karthik_R

Hi guys,

Wanted to start an ownership thread for acclaimed No.1 Executive commuter motorcycle which I incidentaly happen to own, a Silver 2003 Victor GL, going strong now and for the years to come.

The bike which I believe really bestowed "more smiles per hour" with its best inclass power and returns.

First let me put the specs out as per the ownership thread standards.

Model: TVS Victor GL

Engine and transmission
Displacement: 109.00 ccm (6.65 cubic inches)
Engine type: Single cylinder
Stroke: 4
Power: 8.10 HP (5.9 kW)) @ 7250 RPM
Torque: 8.10 Nm (0.8 kgf-m or 6.0 ft.lbs) @ 5500 RPM
Compression: 9.3:1
Fuel system: Carburettor
Fuel control: OHC
Ignition: Digital
Cooling system: Air
Gearbox: 4-speed
Transmission type
final drive: Chain

Physical measures
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc: 118.0 kg (260.1 pounds)
Wheelbase: 1,250 mm (49.2 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Front suspension: Telescopic oil-damped
Front suspension travel: 100 mm (3.9 inches)
Rear suspension: Hydraulic with co-axial spring
Rear suspension travel: 75 mm (3.0 inches)
Front tyre dimensions: 2.75-18
Rear tyre dimensions: 3.00-18
Front brakes: Expanding brake (drum brake)
Front brakes diameter: 1,300 mm (51.2 inches)
Rear brakes: Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakes diameter: 110 mm (4.3 inches)

Speed and acceleration
0-60kmph in 8.1secs
0-100kmph (you tell me )

Other specifications
Fuel capacity: 11.00 litres (2.91 gallons)
Reserve fuel capacity: 3.00 litres (0.79 gallons)


Well, many xbhpians might think why the thread for a bike is no more in production, which might sound logical. But I, unlike other victor owners have this distinct connect. This is how I put it across my little story.

During my pre-university days, I was riding around on the TVS 50 which was passed over to me by my dad, I was a bookworm back then and knew very little about bikes, all this was to change for better. One fine day I happened to see a silver victor zooming through the streets and boy, I was hooked. I wanted one for myself. Some time around then, got my 2nd PU scores and not to my surprise scored 94% and I knew this score is good enough to persuade my parents to get the silver steed I wanted apart from a seat in one of the finest engineering college. I did get admitted in one such college and it was my 18th birthday (after 2 months post admission). The very next day my dad decided to hook me up with the ride which would eventually be my best friend and see me through my engineering days.

That night I was sleep deprived, two reasons for this, one being, I would have my dream bike parked in my porch, second being, I DIDNT KNOW HOW TO RIDE A GEARED BIKE (here's where you guys can laugh on my lack of skills).

September 03 2003, the showroom guy confirms me that there's enough stock of the silver victor, so you can be our esteemed customer. Me and my dad head towards the showroom on my dad's Scooty. 44k in cash, and a little accessory shopping. Before I know, it was evening we get the bike delivered. The showroom guy puts a beautiful jasmine garland on it and says all the very best sir, to which I smiled, not knowing whether or not I will be able to put my theoritical gear shifting skills to any pratical use at all. Seeing the bike parked in front of the showroom, I was very very happy indeed, hell yeah, this is my first bike.

The receptionist handed me the docs, medical kit, the battery warranty card and the tool kit. I was happy like a toddler receiving his christmas gifts. Finally, the moment of truth, I have to start her for the my test ride. Had no problem in starting her, depressed the clutch, shifted to engage the 1st cog and started releasing the clutch, butter...No, the engine didnt die, I moved forward with no jerky movements and effortlessly shifted through all the gears and back to pavilion in one piece.
I could only compare my new ride with that of my TVS XL, know this is an unfair comparison but as you know it, the bike was very punchy through the low and mid rev range, very torquey, credit goes to the tranny.


Its like the bike knew what to do and responded to me by amplifying or chopping the irregularities in my actions. Looking back now, I can say, the bike choose its rider and vice versa. Getting back, I was not confident to breeze through the traffic infested roads. My dad knew a guy in the showroom and convinced him to ride it home. For the next week or so, I was sleep deprived as usual and spent hours together in the day cleaning it and shining the various spokes. I wasnt bothered about the mileage it returned for I was to busy in discovering the various features (FYI : the company claimed 21 new changes in the bike compared to the older ones) the one which grabbed my attention was the econometer, which was calibrated to switch ignition maps relative to the throttle position thus lighting the amber/green leds on the instrument cluster. I was questioning about the gap that exists between the switch from economy to the power mode, where does the engine derive its ignition curve from? economy or power mode?

Nevertheless, I had memorable 4 years of my engineering days on my Victor travelling 16 kms per day, starting up for the very first kick, always stopping in front of a fuel station for her depleted nutrients, never broke down(till date) and most amazingly returning nearly 80-81kmpl for I never stressed her past 40-45kmph. I attribute every bit of my success to my bike, be it scoring the 10th rank in the state, then, or drawing a 5 digit pay now, every single bit of it.

There are several stories of mixed emotions which I would share eventually, even though I ride around in an r15, I devote my weekends cleaning my victor and see to it that its in top shape. If anyone were to look at my bike now, you would be surprised to see the shape it is in. PRISTINE show room condition.

Attached Thumbnails

   

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http://rcperformace.webs.com/

ken cool

Ownership Approved

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karthik_R

Thanks ken

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http://rcperformace.webs.com/

outworldly maniac

one amazing bike but it was meant for giving mileage and being maintenance free i guess
not performance ,,,,
good read there karthik

karthik_R

Appreciate the feedback..but would like to highlight the fact that,before the days of apache, TVS had "race a bike scheme" on the victors. And you should see the way a factory victor moves. I personally have seen one during the recent nandi hill climb, it put to shame many big bore bikes.

I will shortly post pics of the commuter bike's metamorphosis into a performance bike

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http://rcperformace.webs.com/

darkknight

To substantiate your claim ,here's Ram from pune on his victor on a really tough terrain on our recent offroading trip & look how easily the victor traversed the path where even pulsar 200,r15,rtr etc had tough time)

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bibekjyoti.de

bhau.. P200 ke liye tough time kab tha?

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karthik_R

It would be great if we just cherish the bike, just the way it is.

Each bike has its distinct characteristics for which it is known.

We wouldnt want a bike A vs bike B war now, do we ?

EDIT : Found this First Victor Press Release pic, which I wanted to share with you guys..

About the performance which was talked about, follow this link

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/m...1701180400.htm

and

http://www.indiabike.com/roadtest/tv...o/handling.htm

Attached Thumbnails

 

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http://rcperformace.webs.com/

darkknight

Bhai...mera matlab tha...with 8.1 bhp...and the typical commuter average tag..look how it performed carying a pillion and all...

aur 200 ne tough time nahi diya...but you certainly gave your 200 a tough time

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Ram_thegreat

Well said DK Talking about the performance of my Victor which turned 5 yrs old this march is amazing with 60 ka average till now. Maintenance wise after so many years i just got it replaced the rear tyre, shock absorbs & cluch plates, till then the factory manufactored was going on...

But performance on Rajmachi track was amazing that too with a pillion. Im really proud of my bike.