TVS XL 100 Comfort

Pros: Excellent load-carrying ability, Gets a comfy seat, Has good build quality

Cons: Could get better brakes, Is extremely vibey

If you thought the handsome-looking and feature-rich Apache series were TVS Motor Company’s best-selling models, you have been grossly mistaken. Instead, it is the inconspicuous XL 100 that has been bringing in the dough for the Chennai-based manufacturer since its debut in 1980. Although discontinued in 2000, TVS brought back the beloved moped in 2015. And since then, it has evolved into three versions.

What we have here is the crème de la crème variant called the XL 100 Heavy Duty iTouchstart Comfort that is BS6-compliant like the rest of the range. So, in a bid to find out if the legends are true, we spent a couple of days with the XL 100, riding it in traffic, climbing hills with extreme load, and of course, taking it for grocery shopping.  

Before we tell you how all of that went, let's take a look at the XL 100’s exterior. TVS Motor Company has cleverly preserved the styling of the little moped, making it highly recognisable to the highly-popular versions of the past. However, the XL 100 Comfort, being a premium variant is slightly different than the standard model. For instance, it sports a headlamp cowl and a single-piece seat with a dual-tone finish. It even gets a backrest with a cushion that further sets it apart.   

TVS is offering the XL 100 Comfort in subtle-looking blue and gold colours that are much more premium than the options for the standard versions. Taking a step closer you’ll notice the TVS XL 100 has impeccable build quality. Every component on the moped feels like it is built to last. Even the switchgear is easy to reach and operate, and the black plastic seems like it will stay that way for a good amount of time. However, the fitment needs to be worked on for the XL 100 to score a 10/10 for quality. 

'Bare necessities' is the theme that TVS went with when building the XL 100. And it completely works in favour of the moped. So, there is an analogue speedometer with an integrated odometer, a low-fuel indicator, and engine check light. But you also get an LED DRL strip underneath the conventionally-lit headlamp that offers sufficient illumination and a very good throw on high-beam. 

The package also includes a USB charging port that is neatly integrated into the instrument cluster unit. While we felt the need for a storage pocket or a little under seat compartment at times, the XL 100 Comfort did not disappoint when required to carry heavy luggage. The space between the seat and the handlebar is large and flat, and can accommodate a month worth of grocery bags, if needed. And that’s not all, TVS has even fitted the moped with a luggage hook on the side for added functionality.   

A typical moped in terms of size, the XL 100 has a low seat height of 770mm. It is easy to flat-foot and has a meagre 89kg kerb weight, so moving it around is a child’s play. No worries even if you are a larger rider as the seat is decently long and accommodating. There is ample space for the pillion as well. Although, TVS could have offered better pillion comfort by fitting the XL 100 Comfort with rubber footrests instead of the teeny extensions on the frame.  

As you switch on the ignition, the 99.7cc, single-cylinder, one-valve engine with fuel-injection starts up with a refined sound. The throttle requires a slightly heavy hand before the XL 100 begins trudging forward. Everything is good till the 4.2bhp producing motor reaches 30kmph. At this point, all hell breaks loose and the moped begins to vibrate in rebellion from the handlebar to rear fender. At 40kmph, the XL100 is completely out of breath on the highway, nearly everyone is faster than you are.  

But then, TVS never built the XL 100 for high-speed highway runs. Its load-carrying ability is what made the XL 100 an icon in the first place. So, tapping into its potential we loaded it with 180kg (including a 60kg rider) and attempted to climb an incline of nearly 45 degrees. The XL 100 did struggle at first, but once it picked up the pace, the moped climbed up the slope with utmost poise. Undoubtedly, riding around with that weight around the city was a breeze too. While the brakes do need improvement, the suspension feels extremely plush under load and absorbs potholes and bumps effortlessly.  

TVS has sworn by the XL 100 in a day and age where other manufacturers are moving to technologically-advanced and higher capacity commuters. Being the only moped in the country, the XL 100 has no direct competition. Although, with a price tag of Rs 48,839, it costs more than the Bajaj CT100 Kickstart (Rs 44,890) and almost the same as the Hero HF Deluxe Kickstart (Rs 48,950).  

The XL 100 Comfort may not be as refined or boast of never-ending mileage like the Bajaj or Hero, but it does offer unmatched load-carrying ability at the price; something which its target audience desires. And even though the little moped isn’t high on features either, it continues to remain a top contender in the game owing to its simplicity and robust build quality.   

Photography by Kapil Angane