Have you bought the bike yet? Regarding Bajaj bikes, I have not had any long term experience with them, but the few that I have ridden, however briefly, have made me come away with the impression that these bikes have rather poor handling. And they don't have a very good ELF (= engine life factor = the longevity of the engine). Moreover, Bajaj's marketing strategy does not inspire much confidence. For instance, when the first Pulsars came out. After a not very long time, the Pulsar was replaced with the Pulsar DTS-i, which was followed by the DTS-i with "gas-filled shock absorbers" which were called "nitrox" (which, in my opinion, was done to take maximum advantage of the hype that surrounded "nitrous" or "NOS" at the time). And then this was followed by the DTS-Fi version. It is actually a matter of perspective here. Fanboys will say that this is an indication of constant research and development on the part of the Bajaj team. Others might see it as an indication that Bajaj is releasing unfinished products and upgrading as the more finished article emerges. Like I said, a matter of perspective, so there is no need to get
and start :argue:.
To answer your question..... Since mileage and reliabiity is a criteria I would suggest that you have a look at TVS Star City Plus. It is 110cc and the pickup is good (for a 110cc bike and especially when compared to other 100cc bikes). Mileage should be more than 70+ kmpl, but again, this depends on your driving style, road conditions, traffic conditions, etc. This particular bike has an indicator which helps you get maximum mileage: green light glow means that you are driving in a manner which yields the best mileage; the indicator turns red when you are driving in a manner not conducive to good mileage. It is slightly gimmicky, no doubt; but it does inspire more confidence when you are trying to squeeze out maximum mileage. It also comes equipped with alloy wheels; but then this is almost de facto for almost all economy bikes nowadays (except for the Splendor Classic but that is another story since you cannot carry a pillion {which also means that you will get better mileage
}. However, India being a land of
jugaad-banti :cheers: I am sure there is a way to accomodate a pillion rider if it is an absolute must).
I took a test ride on the Star City Plus and as per my observations, the engine is smooth. This bike has very good low-end torque, which means that you don't have to keep changing gears in heavy traffic. Riding posture is upright and comfortable and suspension is good. Price is very good; it should cost you less than Rs. 50,000.
Please note that I am giving you my personal observations. I am not a TVS fanboy but someone who has more than a little passing interest in bikes. I have owned a Bullet STD 350, Bullet Lightning 500 (or City Bike), Bullet Thunderbird 350 (still own it), briefly owned a yaMAHARAJdoot RD350 (I sold it off because I do not own a petrol pump
), and now also own a TVS Apache 180 RTR. For what it's worth, I think that TVS bikes are very good value for money.
Ultimately it is up to you. As others have mentioned, Hero bikes are also very good bikes and are reliable.
Let us know which bike you settle for.
