Everybody knows that China is a power house when it comes to copying and creating different versions of a product. While China has always been seen as the copycat where the copyright and patent laws are very weak, the recent launch of the copycat model JSX500i by the Xiangshuai Heavy Machinery is unprecedented.
TVS unveiled its concept hybrid bike TVS Zeppelin in the 2018 Auto Expo. While design, development and testing of the model is still going on, the Chinese company had already launched the copycat model. Pictures of both the bikes show an uncanny resemblance and there is no need to think twice about it.
The Zeppelin cruiser concept by TVS had a sharp petrol tank and a hexagonal headlamp. From the first looks the Chinese JSX500i is no different. It also retains the same radiator grille, side panels that are exactly the same and the rear part of the bike. While the JSX500i, lacks the gold colouring on the front fork suspension, it is hardly a thing to differentiate the two bikes.
However, not all is same in this copycat model. The JSX500i has a 471cc petrol engine and the TVS Zeppelin is a hybrid engine that runs on 220cc petrol engine. Further TVS Zeppelin also has a 1200 watt electric motor mated with the 48V lithium ion battery. The cooling system of the Zeppelin is yet to be known but the Chinese model is a water cooled engine that is mated with a 6 speed gearbox.
Chinese model has a digital instrument cluster that shows the running details, speed and odometer. The bike moves on a 17 inch wheel and 120/70 front and 150/70 high grip tyres. With a comfortable wheel base of 1460 mm, JSX500i is 2150mm long and 890mm wide. It stands tall at 1180 mm high.
Other important differentiators are the taller hand bars and upswept exhaust pipes. The rear suspension is provided by monoshock with adjustable loads. It also comes with a dual channel ABS system that provides better safety and security in the real life situations. At 470cc petrol engine, it is important to have that assistance of ABS.
It is yet to see what is there on cards for the TVS Zeppelin but it certainly gets more attraction and attention in the past few days. What do you think about the Zeppelin Copycat?
