TVS Zeppelin R Vs Xianglong JSX500i: Photo Comparison

Here’s how the Chinese clone compares to the OG

TVS debuted the Zeppelin R concept back in 2018. While the Indian power cruiser hasn’t entered into production yet, China-based Xianglong has already mocked it with its JSX500i. Here’s a visual comparison of both bikes. 

The TVS offering gets a hexagonal LED headlamp flanked by LED indicators. The home-grown manufacturer has taken things up a notch by adding an HD camera to the headlamp bracket. On the other hand, the Xianglong JSX500i mocks the headlight setup, sans the camera. 

The Zeppelin R concept houses a 220cc air-cooled engine rated at 20PS and 18.5Nm. The desi power cruiser features a TVS-patented ‘Integrated Starter Generator’. In simple terms, it’s like a mild-hybrid system that helps to boost the petrol motor at lower speeds and accelerate quicker. The Chinese company hasn’t mocked this tech. It has powered the JSX500i by a larger 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor with an output rated at 44.8PS and 41Nm. 

While the TVS Zeppelin R is belt-driven, the Xianglong JSX500i uses a conventional chain-drive unit. 

Now to the equipment front. Apart from the aforementioned E-Boost assist and HD camera, the Zeppelin R concept also gets a smart bio key and internet connectivity (benefits of being a concept bike). The JSX500i gets LED lights and a digital instrument cluster. 

The rider triangle on the TVS Zeppelin R seems a tad sporty, thanks to the wide and flat handlebar. The Xianglong JSX500i gets a much taller handle for a relaxed riding position. 

TVS has sprung the Zeppelin R on a 41mm inverted front fork and monoshock. Its braking hardware consists of a 300mm front and a 240mm rear disc. In contrast, the Xianglong JSX500i uses a preload-adjustable USD front fork and monoshock. The braking setup is slightly overkill, with the dual front discs and a single rear unit (with dual-channel ABS as standard). 

As mentioned earlier, the TVS Zeppelin R is yet to become a production bike, which we expect to happen by the end of this year. The Xianglong JSX500i, on the other hand, is already on sale in China but won’t be heading to India anytime soon.