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karthik_R · 07-19-2009, 08:37 PM

Hi guys,

I was going through the race website of TVS and read a very interesting statement which said

"It all began way back in 1984 when Sundaram Clayton Limited (A TVS Group company) introduced its 50 CC mopeds in the arena of road racing, notching up unbelievable speeds of 105 kmph. Since then, there has been no looking back for TVS Motor Company.."

Back when I was a school goer, there used to be this next door mechanic who had numerous trophies and cups along with the greasy tools. I remember asking him, where did you win them ? To which he replyed with a smile "rally". I proceeded to ask him as to which bike he was riding in the rally. Bang came the answer "XL", I was like TVS XL ??!! He patiently said yes and said there is a race at green pitch, if you are interested you can come and watch. This was back in my 6th grade.

Rewind another 4-5 yrs back, my dad had bought a second hand TVS 50 XL, a 1983 model. 20 yrs after, the moped rusting to bits,not able to find its share of the porch space with the bikes and car, had to refuge beneath the terrace landing. Today, thanks to the power cut, I was scavenging the house and there lay my dad's humble step thru. This bike carried around 4 passengers in its hay day for till 1999 and was retired by the scooty. I felt this one needs some steroids and decided to bring it back to life. Moved the car out, to make some room and accessed damages caused by nature, rodents etc. The rims, spokes, engine head and a few other parts were rusted, wiring cut, frame bent..I was very sorry for the state of the bike and now, I am doing something I've never done before in my entire life..Yes, restore it.

I know some guys here restore bikes like the TZ and RDs..

Will attach pics and list of parts that needs to be changed as and when brought. And I have decided to do all the dirty work except the painting my self.

First set of essential bought :

>>Front and back brake cables
>>Front and rear brake shoes
>>Throttle cable
>> Clutch or the starter cable as they call it
>> Clutch gate or gata (whatever the lingo)

Today, the entire bike lays disassembled in bits and carefully stored in a card board box. Spent close to 4 hours with my brother on the disassembly. Hopefully will secure all the spares by the next week..

07-19-2009, 08:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
karthik_R Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 535	Re-build:The Humble 1983 TVS 50 XL Hi guys, I was going through the race website of TVS and read a very interesting statement which said "It all began way back in 1984 when Sundaram Clayton Limited (A TVS Group company) introduced its 50 CC mopeds in the arena of road racing, notching up unbelievable speeds of 105 kmph. Since then, there has been no looking back for TVS Motor Company.." Back when I was a school goer, there used to be this next door mechanic who had numerous trophies and cups along with the greasy tools. I remember asking him, where did you win them ? To which he replyed with a smile "rally". I proceeded to ask him as to which bike he was riding in the rally. Bang came the answer "XL", I was like TVS XL ??!! He patiently said yes and said there is a race at green pitch, if you are interested you can come and watch. This was back in my 6th grade. Rewind another 4-5 yrs back, my dad had bought a second hand TVS 50 XL, a 1983 model. 20 yrs after, the moped rusting to bits,not able to find its share of the porch space with the bikes and car, had to refuge beneath the terrace landing. Today, thanks to the power cut, I was scavenging the house and there lay my dad's humble step thru. This bike carried around 4 passengers in its hay day for till 1999 and was retired by the scooty. I felt this one needs some steroids and decided to bring it back to life. Moved the car out, to make some room and accessed damages caused by nature, rodents etc. The rims, spokes, engine head and a few other parts were rusted, wiring cut, frame bent..I was very sorry for the state of the bike and now, I am doing something I've never done before in my entire life..Yes, restore it. I know some guys here restore bikes like the TZ and RDs.. Will attach pics and list of parts that needs to be changed as and when brought. And I have decided to do all the dirty work except the painting my self. First set of essential bought : >>Front and back brake cables >>Front and rear brake shoes >>Throttle cable >> Clutch or the starter cable as they call it >> Clutch gate or gata (whatever the lingo) Today, the entire bike lays disassembled in bits and carefully stored in a card board box. Spent close to 4 hours with my brother on the disassembly. Hopefully will secure all the spares by the next week.. __________________ http://rcperformace.webs.com/ Last edited by karthik_R; 10-22-2009 at 09:02 PM.