Test Drive report on Bajaj Platina 125cc
Even in the period of tough economic times and sagging sales, Bajaj sticks to its idea of moving customers to the 125cc segment from 100cc. Though you would wonder then why Hero Honda widened sales gap with Bajaj? Whether the Bajaj’s strategy is right or not, the XCD 125cc is a successfull motorcycle and to supplement the bike Bajaj has given the Platina 125cc DTS-Si mill. Can the platina replicate the success of its sibling. Let’s dig out…….
Pictures of Bajaj Platina 125cc
1) Bajaj Platina 125cc: Designed by kawasaki engineers in 2003 the wind 125 is the parent for the platina. Infact there is no difference between the wind 125 and platina. Long sleek profile with wide handlebars will clearly tell you this is meant for commuters. However to diffrentiate the platina 125cc from the 100cc, Bajaj has given the bike few visual differentiators. All black theme with sporty alloy wheels, refurbished silencer and black pillion grab handle are new in the 125cc platina. Surprisingly the side cover sheds the chrome bar instead Bajaj has opted for cheaper chrome graphics on body panels and on the tank. Though the looks are pleasant it clearly shows the age.
100cc and 125cc
2) Bajaj Platina 125cc: DTS-SI engine already gained popularity through its frugal nature. The engine which first debuted in XCD is an ultra light weight unit. Though it displaces more, the 125cc motor is 1.5 kg lighter than the 100cc Platina engine, also the use of twin spark plugs and swirl induction inside the combustion chamber ensures every drop of fuel is effectively used. The engine also boast features such as automatic choke system and proven exhausTEC resonator.
3) Bajaj Platina 125cc: With the host of proven technologies, platina 125cc offers satisfying performance atleast in city roads. Platina 125cc reaches 60kmph in 9seconds and can be pushed hard to 90kmph. Surprisingly the bike is vibe free even at higher speeds. But the important part is driveability in the traffic. It manages chug along at 15kmph without thudding in the fourth gear (top one). Also the bike returns an impressive of mileage 68kmpl in our combined city and highway drive (most part in the city)
4) Bajaj Platina 125cc: The long slender profile, upright handlebar position and wider seats are ideal for city commuting not just for rider but for pillion too. The SNS suspension at the rear abosrbs road shocks with ease and offers comfortable ride. But the leaner tyres and light steering does not help you while cornering at high speeds
5) Bajaj Platina 125cc: As typical of any Bajaj product, Platina boasts plenty of usable features like electric start and ride control switch. The dials are analogue and the instrument panel tells all except the engine rpm. The switches works with crisp and paint quailty is impressive. But after using Bajaj’s products for past many years, i’m still apprehensive about the build quality of few parts.
6) Bajaj Platina 125cc: comes only in one variants -Platina 125cc power start and is priced Rs47,524 (on-road, Chennai). Platina 125cc is available in four Colours – cocktail wine red,black,silver grey and long reach blue.
Verdict: When XCD is considered as the cheapest 125cc bike, Bajaj has complimented the XCD with the much cheaper platina 125cc. Without no doubt, i can assue you platina 125cc is the best VFM bike over the 100cc bikes, but it has to still evolve to compete with other 125cc bikes. While the platina is cheaper than XCD by Rs2200, XCD is build on an all new platform plus it boasts features like LCD console and LED tail lights. If you don’t like the short silouhette and ugly looking tail of the XCD and look for a VFM bike in the 100-125cc segment then it is time to visit your nearby Bajaj showroom and ride away the platina 125cc.