The on-your-face naked concept X21 at the TVS stall in Expo 2014 did what it was designed to do – breach the peace in the viewer’s psyche encouraging hoodlumism and rowdiness while remaining firmly in the right side of the law.
The parents, TVS, called it the Draken. They could have called it Lilly; for that matter, without fear of the bike losing any of its sting.
Key Features of TVS Draken-X21:
- About 25-27 bhp (estd)
- Daylight runners, LED headlights
- anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Reverse flow exhaust system
- Fully digital console
- Handlebar-end rear-view mirrors
The Draken carried the day handsomely for TVS leaving the journos and fans tangled in that “wonder will they ever…” net. They might.
The discerning reader will remember that these days TVS hangs out with nobody less than the BMW Motorrad. Chances are that the Draken might just make into production; if not in its entirety than at least with enough venom in it to incite the riot.
TVS says the Draken has a 250cc short-stroke, liquid-cooled race-inspired engine nestling between its light-weight aluminum trellis frame. Those who’s had the good fortune of seeing and riding bigger capacity nakeds might flinch; not we. Bikes in the region of 250cc-500cc is exactly what the good doctor has prescribed for Indian biking, and the 250cc in the Draken would do just fine for now.
The aluminum trellis painted in the shade of gold suggests value, rarity, and big ticket. The cocky placement of the exhaust outlet further strengthens the bike’s exclusivity. The front wheel and the single disc are bolted between the upside-down telescopic while the off-set mono rests on the cast-alloy swing-arm holding a 17-inch wheel shod with Pirelli’s – front 120mm, rear meaty 160mm, both 17 inchers.
TVS claims the Draken is an outright Indian effort and we do believe them, but partner Motorrad’s ‘function-over-form’ philosophy is clearly visible on the asymmetric headlight assembly so common on BMW Enduros.
Draken being a street showoff comes with a handlebar positioned for a less-committed and relaxed ride. The groovy all-digital console is designed to give rider all the necessary information when he gets time off from bequeathing smiles in return of all the admiring gazes he receives from the fellow motorists.
The TVS Draken is a concentrated, undiluted ego ride. With that small 250cc mill, one would hope that it would be wallet friendly as well. Meanwhile, TVS has just confirmed bigger Apache 200-250ccs.
TVS Draken Technical Specifications:
- Engine Capacity: 249.2cc
- Valve Train: 4V DOHC
- Engine Cooling: Liquid Cooled
- Chassis: Trellis Space Frame
- Bore x Stroke: 77mm x 53.5mm
- Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
- Exhaust: High performance reverse free flow
- Tyres: Front: 120/70 17; Rear: 160/60 17
TVS Draken Video:
TVS Draken Pic Gallery
