Those who have read me before will know that I dont rate 5 stars very often. And the fact that I rate this 5 stars should say it all.
As usual, the title of my review says it all- a Star in more ways than one! I am, of course talking about the TVS Star City New 110cc variant, which has been on the roads for a little around 1 year now.
THE SURVEY
I had earlier reviewed my first bike – my gudia – My Kawasaki Bajaj 4S Champion which is now 10 years exactly. So, naturally I was on the lookout for a bike to replace it.{I haven’t replaced it: I still have my old favourite. Couldn’t bring myself to sell off my first love}. I looked at the following as purchase options:
Bajaj Discover 125cc
Bajaj Boxer CT 100
Hero Honda Passion Plus
Hero Honda Super Splendour
Hero Honda Glamour
TVS Star City 110 New
Honda Unicorn
Honda Shine
LML Freedom 125cc{since out of production}
I was comparing bikes for a full 18 – 20 months before taking the final purchase decision, in which I considered the following parameters:
Riding Comfort
Handle Bar
Height relative to body position
Instrument Panel Height
Seat Length
Bike Height
Capacity: 110 or 125 cc only
Road Handling
Looks
To aid myself was my own experience in riding bikes in 3 states over highways like Allahabad – Varanasi – Gorakhpur, Mau – Deoria – Gorakhpur – Maharajganj, Mau – Ballia – Mau, Mau – Azamgarh – Mau, Indore – Dewas – Shajapur, Indore – Khandwa, Indore – Chapda – Hatpiplia – Sonkatch – Dewas – Indore, Jabalpur – Seoni – Jabalpur, Jabalpur – Katni – Jabalpur, Jabalpur – Narsinghpur – Jabalpur, Jabalpur – Mandla – Jabalpur, Raipur – Bhilai – Rajnandgaon – Raipur etc etc. Over these years, I have extensively ridden on HH CD 100, HH Passion, Yamaha RX100, KB4SChamp, TVS Max100, KB Caliber.
The point of the above is not to showcase my “ghumakkadi” but to explain why I chose the above parameters in Bike choice, and why I rejected the rest, without explaining which, my choice cannot be explained!
While average and price are indeed important parameters, they are not important in determining riding comfort and overall bike performance. Power was never considered as most offerings have a similar range of power, as my engine capacity was limited to 110 – 125 cc. I was looking for a family bike which offered riding comfort and longevity – and to hell with the brand image! Hence, rather than follow the crowd, I chose to do a self-analysis of the brands!
THE CHOICE AND ITS PERFORMANCE
Straight away, let me state that the bike surpasses all my expectations on all parameters. I have ridden it for 992 kms now, on city roads as well as highways at speeds of up to 92 kmph{this speed maintained for 16 km stretch between Bhilai and Kumhari}, I have ridden it for 180 – 200 km per day - with extreme comfort and pleasure. In fact, you feel the minimum weariness after the long ride on this bike. In my analysis, I shall start from the least important parameter, fuel efficiency
Fuel Efficiency: First fuelling: 6.5 litres{from a blank tank, with 2.6 litres in reserve}. Ran 252 kms till reserve Second fuelling: 1 litre, 57 kms Third Fuelling: 2 litres, 128 kms Fourth Filling: 1 litre, 67 kms Fifth Filling: 1 litre, 69 kms
{This I point consider completely worthless, but since it is held in high regard by others, I am giving the information}
The Determining Parameters:
Bike Height, Handle Bar Height and Instrument Panel: This is at a comfortable level, by which I mean that even at high speed you can just marginally lower your eyes to check fuel guage, speedometer etc. The road remains visible to you at the top of your vision, which tends to lower your riding risk. Secondly and more importantly, this also gives an erect posture while riding, which means less stress on your seat and back while riding. The whole impact of these body metrics is better riding comfort and vehicle maneuverability.
Seat Length: Among the longest in bikes of its caliber, which makes it an ideal bike for a family of three – wifey, hooooosband and kiddo!
Looks: A highly individual parameter, but I regard it as top of the class! Riding comfort: This is a relatively tall bike, which means a high centre of gravity. Secondly, the body posture is also more erect, all of which translate to a very comfortable ride. Much better than any other bike in its range{110 – 125 cc}, in fact.
Road Handling: The above factors mean a much better road handling. Specifically, this bike handles turns at speed as well at a slow speed much better than any of the listed bikes, all of which I have ridden for quite a few kms. It also compares favourably with the competition in crowded city riding
Sau baat kee ek baat: If you want a good looking bike that is comfortable in riding, this is the one for you. This is a bike for both the city rider as well as the long-distance biker.
Kudos to TVS Motors for bringing a winner!
