Built and Not Just Bought
Auto Today|May 2020
It all started with a little bit of history and a sketch Rahul Ghosh narrates how he revisioned the humble TVS XL and ended up rebuilding it
Rahul Ghosh
Built and Not Just Bought
It all started a few months back when I was caught sketching by my colleague and fellow petrol head Dipayan. Quite obviously it sure looked like a snazzier version of the humble TVS XL moped. While most people consider them to be humble means of transport, I feel they pack in a punch. Apart from a history lesson, Dipayan was also intrigued as he had recently seen the first race moped at TVS’ Motosoul event in Goa. “Why don’t you actually build it?” were the golden words. The nail had been hit hard and now I had a partner in crime as well.

One thing was pretty clear that we needed to have a two-stroker as it is versatile enough to offer numerous tuning options. Friends, family and even the odd Roman were contacted. But no one could lead us to a two-stroke XL. We even thought of resorting to ‘moped-jacking’ but still failed. Nearly a month later the phone rang with news that Dipayan had convinced his milk delivery guyto part with his XL. Minutes later I was in front of the bike which sure looked ragged. It had been hauling for years and probably was made to run on even kerosene or something. Still we just bought it!

The whole idea of this project was to ‘do it yourself’. However some tricks are best left to the experts and we are happy to report that one such expert was a chap at one of the TVS dealerships. He is hailed as a two-stroke champ and rebuilt the engine completely. He also modified some bit which unfortunately we cannot elaborate. Other than that a performance air filter and rejetting of the carb did the trick. Nevertheless the bike suddenly ran like a dream, was fast and sounded epic. Many will ask why no expansion chamber. Well, fellow petrol-heads, an expansion will be added post the run in of the newly rebuilt engine. Stage one complete.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2020 de Auto Today.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición May 2020 de Auto Today.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE AUTO TODAYVer todo
Old School Charm
Auto Today

Old School Charm

BSA's Gold Star 650 has arrived in the Indian market with a starting price of Rs 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It takes a single-minded approach to retro looks, performance and cylinders. Does it have what it takes to be your garage's premier modern classic motorcycle?

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 2024
Destini's Child
Auto Today

Destini's Child

Is Hero's updated 125cc scooter finally destined to break into topselling products in its segment? Can the 2024 Destini 125 take the fight to the other top contenders? We recently headed down to sunny Goa to ride the updated Destini to find out if it is up to the task

time-read
4 minutos  |
September 2024
Drops of Jupiter
Auto Today

Drops of Jupiter

TVS has launched a thoroughly updated version of the Jupiter 110 which comes with several crucial updates. Does the Jupiter 110 have the chops to top the list of best-selling scooters in India? We headed to Hosur looking for an answer

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 2024
A well-deserved CHANGE
Auto Today

A well-deserved CHANGE

Ever since Its launch, the Hyundai Alcazar been doing well in the Indian market. Now though, things have gotten spicier as Hyundai has updated the Alcazar. So what all has changed and does it make a difference? Let's find out

time-read
4 minutos  |
September 2024
Combustion Curvvs
Auto Today

Combustion Curvvs

Coupes are the new black, and the C-segment has its newest contender in the form of the Tata Curvv, which looks to take on the Creta and the Grand Vitara with a slightly different approach

time-read
5 minutos  |
September 2024
CROSSOVER CULTURE
Auto Today

CROSSOVER CULTURE

MG's newest contender the Windsor takes out-of-the-box thinking to new levels, but can this Crossover Utility Vehicle offer enough to be your next mobility solution? Read on to find out

time-read
5 minutos  |
September 2024
WHAT A MINI
Auto Today

WHAT A MINI

The Mini brand is all about being different and away from the rest. So does the Mini Countryman Electric stick to the plan? We find out

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 2024
Aston's Vanquish returns with an 835bhp V12
Auto Today

Aston's Vanquish returns with an 835bhp V12

ASTON MARTIN has revealed the new Vanquish, marking the return of the iconic nameplate after an absence of six years.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
NOT A GIMMICK
Auto Today

NOT A GIMMICK

We have heard of Xiaomi’s smartphones, TVs and tablets, but Anagh Bhaskar got the chance to get up close with the SU7, Xiaomi’s first ever attempt at a car that was first announced two years ago, and was launched in China earlier this year

time-read
2 minutos  |
September 2024
Definitive update for the executive saloon
Auto Today

Definitive update for the executive saloon

It has been 30 years since the E-Class was launched in India. Now it is time to launch the V214 version and it sure is after keeping the passenger pampered says Rahul Ghosh

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 2024