Two-wheeler manufacturers have been trying to make a mark in the premium 200-300cc segment in India for some time now, with new launches and upgrades rolling out every year. However, TVS, has been holding back in order to not only gauge, but understand the market demands arising owing to this competition. To give us an idea of what TVS has gathered from its observation, the company recently showcased the Draken-X21 concept at the Auto Expo 2014, hinting at the kind of technology and product offerings the bike maker has lined up for the Indian market in the future, including the next generation of Apache RTRs.
Donning a name that sounds like a fire-breathing dragon, the Draken creates an imagery of a fearless reckoning force. The concept gets streetfighter styling cues portraying TVS' new design philosophy. Its compact front-end design gets a BMW Motorrad touch in its asymmetrical compact headlight, with LED lights and daytime-running lamps. A digital instrument cluster is mounted on a relatively straight handlebar, with premium quality switchgear and bar-end mirrors finished in alloy. The meaty tank gets an off-set fuel filler lid and extended shrouds that cover the liquid-cooler, with a lightly pressed black strip in the centre, flowing down to the single saddle that feels premium and is positioned to provide a sporty stance with a slight lean forward towards the handlebars. The pillion seat is replaced by ducts, positioned behind the rider, and are provided for efficient aerodynamics.
A uniquely designed exhaust system, known as 'high performance reverse free flow' by TVS, is strategically placed for mass centralisation. LED tail-light and indicators get a distinctive design imposing an aggressive look from the rear as well, enhancing the Draken's street fighter design.
The TVS Draken is powered by a four-stroke, 250cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder and fuel-injected engine that is developed by TVS racing, and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. The concept also features a new aluminium trellis frame finished in gold, complemented by 41mm inverted front forks and an off-set rear monoshock bolted on to a cast alloy swingarm. Ten-spoke alloys comprise 120/70 x 17 (front) and 160/50 x 17 (rear) Pirelli tyres, with a single petal disc on both ends managed by an ABS system for effective braking. The TVS Draken-X21 is only a concept model, with production remaining a question mark for now, along with price.
KARAN NARSU
Gavin Rodrigues
Dinshaw Magol
Rishaad Mody
