KOZHIKODE:The motorcycle segment continues to grow in India, and Bajaj has been trying to catch up with updates for its most-loved Pulsar and Discover series. In between, the bike-makers had seen a dip, with their competitors Honda and Hero launching some impressive machines. Now the Indian bike-maker has launched the 2015 Platina ES - an electric start version of the bike, which is claimed to be a leader when it comes to mileage.
The first edition of Platina was launched in 2006. The latest version comes with a wider body. Five spoke black alloy wheels, black exhaust with chrome heat shield and graphite-coloured engine add to the modified look. The looks are easy on the eyes.
Nothing new when it comes to the instrumentation, the bike gets a basic speedometer and a fuel gauge with a neutral indicator. The highlight of the new Platina is the electric start, making it easier to fire up the machine. The bike is light with 108 kg, making it easy to manoeuvre and a saddle height of 798mm, which is best for riders with average height.
Apart from the introduction of the electric start, the other major upgrade the bike has received is the 102cc DTS-i engine which produces 8bhp at 7500rom and 8.6Nm of maximum torque. It gets a twin spark plug for better combustion, giving fuel efficiency and better performance. The bike also gets a 99.27cc engine.
“The only down side to the bike is the weight or lack of it, making it unstable even while tipping at 60km/h. The tyres are quite skinny as well and this doesn’t help maintain stability when crossing 60km/h. The bike is ideal for city rides. In fact it is perfect for our roads,” says Prakash K Rajan, a motorbike engineer.
The bike gets a ground clearance of 190mm, which is the highest in the segment, an added advantage in rural areas.
Bajaj claims a fuel efficiency of 96.90 km/l. It offers a fuel tank capacity of 11.5lt. Platina ES is economically priced at Rs 51,111 on the road.
The new Platina also comes in as much trendier shades. Platina gets three colour options such as Electron Blue, Candy Red and Ebony Black.