BAJAJ PLATINA

                                          BAJAJ PLATINA 

Bajaj Platina is a 100 cc motorcycle manufactured by Bajaj Auto. The Platina was launched in April 2006 at an ex-showroom price of Rs 35,000 and crossed sales of 500,000 units within eight months of its launch.A 125 DTS-Si variant with the same engine as the XCD was introduced in September 2008 with sales of more than 30,000 units per month but subsequently discontinue

The Platina's design is the same as Bajaj Kawasaki Wind 125,which was launched in late 2003. It is much more relaxed and upright than its rivals in the 100cc segment. Bajaj Platina's front end might feel lighter when a pillion is on the bike. A new model of the same bike was recently launched named Bajaj Platina ES Comfortec.

^{The engine of Platina is from another 100 cc bike from Bajaj, the Bajaj CT 100 but with a new Bajaj technology, ExhausTec. It has one of the best 100cc engines which is very frugal and feels less stressed on high speeds than other bikes in the segment. The bike is capable of a top speed of around 91 km/h and does 0–60 km/h in 7.89 seconds. In city traffic the bike returns 72 kmpl, while on the highway it returns more than 80 kmpl if ridden in economy speeds.}

Platina has been one of the best seller products for Bajaj Auto Ltd, the company has recently given makeover to the bike and called it ComforTec. The heart and soul of the Platina Comfortec remain same but the company has emphasized on the comfort quotient of the bike. Let’s find out what changes Bajaj has brought to the age old brand Platina.

Design & Style:

Design wise the new Platina retains almost every bit from its previous model, except few things as 3D Platina emblem on the fuel tank, black colored sleek grab rail (it used to be body colored in previous model) and a conventional steel gray color alloy wheels along with silver color clutch cover panels breaking the monotony of the previous all black theme.

Features:

Bajaj has targeted the mass population using commuter motorcycles for their daily commute and suffer the hardships of the road conditions. Generally it has been seen that due to bad roads and extensive usage of motorcycles the rider suffers back pain and other related problem associated with the same. Now Bajaj has tried to address this problem in their Platina by incorporating bigger and better suspension at both the ends.

The front telescopic suspension at the new Platina ComforTec is now been increased by 28%, the longer travel front suspension now able to soak the potholes better than ever, resulting better ride experience and enhance comfort. On the other hand the new Platina Comfortec is also featured with claimed 22% longer rear dual shock absorbers, which are now beefier SNS spring suspension than before. The rear bigger dual shock absorbers will be a boon for both rider and pillion in all sorts of riding conditions.

In addition to the suspension front the company has also introduced better and softer “Spring Soft” seat. Platina which already has the longest seat in the segment is now become more comfortable too, the spring soft seat is nothing but improved cushion used for making the seat. Thanks to the new cushioning the ride of the Platina is expected to be plusher than before. The seat cover is also seems better both in quality and in aesthetics, there is colored piping used on the granulated fabric used on the seat cover of the Platina Comfortec. 

Apart from these above mentioned features, the new Platina is featured with bigger, grippier and flat foot pegs at both the ends. Even the new Saari guard is provided with flat rubber footrest onboard.

Engine & Transmission:

The new Platina Comfortec is equipped with same 102cc dtsi engine featured on previous generation Platina including the Platina 100 ES/KS. However, the engine is now tuned to return better fuel efficiency. The company claims ARAI figure of fuel economy of 104 Kmpl, which is best economy figure in its class. The frugal nature of the engine comes at the cost of a little decrease in performance; the engine of Platina Comfortec churns out 7.9 Ps of power and 8.3 Nm of torque at 7500 and 5500 Rpm respectively. The 102cc engine is mated to 4-speed transmission gear and electronic starter comes optional.

Price & Verdict:

The new Platina ComforTec with inclusion of thoughtful feature like improved suspension system not only makes it more comfortable but also safer than before. Due to the use of long travel suspensions at both the ends the Ground Clearance of the bike has increased to 200mm which is highest in its category. High ground clearance makes the bike easier to ride on bad roads or off the roads.

At a price tag of Rs 45, 252 with Electric Starter and 43,241 without it, the Platina Comfortec makes a sense for someone who is looking for an entry level commuter with all bells & whistles to be termed as most comfortable commuter. Stay tuned to BikesIndia as we will bring you an extensive test ride review testing out the mettle of new Platina ComforTec soon.