First launched in the year of 2006, the Bajaj Platina series was one of the quintessential motorcycles that shaped the vastly popular commuter segment in our country. The Platina 100 sits right below the versatile Platina 110 H Gear in Bajaj’s extensive portfolio of motorcycles.
How does this motorcycle fare amongst the competition? Is it a value-for-money investment? Find out all about the above and much more in this detailed research analysis on the convenient commuter, the Platina 100.
Pros: Comfortable Seating, Impressive Fuel-Efficiency, Sufficient Braking
Cons: Dated Styling And Design, Small Section Tyres, Vibrations At Higher Speeds
Bajaj Platina 100 Variants
The Platina 100 is available in three variants, each variant differs from the other in a few subtle aspects. They have been highlighted as you read on. The variants are:
- Platina 100 KS
- Platina 100 ES (Drum)
- Platina 100 ES (Disc)
Bajaj Platina 100 Design
The Platina 100 is marketed as a simplistic and reliable commuter. The design cues go hand-in-hand with the reputation of this motorcycle. At the front, we have a five-spoke alloy wheel fitted with a golden-flushed disc-brake calliper(in case of the ES Disc variant) and a cool looking black fender. The headlight unit consists of a brightly lit DRL and the primary halogen bulb. The headlight dome in itself is elegantly wrapped with stickering accents. The fuel tank is smartly sculpted in a circular fashion and the embossed ‘Platina’ logo in golden highlights is truly appealing. The handlebar and the front telescopic suspension are chromed, providing a unique contrast to the aesthetic appeal.
As we move along to the rear, the striped seat and the side panels below it look quite cool against the backdrop of the blacked-out engine area. The side-mounted exhaust equipped with a chromed-out crash/heat guard is also a pretty element. The twin shock absorbers at the rear are also given the golden treatment similar to the front brake calliper (In the case of the ES Disc variant). The rear indicators and the pillion grabrails complete the essence of this minimalistic motorcycle. The Platina 100 and the elder brother- the Platina 110 share majority of the design-defining components between them, making both look highly indistinguishable.
The only major difference between the three variant remains the front disc and the golden brake calliper available on the ES Drum variant otherwise absent on the KS and ES Drum offerings.
Bajaj Platina 100 Features
All variants of the Bajaj Platina 100 get a fully analogue instrument cluster. The odometer, speedometer, and trip-meters are all analogue in nature. The updated semi-digital instrument cluster available on the Platina 110 could have been incorporated in this motorcycle for improved practicality.
On the mechanical side of things, the Platina 100 is equipped with a 102cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine featuring a convenient kick-start option. The rear-view mirrors provide a good line of sight and look quite good in the black paint job.
The Platina 100 KS stands for ‘Kick-Start’ while the Platina 100 ES means ‘Electric Start’
Bajaj Platina 100 Engine Performance
All variants of the Platina 100 are equipped with the same 102cc, fuel-injected, air-cooled engine mated to a four-speed gearbox producing 7.79 BHP at 7500 RPM and 8.3 Nm of torque at 5500 RPM. This motorcycle has a peppy and responsive low and mid-range that’s sufficient for commuting duties. On the highway, cruising at the speed of around 60-70 km/h is fairly easy. The top speed on this motorcycle is recorded at 80-90 km/h, but, is heavily riddled with vibrations at that range.
Bajaj Platina 100 Mileage (or Fuel Efficiency)
The Platina 100 is a highly fuel-efficient motorcycle. In the city, one can expect anywhere between 65-70 km/l. On the highway, you can expect around 70-75 km/l. The fuel tank of 11-litres offers a total riding range of up to 700-750 km.
Bajaj Platina 100 Handling (or Dynamics)
The Platina 100 is quick to respond and agile at handling. Aiding the same are telescopic forks at the front and nitrox rear suspension that provide for smooth, grounded, and seamless ride quality. The tube cradle frame does a great job distributing the kerb weight of 116-119 kg across the body of this motorcycle.
Bajaj Platina 100 Comfort (or Ergonomics)
The Platina 100 is a highly comfortable motorcycle, for both, the pillion and the rider. The foot-pegs for both the occupants are front set, resulting in a relaxed seating position. The handlebar is propped up at an angle that further amplifies comfort. The seat height is 804 mm, a height that is practical for riders of all builds. The seat itself is a single piece, meaning it’s not split and also very soft. The low kerb weight of 116-119 kg also contributes to a comfortable riding experience.
Bajaj Platina 100 Safety (or Brakes)
The Bajaj Platina 100 has three variants on offer, each of them has differences of its own in terms of braking. The KS variant along with the ES Drum variant, both, come equipped with a 130 mm front drum brake and a 110 mm rear drum brake. While both these variants supply sufficient feel and bite to the rider, the ES Disc variant is the most planted motorcycle. The 230 mm front disc coupled with the 110 mm rear drum provides for a good braking setup. The inclusion of CBS (combined braking system) on all variants ensures both the brakes are evenly applied for a stable and balanced braking performance. The low kerb weight of around 116-119 kg further aids this motorcycle in stopping fairly sooner.
Bajaj Platina 100 Service
Bajaj being a well-established motorcycle brand has stood the test of time and proved resilient in all its endeavours. They offer a wide range of authorised service centres and showrooms across the country where people can buy their motorcycles and get them promptly serviced, at an affordable cost. The average service interval for the Platina 100 is anywhere between 6000 to 8000 km, this particular two-wheeler should cost you somewhere between Rs. 500/- to Rs. 1500/- for its service.
Bajaj Platina 100 Price
Following is the price of the Platina 100 (on-road, Mumbai) –
- Bajaj Platina 100 KS Alloy – Rs. 67,825/-
- Bajaj Platina 100 ES Drum – Rs. 74,544/-
- Bajaj Platina 100 ES Disc – Rs. 78,752/-
Bajaj Platina 100 Resale Value
Bajaj is a brand that promises motorcycles that are easy to maintain, sturdy, and have a respectable build quality. The Platina 100 should have a fairly adequate resale value depending on the mileage on the odometer, accidents (if any), and overall maintenance.
Bajaj Platina 100 Colours
The Bajaj Platina 100 is available in the following colours.
- Black
- Red
Bajaj Platina 100 Specs
- Engine: 102cc, 2-valve, single-cylinder, air-cooled, DTS-I with ExhauTEC
- Power: 7.79 BHP at 7500 RPM
- Torque: 8.3 Nm at 5500 RPM
- Transmission: 4-speed
- Top Speed: 80-90 km/hr
- Fuel Consumption: 65-75 km/l
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Frame: Lower Cradle Tubular Single Down Tube
- Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), Nitrox SNS (Rear)
- Tyres: 2.75×17″ (Front), 3×17″ (Rear)
- Brakes: 130 mm Drum (Front) and 110 Drum (Rear) (Platina 100 KS & ES Drum)
- Brakes: 230 mm Disc (Front), 110 mm Disc (Rear) (Platina 100 ES Disc)
Bajaj Platina 100 Dimensions
- Length x Width x Height: 2003 mm x 713 mm x 1100 mm (KS Drum & ES Drum)
- Length x Width x Height: 2006 mm x 840 mm x 1060 mm (ES Disc)
- Wheelbase: 1255 mm
- Ground Clearance: 200 mm
- Seat Height: 804 mm (KS Drum & ES Drum)
- Seat Height: 807 mm (ES Disc)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11 litres
- Kerb Weight: 116 kg (KS Drum)
- Kerb Weight: 117.5 kg (ES Drum)
- Kerb Weight: 119 kg (ES Disc)
Bajaj Platina 100 Rating
We give the Bajaj Platina 100 a rating of 4.5/5.
Bajaj Platina 100 vs Hero Splendor Plus
The Splendor brand needs no introduction. It’s a common household name and widely synonymous with the words, ‘reliable’, ‘cheap’, ‘ practical’, and ‘mileage’. The Hero Splendor Plus is one such motorcycle that still holds true to its values. This motorcycle is powered by a 97.2cc, air-cooled, liquid-cooled engine mated to a four-speed gearbox producing strikingly similar power figures to the Bajaj motorcycle.
The Splendor Plus is available in three variants, Kick-Start, Self-Start, and Self-Start i3S. Hero generously offers a wide range of colour options to choose from, seven to be exact! The pricing between the two motorcycles is also more-or-less the same. The top-end Splendor Plus is just over Rs. 2000/- more than the premium Platina 100 ES Disc. Like most comparisons in the commuter segment, this too is neck-to-neck with little to set the two motorcycles apart. But, you can rest assured as both are highly capable, reliable, and value-for-money investments.
Bajaj Platina 100 vs TVS Sport
The TVS Sport was first launched as a 100cc offering, in the transition from BS4-BS6, TVS has introduced a 109.7cc fuel-injected engine. While the power figures are marginally better, the kerb weight is also around 6-9 kg lighter than the Platina 100. The TVS Sport is available in two variants, Kick-Start and Self-Start. What is the difference between the two? We think it’s rather self-explanatory!
The Pricing between the two commuters is highly similar. The Platina 100 KS variant in comparison with the TVS Sport Kick-Start variant is around Rs. 4500/- cheaper. The Platina 100 ES Drum alongside the TVS Self-Start variant is also cheaper by Rs. 1000/-. Although the TVS claims better fuel-efficiency figures, both variants of the TVS motorcycle offer drum brakes and there isn’t a disc braking offering. Bajaj has exactly that in the form of the Platina 100 ES Disc available at an excess of just close to Rs. 1000/- over the TVS Self-Start variant. It’s not the easiest decision to make! Is it?
Final Verdict
In the sea of affordable commuter motorcycles in India, it’s easy for you, the consumer, to get lost in the long list of options. The Platina 100 is as good a bet as any! In fact, the cheap maintenance cost coupled with the impressive fuel efficiency, the comfortable seating paired with the peppy engine, and the wide range of service centres make this motorcycle a complete package. We hope this article has helped provide some clarity and hopefully aided you before your big purchase. Thank you for reading and ride safely. Cheers!
