Bajaj Auto Limited is the largest bike manufacturer in India with a major share in the lower end segment. The Bajaj Platina is an entry level 100 cc bike which is a leader because of its high fuel efficiency. Launched in 2006, the Platina has won the best 100 cc bike award instituted by NDTV profit in 2007. A 125 cc version is expected in 2014.
The Bajaj Platina spoke wheel variant comes with a price tag of Rupees 37,019 and the alloy wheel variant, Rupees 39,005. The bike comes in three colours; the black with chrome graphics, the red-maroon combination and the flame red. The console has an analogue speedometer and a fuel gauge. The pillion has a footrest and a grab rail. The bike has an electric start in addition to the kick start. The head light is multi-reflector type with 55 w HS1 bulb and the tail light a 5 w bulb. There is a 21 w brake light and a pass light.
The Platina is powered by a 99.27 cc, 8.2 ps and 8.05 Nm engine with digital CDI and TRICS III. This single spark plug bike has exhausTEC system which aids in developing extra torque. The clutch is wet multi-disc type and the manual 4 gear transmission is chain driven. The Platina gives fantastic mileages of 62 kmpl in the city traffic and 68 kmpl on the highways. It accelerates from 0 to 60 kmph in 9 s and the top speed is 87 kmph.
The chassis of the Platina is single down tube with cradle type and the suspensions are hydraulic telescopic with 125 mm stroke at both the ends. The wheels are 2.75-17” 41P at the front and 3.0-17” 50 P at the rear with drum type brakes of 130 mm size at both the ends.
The dimensions of the Platina are 1990 mm length, 770 mm width, 1090 mm height, 1275 mm wheel base and 165 mm ground clearance. The seat height is 805 mm. The fuel tank capacity is 13.0 litre with a reserve capacity of 2.0 litre. The long wheel base and a good ground clearance make it suitable even on highway rides.
The Bajaj Platina is a safe and comfortable commuter bike. The extra-long seat makes it fit for the family rides as the pillion rider also feels comfortable. The high fuel efficiency and the low maintenance costs make it a favourite of the daily commuter. The bike is slightly under powered and the build quality and the style are inferior when compared to the competitors. The competition comes from the bikes likes the TVS Victor, the TVs Apache, the Hero Slpendor and the Hero Passion.
