TvS ViCtOr GL - The upgraded strategy. Review on TVS Victor

''The ways of ninja are the ways of victory'',goes an old Japanese proverb.But here in India,we say,''The ways of Victor,are the ways of victory.''

TVS Motor Company(formerly known as TVS Suzuki),have relaunched their executive segment best seller,Victor as the new improved,Victor GL.Many a lot would wonder what was the reason behind relaunching a best seller?The answer to their questions,

would soon be revealed after a brief preview of this new machine.

Designing has been one of the major changes.If one looks closely at the new bike,one may find the new twin tone saddle which is available only on Silver and Golden coloured models.Another changes include the twin tone rear view mirrors(available on all models) and matching new stickers.Sadly,all of us know that all this has been

purely copied from the Deluxe models of LML's Freedom.Frame is the usual Tubular Cradle.However,the thick side and rear panels,remain separated due to the new,two step manually adjustable shockers.The ergonomics remain as great as they were on the older version.

So much changes in the design,but none what so ever in the engine which remains the same 109 cc making out 8.1 BHP@ 7250 RPM which is adequate for an execommuter bike.Becoz this is not a performance bike.It is not something one can rush with,moving at maximum speeds by

releasing the 8 mm throttle and unleashing all the 8 horses out of the stable.And thats why I was surprised!A 0-60 in 8.1 seconds is too good for an execommuter,to be true.Even Ambition(133cc),falls short to better this statistic.These figures are the best among all the execommuters too.It has a very good pick up which can be matched with the likes of the Eliminator,GF125,YBX,CBZ,etc. which is quite scintillating.The top speed of the bike is 90 km/hr.

Braking is with help of drum brakes with front,130 mm and rear 110 mm.However both the brakes could have been 130 mm drums.That would have aided retardation in a better way.

Instrumentation remains as one of the favorite features of Victor riders.A 140 km/hr Analog Speedometer,Odometer,Fuel Gauge and Power/Economy Mode illuminates the bike at night.Ride economically and the green light will be on.But as one gets mischievious,releasing the throttle generously,the green light goes off and the amber light starts glowing.This helps a lot in having control over fuel efficiency as the whole thing depends upon the rider.

Fuel Efficiency,is perhaps the major factor in India which makes a bike popular among the Indian crowd.This was the reason behind the success of the old Victor and this could well be the reason behind the success of the new Victor GL too coz there have been no changes in the engine or carburettor(Mikuni).I rode this bike for more than 70 kms,revolving within the city limits in a litre of petrol which is phenomenal.And according to the owner(my neighbour) who goes to his office through the highway covering 55 kms daily,he gets more a little more than 80 km/l.The worst he ever got was 58 km/l and the best,an unbelievable 93 km/l which is mind blowing.This gives the Victor GL a range of about 900kms with that 11 litre tank full.

Now comes the big question as to why the Victor was relaunched?The answer is Psychology.Yes!Studies reveal that products which are relaunched with International,The Newly Styled

tags create a lot of interest among the customers.Other examples include the new Libero and Freedom.People think that the company has paid a lot of attention on the improvement of the bike and has made it better than ever before.This initial temptation finally results in the

increased sales of the product.Although TVS Motors have made a lot of improvements in their bike,still this will be assumed as a strategy which will work or not,will be seen in the near future.