New safety norms are set to kick in from 1 April 2019 and in order to comply with the same automakers in India are rushing to update their existing models. The latest to do so is Bajaj Auto Limited as the company has introduced their entry-level commuter bike Platina equipped with Combi-Brake System (CBS). Under the new safety regime, any 2-wheeler under the displacement of 125cc is mandated to have a Combi-Braking System as standard fitment. As far as the bikes above the displacement of 125cc are concerned, they are mandated to offer Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard fitment.
As far as the Platina is concerned, the price hike of the bike remains under wraps as the company has only released the prices for the kick start model of the bike. The electric version of the bike was not equipped with CBS earlier, and there are hopes that Bajaj will soon launch the electric version of Platina equipped with the safer CBS.
Bajaj’s President of Motorcycle Business, Mr. Sarang Kanade, said the following about the new safer version of Platina in the market:
“Platina is known for delivering supreme comfort along with great mileage to commuters. With the introduction of the Platina 100KS, we are now able to offer great value at an unbeatable price point.”
As of now, Bajaj’s commuter segment entry-level model comes in two shades -- Ebony black with silver stickers and Cocktail wine red with silver stickers. Apart from the safety feature, there are no changes to the looks of the bike. The company says that longer front and rear suspension combined with the ‘ComforTec’ technology of the bike makes the Platina 100 KS a more comfortable bike. The company even says that the aforementioned technology makes the bike handle road undulations 20% more efficiently. Bajaj says that the ‘ComforTec’ technology includes rubber footpads, directional tyres and spring soft seat. Talking of other features of the bike, it comes with a LED DRL that was included in the bike to make it meet the Always-Headlamp-On (AHO) rule.
As we have already mentioned, there have been no other changes to the bike, it still is powered by the same 102cc engine rated to deliver 7.9 Bhp and 8.3 Nm. The single cylinder engine comes mated with a 4-speed transmission. -speed gearbox. The bike gets drum brakes at both the wheels. The CBS system in any two-wheeler proportionately applies the brakes on both the wheels even when the user only applies pressure on a single brake lever. This not only makes panic braking relatively safer, it also ensures that the 2-wheeler’s stopping distance is reduced and chances of the bike skidding re reduced. Although the CBS technology is relatively safer, it is not as safe and effective as ABS when it comes to braking power and safety.
The main USP of Platina 100 KS is the mileage of 104 kmpl, which is very good to say the least. Now as the CBS and ABS becomes mandatory on all 2-wheelers in a few days of time, the prices are sure to go up, however this ought not to impact the sales as the rise in prices will be industry wide.