features and technology have made it more relevant to the current times, although the design of XL100 hasn't changed much over the past forty years.

However, the big question is, can the BS6-compliant 2020 TVS XL 100 offer the same level of comfort, practicality and convenience as its predecessors? We got to ride the moped around town for a few days and here's what we found out!

Design & Styling

The TVS XL100 as mentioned earlier has retained much of the styling and design cues from its predecessors. The design is agreeably simple and practical but does feel a bit dated in 2020. However, TVS has brought in a few elements and highlights all around, in an effort to make it more modern and in-line with the current trends.

Starting from the front, the TVS XL100 comes with a round halogen headlamp unit at the front, covered in a fairing and black visor. TVS has also added a small LED strip below the main headlamp unit, which is the moped's Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The headlamp fairing is flanked on either side by turn indicators, which are again halogen units.

Moving to the side profile, the TVS XL 100 can be seen with a large footboard, which can be used for loading luggage and carrying it long distances with comfort. The XL also comes with footpegs on either side, which offer a more comfortable riding position.

This is further improved by the single-piece dual-tone leatherette seats, which offer good cushioning, both for the rider and passenger. The XL100 also offers a small backrest for the pillion rider as well.

There is also a small 4-litres tank (1.3-litre reserve) at the front. TVS has also added a lot of chrome on the XL100, which can be seen on the protector guards, exhaust cover and the spoke rims.

The chrome finish can also be seen on the suspension, handlebars and surrounding the backrest as well. The rear is mainly characterised by just the halogen tail lights and the turn indicators.

Features & Practicality

The TVS XL100 does come with multiple features and equipment. Obviously, the list cannot be compared to any of the current crop of tech-laden two-wheelers, but for a moped, the feature list is rather impressive.

The TVS XL 100 comes with a basic instrument cluster, featuring an analogue speedometer and odometer. The cluster also has tell-tale lights for the high-beam and turn indicators.

While there is no fuel gauge, the instrument cluster does feature a low-fuel indicator light and an ‘engine-check' warning light as well. The Comfort variant we rode around even came with an USB phone charging socket as well.

Moving away from the instrument cluster and onto the handlebars, TVS has equipped the XL100 with its latest-generation ‘i-Touch Start' system, which comes integrated with the engine kill switch. The left handlebar has switches which control the high and low beam for the headlamps, horn switch and the turn indicator controls as well.

The TVS XL 100 also features a long single-piece seat, finished in dual-tone leatherette upholstery. There is also a backrest for the pillion rider, adding to the comfort levels. The XL100 also features a large footboard at the front, which can be used to easily load luggage and transport it long distances with ease.

Engine, Performance & Handling

The TVS XL 100 comes powered by one of the smallest engines in the Indian market. It uses a 99.7cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine churning out 4.3bhp at 6000rpm and 6.0Nm of torque at 3500rpm, paired with a single-speed gearbox.

TVS claims that the XL100 returns a fuel efficiency figure of around 65km/l, however, during our test the actual numbers were around 55km/l. This translates to a total of 220km on a single tank of fuel, which considering is just 4-litres, is pretty good.

The power and torque figures might be the least from any two-wheeler in the Indian market, however, it still manages to offer peppy performance. The moped is extremely fun-to-ride and has a top speed of 60km/h.

The moped weighs in at just 89 kilograms and is said to have a maximum payload capacity of 130kg. However, even after loading the XL100 to its limit, it never struggled to keep chugging along. The engine always managed to offer adequate power and never felt underpowered.

Talking about its ride and handling, the TVS XL100 is excellent in terms of rider comfort. The seating position is upright, relaxed and suits both tall and short riders. The handlebars and footpegs are also set up perfectly, adding to the overall comfort levels.

The TVS XL 100 also comes with compact dimensions, which along with the lightweight, offer excellent ease in traffic conditions of the city. The moped can be easily manoeuvred around small gaps as well.

The moped uses standard telescopic forks at the front and a dual shock absorber setup at the rear. These manage to soak up bumps, potholes and uneven tarmac with ease. The XL100 also comes with decent ground clearance to stay clear of any unevenness on the road.

Braking on the XL100 is via drum brakes at either end, further supported by the brand's Synchronised Braking System. The brakes aren't the best but are more than adequate for the TVS XL100.

Variants, Pricing & Colour Options

The 2020 TVS XL 100 is offered in a range of three variants: Comfort i-Touch Start, Heavy Duty i-Touch Start and Heavy Duty i-Touch Start Special Edition. Prices for the XL100 begin from Rs 39,990 and go up all the way to Rs 48,839 for the top-spec Comfort i-Touch Start (tested). All prices are ex-showroom (Delhi).

The TVS XL 100 Comfort i-TouchStart variant we tested out is offered in a range of two colour options: Blue and Gold.

Verdict!

The TVS XL 100 is definitely a fun-to-ride two-wheeler, which offers good levels of comfort, practicality, load-carrying capacity and mileage. It even manages to offer decent performance and handling characteristics. However, the TVS XL 100 is targeted towards those audiences who require a two-wheeler mainly to carry luggage comfortably from point ‘A' to point ‘B', without any other second thought.