Commuter segment is the most popular segment of the Indian two wheeler market. The major chunk of the commuter segment comes from the 100-125cc motorcycles. Therefore, new bikes are adding to this specific segment every year and manufacturer keep updating the existing line-up to compete the fierce competition. 2014 was no exception and witnessed launches of new and technologically advanced products in the 100-125cc commuter category throughout the year. So, lets have a quick review of all these products
Mahindra Centuro N1: After the huge success of the Centuro O1, launched in 2013, Mahindra two wheelers introduced two new variants of the bike- N1 and Rockstar in January and August 2014 respectively. Mahindra Centuro N1 is a stripped down version of the bike compared to the O1, and priced at Rs. 46,450 (ex-showroom Delhi), around Rs. 2,800 cheaper than the O1. Both the bikes are identical to each other apart from the digital console replaced by an analog type one to reduce the cost.
Hero MotoCorp Splendor iSmart: Hero launched one of the most technically advanced commuters in India- Splendor iSmart with a price tag of Rs. 47,250 (ex-showroom Delhi). Based on the Splendor NXG, the bike get some cosmetic and technical updated including the first-in-class switchable i3S (idle start stop) technology, to improve the urban efficiency of the bike. The bike also got some major cosmetic upgrades like interesting dual tone paint job, sportier visor, split grab rail and handlebar weights.
Hero MotoCorp HF-Deluxe ECO: Another upgraded model from the Hero MotoCorp is the ECO version of the HF-Deluxe with some aerodynamic features and a new and solo Leaf Green colour option. Costing Rs. 1,000 over the top variant of the HF-Deluxe, the Hero HF-Deluxe ECO priced at Rs. Rs. 44,500 (ex-showroom Delhi). Other new features of the bike are aero mirrors, airfoils on leg-guards and low rolling friction tyres, introduced for better fuel economy.
Bajaj Discover 125 M: After introducing the sporty Discover 125 ST, 125 T, 100 T and 100 M, based on the third gen platform, Bajaj launched Discover 125 M. Retaining most of the aesthetics of its siblings, the new bike introduced as mileage conscious machine, claiming a top efficiency of 76kmpl with a powerful 125cc engine. Priced in the bracket of 100-110cc bikes at Rs. 48,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the bike is superior than many mass segment motorcycles.
TVS Star City Plus: The Chennai based manufacturer- TVS Motors introduced the all new TVS Star City Plus with a more practical and sportier design. Launched in two different trims- Kick Start Mag and Self Start Mag, the bike has been priced at Rs. 41,500 and 44,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively. Key features of the bike are multi-functional analog-digital console with service reminder, a stainless steel muffler guard, chrome finished handlebars, coloured shock absorbers, Econometer, a dual tone seat and te most important the new 110cc Eco Thrust engine.
Honda CD 110 Dream: Honda launched its most affordable motorcycle- CD 110 Dream at Rs. 41,100 (ex-showroom Delhi), which belongs to the Honda's Dream commuter family. Sharing the platform with the Dream Yuga and Neo, the low cost Honda CD 110 Dream got the same refined 110cc engine, making 8.2bhp along with a healthy claimed mileage of 74kmpl. The bike received some major cosmetic changes resulting in the cost cut.
Mahindra Centuro Rockstar: After launching the stripped down version of the popular Centuro- N1, Mahindra introduced a more affordable model of the series- Centuro Rockstar with a cost cut of around Rs. 5,500 over the O1 version. Priced at just Rs. 43,680 (ex-showroom,Delhi), the bike loosed some features including the digital instrument cluster, remote key fob and the anti-theft alarm system. It also got a new paint scheme to gel with its 'Rockstar' theme.
Hero MotoCorp Splendor Pro Classic: Already unveiled at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo in February along with the Passion Pro TR, the Hero Splendor Pro Classic is a cafe racer styled version of the renown Splendor Pro. It is the same Splendor motorcycle you all might have ridden sometime, but with a major style update with classic round headlight and speedometer, vintage style paint and graphics, sporty handlebar, round tail lamp, single seat with cafe racer style cowl and turn indicators, steel mudguards and shiny spoke wheels. There is not any technical update except the engine tuned for better performance delivering 8.25bhp. The bike comes with a price tag of Rs. 48,650 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Hero MotoCorp Passion Pro TR: Launched at Rs. 51,550 (ex-showroom, Delhi), Hero Passion pro TR is an on/off road version of the stylish commuter Passion Pro. It also got the same re-tuned engine like the Splendor Pro Classic and many extra features to make it on/off road compatible like headlight grill, knuckle guards, handlebar with crossbar, extra grip knee pads on fuel tank, new sportier graphics, high mounted front fender with tyre hugger, engine bash plate, front disc brake standard and MRF Moto-D tyres.