Comparison: New Bajaj Platina 100 ES, Hero MotoCorp HF-Deluxe, Honda CD110 Dream, TVS Star City Plus and Mahindra Centuro Rockstar

Bajaj has launched a new model of its most efficient motorcycle Platina, with revised styling and a new engine. Christened as Bajaj Platina 100 ES, it claims a mileage of 96.9kmpl that further burns the soul of other motorcycles in its range. Priced at just Rs. 44,507 (ex-showroom price Delhi), the Platina competes with Hero MotoCorp HF-Deluxe, Honda CD110 Dream, TVS Star City Plus and Mahindra Centuro Rockstar. Therefore, to assist prospective buyers to pick the most suitable bike from this list, we have done a comprehensive comparison.

Design and Styling: Firstly, in all these machines are entry-level commuters, therefore design and styling are least considered cardential for these, still manufacturers put their best efforts to keep the attraction high and its cost low.

Bajaj Platina 100 ES: Bajaj Platina was never a fancy motorcycle still the manufacturer adds a few new elements to the new 100 ES, which enhance its taste. The headlight, rear and side panel, bikini faring, rear grab rails and instrument console have been redesigned that help it capture a few more eyes than before.

Hero MotoCorp HF-Deluxe: The intelligent commuter maker brought this machine with a subtle style that remains smooth throughout. With simple yet attractive design, the manufacturer applies scintillating graphics to accelerate its charm.

Honda CD110 Dream: Another tough competitor by Honda that prevail confusion with its genuine design and structure. Keeping the stance strong it is also a very elegant model that proposes durability and reliability.

TVS Star City Plus: TVS Motors always keep the design of its products as competitive as their performance. Here, Star City Plus has been decorated with 3D emblem, colored shock absorbers, premium Ecothrust logo on muffler, aggressive fuel tank and honeycomb textured grills.

Mahindra Centuro Rockstar: Mahindra created an inexpensive machine that looks pretty awesome and performs like a freak. Just as the name confirms, the machine looks like a Rockstar with enticing graphics and the stone cold look.

Engine, Transmission and Performance: When attraction fades, performance shines and when we talk about commuters, their engine and its functioning is the most important aspect to watch out.

Bajaj Platina 100 ES: Bajaj has designed an all new 102cc, single-cylinder, 2-valve, DTS-I with ExhausTEC engine to run the new Platina. It is mated to a 4-speed all down transmission and is able to generate power of 8.1bhp at 7500rpm and torque of 8.6Nm at 5000rpm. It is the most fuel efficient motorcycle with a fuel economy of 96.9kmpl that can also gain a top speed of 90kmph.

Hero MotoCorp HF-Deluxe: Hero installs a 97.2cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke, mono-cylinder, OHC engine, which is mated to a 4-speed gearbox with all up shifts. The motor regulates 8.2bhp of power and 8.05Nm of torque. With quick acceleration and fine power delivery, the mileage returned by the HF-Deluxe is 83kmpl.

Honda CD110 Dream: Honda loads the Dream with air-cooled, 4-stroke, SI engine that displaces 109.19cc. Coupled with a 4-speed transmission, it incorporates Honda Eco Technology and Viscous air filter to offer a mileage count of 74kmpl. The utmost power of 8.25bhp at 7500rpm and super torque value of 8.63Nm at 5500rpm helps it reach a speed mark of 86kmph.

TVS Star City Plus: TVS bestows the Star City Plus with a low friction 110cc Advanced Ecothrust Engine fitted with Molycoat Piston for enhanced output. The 109.7cc is tuned to churn-out a supreme power of 8.3bhp at 7000rpm with topmost torque of 8.7Nm at 5000rpm and comes linked to a 4-speed constant mesh transmission. Furthermore, the company claims a fine mileage of 86kmpl.

Mahindra Centuro Rockstar: Propelled by a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled, MCI-5 engine with a displacement of 106.7cc, it celebrates 8.4bhp of net power and 8.5Nm of net torque. The motor works with a 4-speed gearbox that does 4 up side shifts. It is a Micro Chip ignited-5 curve powertrain that is designed to provide a fuel consumption of 85.4kmpl.

Chassis: Performance of these bikes needs support of a dynamic frame that should last longer and stronger. While, all the motorcycles are paired with Telescopic front suspensions and 5-spoke alloy wheels.

Bajaj Platina 100 ES: Tubular single down tube with lower cradle frame has been used to craft the motorcycle. It is further equipped to a hydraulic SNS suspension at the rear and tyres that pull it forward are 2.75x17 41P front and 3.00x17 50P rear. The wheels are fitted with 110mm drum brakes.

Hero MotoCorp HF-Deluxe: It is completed on a tubular double cradle frame that is clipped with a Swing arm with 2 step adjustable hydraulic shock absorber at the rear. Tyres allotted to it are 2.75 x 18 - 4 PR /42 P at the front and 2.75 x 18 - 6 PR / 48 P at the rear with 130mm front and 110mm rear drum brakes.

Honda CD110 Dream: Enveloped on a diamond frame, it sports spring loaded hydraulic suspension at the rear. With tubeless 80/100 – 18 inch tyres, it brings 130mm drum brakes at both sides.

TVS Star City Plus: TVS takes single cradle tubular frame as the formation of the bike and fits in the 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorber at the rear. Tyres equipped to the machine are 2.75 x 17 front and 3.00 x 17 rear with 130mm front drum and 110mm rear drum brakes.

Mahindra Centuro Rockstar: Double cradle tubular structure has been opted to build the Rockstar, which houses coiled spring 5-step adjustable suspension at the rear. It runs on 2.75 x 18 front tyre and 3.0 x 18 rear tyre that holds 130mm drum brakes.

Pricing:

Verdict:

It is difficult to believe but Mahindra Centuro Rockstar is much ahead of its competition as far as looks, size and features are concerned. Bajaj Platina 100 ES is a quite a great deal with best in class mileage but other machines offer a better style. Being a commuter every motorcycle in the list is fuel efficient but TVS Star City Plus is also a good looking model, which competes well with the Mahindra’s bike. But, it is the trust in the brand names, larger service network and better product life that play a crucial role in buying decision of us. So, Hero MotoCorp and Honda have always an upper hand in this.