In India’s hyper competitive commuter motorcycle space peppered with reaches styled and over-priced options, Bajaj Platina 110 emerges as a simplistic no-non-sequitur machine that respects mayhamic practicality over redundant luxury in high demand. A bike with real worth – not its something else cheap motorcycle that demonstrates how a communtor ought to simply fulfill the actual demands of actual riders in India’s various conditions.
First Dhansu Impression
The moment you enter as well concept of the Platina 110 stands alone quite unmistakably.
Its clean, functional style is timeless with a few tasteful modern elements that never let the worst utilitarian tendencies usurp the light. The panels made of body colour will survive daily action while the minimal emblems on the sides guarantee that it does not go out of trend.
Handlebars that are naturally relaxed for being in the saddle, relegating the handlebar to the position of control (not posture) not that many bikes really do anymore. Surprisingly is even the seat, not just comfy has a proper shaped seat to keep thighs right where they should be for hours of riding not to feel too fatigued. The position of footpegs also shows that there is plenty of thought put into them, for an Indian built bum.
Powertrain Performance that Commuter Needs
Its core is the proven 115.45cc DTS-i engine from Bajaj that churns out an impressive 8.6PS and 9.81Nm — story half told. The magic comes with it, here lies not with direct speed but with a well attained power delivery where you hardly notice the acceleration but it comes as a blessing in disguise for stop-and-go Indian traffic.
I liked the power curve especially. The engine pulls from idle nicely, so there is no such thing as being left hanging at a light, however the throttle has been mapped smartly enough to avoid any harsh take offs.
This dutiful idling further helps the bike in its pocket fuel consumption — courtesy of just about wonderful tune up, save some fatigued rider from straining.
Common sense fuel diplomacy
Getting more than 70+ kmpl claimed (65+ kmpl actual) from Bajaj’s Platina 110 emphasizes the depth of intrinsic knowledge bike manufacturer has on realistic ways people commute. With the Eco Indicator, riders can follow the most fuel efficient riding speed limits in areas around them and the 11 litre fuel tank allows an incredible 700km+ range with infrequent fill ups — great for daily commutes & highway runs.
What is most impressive is how Bajaj has done this without affecting the squirmishness of ride. Still generating segment-leading mileage, the bike is nimble in city traffic.
The Suspension That Adores the India Roads
Bajaj tells us that their suspension setup is BBRS for streets that we encounter in India. The front is conventional telescopic forks and rear shock absorbers that are better suited for ride comfort rather than sporting topline – both commuters love compliance. Suspension does a mammoth job of compressing broken pavement, but not so much that you lose out on the compliance when driving like you only do.
Platina 110 holds its own even with a pillion rider and some luggage – something all the competitors turn sour at, in case you are stuck in urban jungle or rural byways.
Add up ownership economics
Platina 110 has incredibly cheap running expenses:
- Fuel Cost: Rs. * ** ₹1.10 —1.30/km **
- 10,000 Kms service intervals
- Most affordable spare parts if you come under bajaj generale ptg series
- Extensible 10 years standard warrany = 5 year warranty**
- For a person hitting the road for 50km daily, the annual running costs of Pi 110 over many competitive 125cc increases the savings to about 15-16K.
Additional vision that matters
Bajaj gave Platina 110 some real features like a handy one;
- Disc-digi combined instrument cluster with gear positioning
- Worry Free Battery (Maintenance Free)
- Combi-Brake System so that both front & rear brake work together
- The longest-in-class seat for maximum comfort
- Comes as standard with Integrated saree guard
These are not frills, each offering solves unique Indian commuters pain point without adding the complication and responsibility of maintenance.
The Verdict: A Medallion In Rational Commuting
The Bajaj Platina 110 is at its most successful by being authentic to what drives it (and making no attempt to be something other than what it intends). Amid the crowd design and feature laden manufacturers chasing a tiny market segment known as affordable transportation (or for some unimaginative ones, the naked motorcycle), the Platina 110 continue after all these years remains focused on its original design; making do with what it can make affordable and reliable.
For the rider who wants:
- Bajaj Pro, heritage and service confidence owing to huge dealer network.
- Superior fuel economy not at the cost of ride
- Ergonomics:** Daily use you will need to shut the traffic again and again
- Lowest possible maintenance required and stress-free ownership
Platina 110 being one of the shrewdest buys for ₹70,000-80,000 segment. It may not be the most powerful or the most well-equipped in a category of bikes but it just might be the best interpretation- a complete machine that gives you maximum on all parameters running within economic constraint that you would find extremely useful by daily commuters.
In a world of sophisticated motorcycles, the Platina 110 is almost both a retro beacon and a rhetorical question: How did these simple improvements manage to modernise? It is this, his insistence on having a focus that makes it not only a solid commuter bike, but possibly among the most considered 110cc motorcycles India has to offer right now.
