Michael Schumacher is one of, if not, the most successful drivers in Formula One. With the dozens of records, undying thirst for victory and his unfailing ability to do that race after race, most F1 fans will tell you just how boring the sport has become for the spectator.
The reason we’re talking about the German in red is because TVS and its products are going the scarlet way as well. Most of the their machines have refined engines, good chasses, are neat handlers and have the best brakes. And yet, they have something missing. The black Victor GLX we tested, underscored the missing ingredient.
The GLX, firmly swinging with the current execommuter fashion, comes dressed in a fairing which could be a straight lift off the Centra. The red graphics fit the bike well too. As does the 10 bhp, 124.8cc engine, equipped with the VT-i goodies from the Centra – this propels the bike to a steady 100 kph without hassle. The chassis, box section swing arm, great Ceat Secura tyres and well-tuned suspension make for a smooth riding machine and make cornering as easy as 1-2-3. Slick gearshifts allow quick snicks up and you can exit a corner as quickly as you like. TVS hasn’t skimped on the brake specification either. The Fiero F2’s 240 mm brake is optional and it is an awesome little unit. The GLX stoppies nicely. The monsoons also gave us time to check ‘em out in the wet, and like the F2, the GLX will hold its line under hard braking effortlessly. The disc isn’t quite what Schumacher gets in his car, but it definitely is more than adequate for our needs.
All told, good things do come in small packages, and that the Victor GLX proves. But no one is saying that TVS is infallible. Once more, the manufacturer has chosen to ignore those who desperately need to enjoy their commutes. The GLX is a great point-to-point machine – as long as both points are within the city, that is. On the weekend ride, fifth gear is sorely missed and the mundane styling still doesn’t help the GLX stand out from the ubiquitous commuter look.
See? It is quite like Ferrari/ Schumi in F1, isn’t it? Effective,admirable, perhaps even perfect. But unfortunately, somewhat unexciting.
