Bajaj Platina 110 H Gear Review
Bike Tested: Bajaj Platina 110 H Gear; Road Test No. 1113; Test Location: Pune
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 68,404/-
The Bajaj Platina 110 is an entry-level 110cc commuter motorcycle
The Bajaj Platina was one of the first motorcycles from Bajaj Auto which was focused for a comfortable ride on Indian road conditions. As Bajaj marketed it for rural as well as urban markets, Nitrox suspension for the rear was the one thing they focused on mostly. But now as the roads are reaching places, the company planned something more with the Platina. Let’s find out if the update has made things interesting for us as well?
Motor Quest: Bajaj launched the Platina back in 2006. Over the years, there have been few updates while the major one included a new 110cc DTSI engine. Bajaj boasted about the Platina’s comfort with a Nitrox rear suspension and the motorcycle got tubeless tyres for less hassle.
The design is the same, however it gets newer graphics
Styling – On the styling front, the Platina does not have any major updates. Although it gets new colour options and slightly different graphics, a normal person will not able to tell any more differences. However, the Platina logo is now in 3D just like the Pulsar logos. The seat now has a ribbed design and at the front, you could find a disc brake which the Platina never got. The DRL on the top of the headlight is quite bright and although the bike is quite old the design still gets around with the current generation commuter motorcycles.
First ever commuter to get a gear-position indicator
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – Alongside the visual changes, the cluster is also updated. The Platina now gets an analogue-digital unit. The analogue section includes the speedometer which is the same as the regular Platina 110 but now comes with a black background. The digital section, however, gets rest of the details which includes a clock, fuel gauge, trip meter, odometer and a gear position indicator. The gear position indicator does display “H” as it’s 5th gear. The switchgear has been continued from the Platina 110 but as there has been an inclusion of DRLs as the electricals are DC.
Rib-type seat design adds more cushioning
Ergonomics – The ergonomics of the Platina H Gear have been retained and the motorcycle is easily accessible for everyone. The seating posture is upright while you also get front-set footpegs. The seat height is increased by 3 mm which is just the addition of rib-type cushioning in the seat. Pillion comfort is also great and the seat is wide as well as long, enough to seat two people in utmost comfort. The handlebar and the mirrors have been borrowed too and they solve their purpose of practicality pretty well.
The DTS-i motor has a very peppy low-end and mid-range
Performance – Powered by the same 115.5cc motor, the Bajaj Platina produces 8.5 BHP and 9.81 Nm of torque. The engine feels quite refined and has a decent throttle response for a 110cc motorcycle. As an addition, the Platina now gets a 5-speed gearbox. If you look properly there is no mention of H Gear on the side of the engine, it rather says – N-1-2-3-4-5. With the addition of a 5th gear, the Platina has a comfortable riding spot at 80 km/hr while it doesn’t stress as much while hitting the ton. The 4th gear, however, feels more lively and the Platina can do highway commutes now. The gearbox is smooth shifting while the exhaust has a good note to it. With the inclusion again, there is a high likelihood of an increase in mileage however, we did not get a chance to test that.
With the 5th gear, highway duties are more likeable
Riding Dynamics – The ergonomics have been continued and hence the riding dynamics of the Platina are just like any other commuter motorcycle. Although there has been a very minor increase in weight, the dynamics don’t differ. The bike feels comfortable in the city while the suspension does its job really well in any kind of road conditions. As the motorcycle is light it tips into corners quickly, however, the skinny 80-section tubeless tyres don’t provide much confidence. The Platina now gets an optional 240 mm disc brake at the front making it feedback rich while braking. Bajaj has also given the Platina anti-skid braking as standard which is just another term for a combi-braking system.
It is a very appealing commuter for the price
Verdict – The Bajaj Platina 110 was the entry-level motorcycle which fetched quite a few homes in the rural as well as urban markets. As its sole purpose is commuting, it already had what it needs but with the improvement of roads all over India, there are places which are now connected by state highways. In this process, making the Bajaj Platina a 5-speed motorcycle makes it appealing by the commuter audience. Also, calling the additional gear a highway gear is a brilliant technique to showcase the product. The Bajaj Platina is a very affordable and accessible workhorse, with the addition of the disc brake and a 5-speed gearbox it does have a lot to offer to the audience it caters.
The rear suspension is well engineered for comfort and practicality
What’s Cool
* 5-speed gearbox is unique and helpful
* Suspension is quite comfortable and does the job well
* Braking feedback is improved with the optional disc unit
* Ergonomics are comfortable and accessible to all kind of people
What’s Not So Cool
* Overall fit and finish feels quite basic
* Tyres are skinny and don’t offer great confidence
* Does not look fresh, continues with the same design language
One of the things that I like the most is the super bright DRL
Bajaj Platina 110 H Gear Specifications
* Engine: 115.5cc, Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder, DTS-i
* Power: 8.5 BHP @ 7000 RPM
* Torque: 9.81 Nm @ 5000 RPM
* Transmission: 5-Speed
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Fuel Consumption: 60 km/l
* Frame: Single Down-Tube Cradle Frame
* Tyres: 80/100/17 (Front), 80/100/17 (Rear)
* Suspension: Telescpoic Forks (Front), Nitrox Rear Suspension (Rear)
* Brakes: 240 mm Disc (Front), 110 mm Drum (Rear)
Bajaj Platina 110 H Gear Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2006 mm x 704 mm x 1076 mm
* Ground Clearance: 200 mm
* Seat Height: 807 mm
* Wheelbase: 1255 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 11-litres
* Kerb weight: 118.5 kgs
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