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Jun 6, 2010

15 Buying Guide 2010: Best Entry Level - Budget Bike/Motorcycle in India

Best Entry level - Budget bike/motorcycle in India in 2010- my Top 3

What an Entry level – Budget bike?

An entry level – budget bike as the name suggests is one that you can buy for the lowest pric tag i.e if you are on a tight budget. It also goes without saying that one naturally expects these budget motorcycles to be also delivering good fuel efficiency as well.

In terms of pricing (in 2010), one can say that motorcycles priced around the Rs.35,000-Rs.40,000 (on road) mark can be categorized as entry level-budget motorcycle in India.

All the models listed below should normally return a fuel efficiency of at least around 60-65 kmpl. A "merciful" right wrist and regular and proper maintenance of the motorcycle might also fetch you fuel efficiency of around 70 plus Kmpl.

The only issue that I see with these entry-level budget motorcycles:

"The mental block of being seen on a C-H-E-A-P motorcycle"

In India the price tags for these entry level motorcycles currently start at around Rs. 35,000 ex-showroom (Rs. 40,000 on-road). The best part is that being cheap doesn’t mean that you can’t have access to features like alloy wheels and electric start.

Yes sir, in 2010 you can get models like the Hero Honda CD Deluxe with electric start and alloys as an option and the Bajaj Platina 125, where these features comes as standard fitment.

It’s not too difficult to choose an entry level – budget bike in India as the list of option is not too long. Posted below are my top 3 entry level – budget motorcycles that you can buy in 2010 in India.

(Prices mentioned below could have undergone revisions. It is advised to personally check out for the lastest prices).

    1. Hero Honda CD Deluxe (100 cc):

    Hero Honda CD Deluxe

    Kick start – spoke wheel (Rs. 32,807 ex-showroom, Rs. 37,759 on-road Pune)
    Kick start – alloy wheel (Rs. 35,939 ex-showroom, Rs. 40,390 on-road Pune)
    Electric start – alloy wheel (Rs. 38,322 ex-showroom, Rs. 43,761 on-road Pune)

    Although the electric start option of the CD Deluxe is a couple of thousands dearer than the Platina 125, what works in favor of the CD Deluxe is the engine which virtually is almost same as that which does duty on the Splendor (which happens too be the world’s and India's best selling motorcycle for sometime now).

    Positives:

    + Proven 97.2 cc engine from the CD/Splendor/Passion series

    Negatives:

    - The electric start variant is priced slightly high (comes almost close to the Splendor)


    2. Bajaj Platina 125 (125 cc):

    Bajaj Platina 125

    Electric start – alloy wheel (Rs. 36,609 ex-showroom, Rs 40,885 on-road Pune)

    Even though there is also a 100cc Platina which is priced a couple of thousands lower, it is the Platina 125 which gives the maximum bang for your hard earned money. Complete with an electric start and black colored alloy wheels and a 5 speed gearbox, the Platina 125 is also very attractively priced making a very strong statement for itself.

    Positives:

    + 125 cc engine

    + 5 Speed gearbox

    + Electric start and alloys as standard

    Negatives:

    - Relatively new in the market


    3. TVS Sport (100cc):

    TVS Sport

    Kick start – alloy wheel (Rs.35,888 ex-showroom, Rs. 40,197 on-road Pune)

    Priced almost at around the 40,000 on road (Pune) mark, this entry level – budget motorcycle from TVS is being positioned (as evident from the current "Wah - Wah mere bhai ke liye.." TV commercials) as a good looking stylish motorcycle. It probably needs an electric start at least as an option, especially when the competition is also providing it.

    Positives:

    + Alloys as a standard feature

    Negatives:

    - No electric start as an option




The only issue that I see with these entry-level budget motorcycles:

The mental block of being seen on a C-H-E-A-P motorcycle.

I and my wife are currently in the process of deciding on a 4 wheeler. The other day when I proposed the idea of the Tata Nano, my wife put her foot down comprehensively saying that she would rather prefer the Maruti 800/Alto to the Nano. My wife doesn’t have much knowledge about automobiles (ok.. actually she doesn’t know anything), on asking her the reason for her aversion to the Nano, she told me that she doesn’t want to be seen in the cheapest car.

So there, its not surprising that despite being priced lower than other 100 cc (executive) models like the Hero Honda Splendor (the world’s largest selling motorcycle for a few years now) and Bajaj Discover DTS-Si (the recent big sales success story for Bajaj Auto), these entry-level motorcycles still don’t sell in huge numbers compared to those so called "executive" 100 cc motorcycles.



But if you care a hoot for what the pedestrian on the road thinks about the motorcycle that you ride and if you are just interested in getting the best deal for your money, the top three mentioned motorcycles are not a bad option at all.

Believe me they get the job done of taking you from Point A to Point B quite well.




P.S: Honda (HMSI) and Suzuki Motorcycle India currently doesn't have an entry level motorcycle in their line up.

Yamaha India does have the 106 cc Crux in the sub-Rs.40,000 price range, but as you can see from the photo, the styling on the Crux is very basic. But as a motorcycle i definitely think it is as capable as the others. I had once ridden a really old "crux" of a friend of mine and I was pleasantly surprised by its performance on road.

Yamaha Crux




Technical Specifications:

Hero Honda CD Deluxe, Tech Specs

Engine
Type: Air Cooled, 4 stroke
Displacement: 97.2cc
Max. Power: 7.8 Ps @ 7500 rpm
Max. Torque: 9.04 @ 4500 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Bore x stroke: 50.0 mm x 49.5 mm

Fuel system: Carburettor
Ignition: CDI
Gearbox: 4-speed
Clutch: Multiplate, wet

Chassis
Frame type: Tubular double cradle

Tyre
Front tyre: 2.75-18
Rear tyre: 2.75-18

Brakes
Front brakes: Expanding drum 130 mm
Rear brakes: Expanding drum 130 mm

Kerb Weight (Kick/Elec.Start): 109/112 kg (235.9 pounds)
Overall length: 1,965 mm
Overall width: 720 mm
Overall height: 1,045 mm
Seat height: 805 mm
Wheelbase: 1,235 mm
Ground Clearance: 165 mm

Fuel capacity: 10.50 litres
Reserve fuel capacity: 1.80 litres




2010 Bajaj Platina 125 Tech Specs

Engine
Type: 4 Stroke, Air Cooled,
Displacement: 124.6 cc
Max. Power: 8.5 Ps @ 7000
Max. Torque; 10 Nm @ 4000
Transmission: 5 Speed (All Down Pattern)

Suspension
Front: Telescopic Type 125 mm Travel
Rear: Hydraulic ‘SNS’ type, 100 mm Travel

Brakes
Front: 110 mm
Rear: 110 mm

Tyres & Wheels
Front: 2.75 – 17
Rear: 3.00 – 17

Electricals
Headlamp: 12V, 35W/35W
Ignition: Digital CDI with TRICS
Battery: 5A, Low maintenance
Starting: Kick + Self

Fuel Tank Capacity
Capacity: 13 Lts
Reserve: 2.5 Lts

Dimensions
Wheelbase: 1275 mm
Saddle Height: 785 mm
Ground Clearance: 160 mm
Kerb Weight: 110 Kgs

Warranty: 2 Yrs, 30,000 Kms




2010 TVS Sport Tech Specs:

Engine
Type Single cylinder,4 Stroke, Air-cooled
Displacement 99.70 cc
Max. Power 5.50 kW (7.5 bhp) @ 7500 rpm
Max. Torque 7.5 Nm @ 5000 rpm

Suspension
Front Suspension Telescopic hydraulic fork
Rear Suspension 5 stage adjustable hydraulic shocker

Brake
Front: Drum brake 110mm
Rear: Drum brake 110mm

Tyre
Front Tyre 2.75 x 17
Rear Tyre 3.00 x 17

Dimensions
Wheelbase 1250 mm
Dry Weight 95 Kgs

Electricals
Battery -
Head Lamp 12V, 35/35 W

Fuel Tank Capacity
Fuel Capacity 12 ltrs






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This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.






15 Comments:

Akash said...

the Platina 125 seems to offer the best value here

Naveen said...

Yes bajaj platina 125 is best value which includes all the features. but regarding durability we must go for others

Sid Soni said...

In the wake of increasing fuel prices, I am moving out of Mumbai. :) One of these bikes might come in really handy. But I am not gonna buy any of these for sure unless someone introduces some 'nip' in one of these bikes.

Thinking of buying a car, are you? Don't go for the Alto at the moment. From what I know, it's gonna get some 'nip' very soon :). Then consider...

Sathya said...

YAMAHA CRUX IS BETST

Payeng said...

@Siddharth,

Thanks for the "Alto" heads up.. hope it also gets at least front power windows.

Mumbai has propabably one of the friendliest people in India, but it really is a "Maximum" city, the humidity, the pollution, the water problem (both in terms of flooding during monsoons and the scarcity during non monsoon).. also the sky high real estate prices really makes it a tough city to live in.

By the way, where are you planning to shift?

Sid Soni said...

In talks to move to a small city in Rajasthan :). Let's see. Will make that as my base. Will focus on fitness, buy a good bike and roam around from there :)

Sajal said...

Well, a very dear friend of mine has a Bajaj Platina 100cc for two years now and has never faced any durability issues. The bikes runs like new till date and that also in a place like Patna where you need to downshift to get out of pot holes!! The durability of any bike be it 100cc or 1400cc, dependends on it's rider!! But yes, as a Executive entry level package in my opinion the offerings from HH, Bajaj and TVS are equally good. Yamaha.... well they are masters of performance and they really don't have that mental nack to develop entry level motorcycles. Yamaha Crux might be a good bike, but it looses as a package in front of HH, Bajaj and TVS, a fact which is demonstrated by it's sales figures. It's just a bad expectation from our side to expect a commuter friendly bike from a company which has invested years and years in researching different ways and means to be victorious on track!!

It's Me said...

I'm planning on buying a motorcyle. Will be using it only to commute daily from house to office, and for the occasional trip to the movies or market. I'm looking for good looks, good mileage and good performance. My budget is Rs. 35,000 to 50,000.

A problem I have with the bikes that I see on the road these days is their design. Almost each one of them looks like it has been designed for the race course. Especially the fairing around the headlight, which has become a common feature with 95% of the bikes these days. Exactly what purpose does the fairing serve?

I like the design of the Yamaha Crux that is displayed on this page. It has a very basic, aesthetic and conservative look, and at the same time it is also stylish.

Do you all think I should go for the Yamaha Crux?

Payeng said...

@Ramesh,

If you like the Crux then go for it. But personally I very rarely see it on our roads, and that doesn't give too much comfort for the conservative buyer who finds comfort in numbers.

But if you are of the adventurous type, then Crux? Why not?

It's Me said...

@Payeng,

I was talking to my colleagues at office about Yamaha Crux and based on that I have these doubts:

1. Is it a failure model?
2. Will Yamaha be stopping its production in the near future?
3. How is their after-sales service like?
4. Will the spare parts be easily available?

(I'm in Chennai, by the way.)

Thank you.

Payeng said...

@Ramesh, I did ride an old Crux of a friend of mine.. and I liked the way the old bike performed. But somehow the majority of buyers look at other brands for a basic 100 cc bike.

Ramesh, I cannot tell about the future of the Crux for obvious reasons. If you have a doubt, then better go for a popular model.

Siddharth Soni said...

In talks to move to a small city in Rajasthan :). Let's see. Will make that as my base. Will focus on fitness, buy a good bike and roam around from there :)

Sathya said...

YAMAHA CRUX IS BETST

Anonymous said...

HI,
I am planning to buy a bike with good mileage and long term use. On seeing this blog i thought about buying Bajaj Platina 125. Some of my friends say that it is not good for long term use, spare parts cost is higher and it will not hold for accidents. Can u please advice me on this? Also would you recommend any other models? The price range i expect is from 40000 to 50000.

shivam bafna said...

I NEEDS SCOOTER BELOW 35000 NEW FOR MY FATHER AGE 65 , PLEASE SUGEST

REPLY ME ON sandeep.anandbafna@rediffmail.com or cell 9822448461

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