TVS Star City Plus : In the bustling world of Indian two-wheelers, where flashy sports bikes and scooters often steal the limelight, there’s a quiet achiever that’s been winning hearts and wallets alike – the TVS Star City Plus.
Now, you might be thinking, “Really? That little commuter bike?” But hold your horses, folks, because this plucky little machine has more tricks up its sleeve than a magician at a children’s birthday party.
Let’s dive into why the Star City Plus is giving its competitors sleepless nights and making budget-conscious riders grin from ear to ear.
TVS Star City Plus The Heart of the Matter: Engine and Performance
At the core of the Star City Plus beats a 109.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine.
Now, 109.7cc might not sound like much – it’s not going to win you any drag races, that’s for sure.
But in the world of commuter bikes, it’s like the Goldilocks zone – not too big, not too small, just right.
This little powerhouse churns out a respectable 8.19 PS at 7,350 rpm and 8.7 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm.
Now, these numbers might sound like gibberish if you’re not a bike enthusiast, so let me break it down for you.
It means this bike has enough oomph to zip through city traffic like a hot knife through butter, but it won’t try to wheelie every time you sneeze on the throttle.
The engine is mated to a 4-speed gearbox that’s smoother than a politician’s promises during election season.
It’s so easy to use, you could probably teach your grandma to ride this bike (not that we’re recommending it, mind you).
But here’s where it gets interesting. TVS has thrown in their patented Ecothrust technology into the mix. It’s like having a tiny, fuel-sipping gremlin in your engine, making sure every drop of petrol is squeezed for maximum efficiency.
The result? A claimed mileage of 86 kmpl. That’s not a typo, folks. 86 kilometers per liter. You could probably ride from Mumbai to Pune and back on a single tank, and still have enough fuel left to pop down to the corner store for milk.
TVS Star City Plus Looks That Don’t Break the Bank
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – looks. The Star City Plus isn’t going to win any beauty pageants, but it’s not trying to.
It’s like that dependable friend who might not be the life of the party, but is always there when you need them.
The design is clean and functional, with a hint of sportiness thrown in for good measure. The headlamp is a stylish unit that wouldn’t look out of place on a more expensive bike.
The tank has some nice contours that give it a muscular look, and the graphics are tasteful without being over the top.
One of the standout features is the dual-tone seat. It’s not just for show – the different textures actually help you stay put when you’re riding.
No more sliding around like a penguin on an ice rink every time you hit the brakes!
The instrument cluster is a neat little unit that gives you all the information you need at a glance. Speed, fuel level, odometer – it’s all there.
And for 2024, TVS has thrown in a little treat – an eco-indicator that lights up when you’re riding efficiently. It’s like having a little cheerleader on your dashboard, encouraging you to squeeze out every last kilometer from your fuel.
TVS Star City Plus Ride and Handling: The Urban Ninja
Here’s where the Star City Plus really shines. In the urban jungle, this bike is more maneuverable than a politician dodging tough questions.
The lightweight chassis and well-tuned suspension make it a joy to flick through traffic.
The telescopic front forks and 5-step adjustable rear shocks do a commendable job of soaking up the bumps and potholes that seem to breed on Indian roads.
It’s not quite a magic carpet ride, but it’s close enough that you won’t need a kidney belt for your daily commute.
The seat deserves a special mention. It’s wide, well-padded, and actually designed for human bottoms. You could probably ride this bike all day without feeling like you’ve just participated in a rodeo.
Braking is handled by drum brakes on both wheels in the base variant, with a front disc brake available as an option.
The brakes are progressive and have good feel, allowing you to stop without drama. And for 2024, TVS has thrown in their Synchronized Braking Technology (SBT) across all variants.
It’s like having a guardian angel watching over your braking – it automatically applies a bit of rear brake when you squeeze the front, helping to keep things stable.
TVS Star City Plus Features That Punch Above Their Weight
For a bike in this price range, the Star City Plus is surprisingly well-equipped. Let’s start with the lights. The headlamp is a powerful unit that does a great job of illuminating the road ahead.
But the real party piece is the DRL (Daytime Running Light). It’s a neat LED strip that makes sure you’re visible even in broad daylight. It’s like wearing a hi-vis jacket, but way cooler.
The switchgear feels premium and has a nice tactile feel. No cheap, plasticky buttons here – everything feels like it’ll last the lifetime of the bike.
There’s even a pass light switch, which is surprisingly useful when you need to politely remind the car in front that green means go.
For 2024, TVS has also thrown in a USB charger. It’s a small touch, but one that’s incredibly useful in today’s smartphone-dependent world.
No more arriving at work with a dead phone battery!
TVS Star City Plus Fuel Efficiency: The Star of the Show
We’ve touched on this before, but it bears repeating – the fuel efficiency of the Star City Plus is nothing short of miraculous.
The claimed figure of 86 kmpl might be a bit optimistic for real-world conditions, but even if you’re getting 70-75 kmpl, that’s still incredible.
To put it in perspective, with a 10-liter fuel tank, you’re looking at a range of over 700 kilometers on a single fill. That’s like riding from Delhi to Chandigarh and back, with enough fuel left over for a week of commuting.
In a world where fuel prices seem to be on a never-ending upward spiral, this kind of efficiency is worth its weight in gold.
TVS Star City Plus Price: The Cherry on Top
Now, here’s the kicker – the price. The TVS Star City Plus starts at just under ₹70,000 (ex-showroom). That’s less than some high-end smartphones! For that price, you’re getting a reliable, efficient, and surprisingly well-equipped commuter bike.
Sure, you could spend less and get a bare-bones 100cc bike. Or you could spend more and get something with more power.
But the Star City Plus hits that sweet spot where price, performance, and features intersect. It’s like finding a five-star meal at a dhaba price.
TVS Star City Plus The Competition: David vs Goliath(s)
In the cutthroat world of commuter bikes, the Star City Plus is up against some serious heavyweights.
There’s the Honda Shine, the Hero Splendor, and the Bajaj Platina, to name a few. Each of these has its strengths, and they’re all formidable competitors.
But the Star City Plus holds its own with its unique blend of efficiency, features, and value for money.
It’s like the plucky underdog in a sports movie – it might not have the biggest budget or the fanciest moves, but it’s got heart, and sometimes that’s all you need.
TVS Star City Plus The Verdict: To Buy or Not to Buy?
So, is the TVS Star City Plus the best bike in its price range? Well, that’s like asking if pineapple belongs on pizza – it’s subjective and bound to start arguments. But here’s what we can say for sure:
If you’re looking for a reliable, efficient, and well-equipped commuter bike that won’t break the bank, the Star City Plus should be high on your list. It’s perfect for:
– Daily commuters who want to save on fuel
– First-time bike buyers who want something easy to ride
– Budget-conscious riders who don’t want to compromise on features
However, if you’re looking for outright performance or if you regularly need to carry a pillion on long rides, you might want to look at other options.
In the end, the best way to decide is to take one for a spin. Feel the engine purr to life, flick it through some corners, and see if it puts a smile on your face. Because at the end of the day, that’s what riding is all about, isn’t it?
The TVS Star City Plus isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a statement. It’s saying that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good, reliable bike. It’s proof that sometimes, the best things come in small, affordable packages.
So, are you ready to join the Star City Plus club? The roads are waiting, and your wallet is breathing a sigh of relief. Ride on!