• Published On: 24 March 2017
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The Platina ES takes over from the able Platina commuter. But is it as solid a package?

Bajaj has catered to the entry-level motorcycle segment for over ten years with its Platina. The bike is fuel-efficient and easy to maintain and found quite a wide customer base over the years. To reach a wider market and tap into increased demand, Bajaj released two new bikes, the Platina ES and the CT100. The new Platina ES is more fuel efficient than before and also comes equipped with a self-start function.

On the outside
Bajaj Auto’s technological base has been strengthened thanks to its partnership with motorcycle specialist KTM. The company now produces one of the world’s most advanced single-cylinder motorcycle engines right here in India. This technology has made its way to the Platina ES as well, which makes it a very interesting vehicle to ride. 

The bike may share several aspects with the older Platina, but the ES has its own style. It feels solid and dependable the minute you get on to it – the seats are comfortable and the handgrips are firm. The visor in the front has been replaced with a complete new panel now. The all-analogue instrument panel comes with a speedometer, odometer and a fuel gauge with twin chrome-rimed meters. The well-curved fuel tank has a filler cap hinge provided for convenience. The seats are soft - they make long-distance travelling a whole lot better.

Power Torque
The bike comes equipped with a 102cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder air-cooled engine. The thumb-start function does not require the clutch to be engaged while starting the bike up. The blacked-out engine is a nice touch. The engine produces 8.3hp at 7,500rpm and puts out maximum torque of 9Nm produced at 5,000rpm. The smooth motor makes the bike perfect for daily traffic and local roads. Since this bike uses a four-speed gearbox that shifts in an all-down pattern, the new patterns may take some time to adjust to but it’s easy enough to learn over time. The engine is flexible and if you push it a little, it can hit 80kph. The bike weighs about 108kg, which is considerably light. The decrease in weight helps the bike execute tricky turns much easily than any of its versions before. The suspension system is solid, so any bumps you hit on the road aren’t jarring. The excellent seating also helps decrease the direct impact of bumpy roads.

From the saddle
The Platina ES is a well put-together bike. It’s fuel efficient and returns 56.4kpl when riding within the city, including in bumper-to-bumper traffic and it returned 59kpl when riding it on open roads, cruising at about 70kph. The bike faces competition from able rivals such as the Honda CD 100 Dream and the TVS Sport, but has its own charm to compete strongly in the commuter segment.