I test-rode the new Bajaj Platina 110 yesterday in Maharashtra, sold on promises of 70kmpl mileage from its 115cc single-cylinder engine for endless commutes. The comfort lured me in, but real-world fuel figures and subtle power limits exposed why it’s no thrill machine for highway chasers.
The Disappointment
I hit the Bajaj dealer in Aurangabad banking on the Platina 110 drum variant undercutting rivals at budget prices with unbeatable 70kmpl ARAI mileage. Ex-showroom tags ₹71,354, but Maharashtra on-road climbs to ₹80,000-82,000 with RTO, insurance, and taxes—decent entry, yet ABS disc variant discontinued leaves basic drums feeling dated versus Hero Splendor’s refinements. That setup hauls from 60kmph progressively via CBS, but no bite in wet panic stops.
The 115.45cc air-cooled mill pushes 8.6PS at 7,000rpm and 9.81Nm at 5,000rpm through a four-speed all-down gearbox—usable torque from 2,000rpm, but top speed caps 90kmph, labored overtakes laden on undulations. ARAI 70kmpl drops to 60-65kmpl real mixed in my 50km loop, 11L tank stretching 650km max—not infinite as hyped amid ₹100/l petrol spikes. No digital cluster or Bluetooth; analogue console skips trip logs, USB charger basic under bars.
At 119kg kerb, the 807mm seat flat-foots short riders, but soft foam numbs after 50km pillion hauls, Nitrox rear shocks bottoming rough patches despite 200mm clearance. Chain needs 1,000km cleans, vibes intrude post-7,000rpm sans full DTS-i hush.
The Surprising Truth
Gear up, and the Platina reveals commuter gold. I rowed the slick four-speed on Jalna roads—the DTS-i engine hums smooth low-rpm torque flooding overtakes, 90kmph cruising stable on 1255mm wheelbase, vibrations minimal via balanced bore/stroke. Upright posture stretches wrists fatigue-free, telescopic forks/Nitrox twins soaking potholes plushly, spoke wheels shrugging Mumbai craters without twitch.
Braking blends front 130mm/rear 110mm drums with CBS for balanced halts, no ABS needed in predictable dynamics rewarding smooth inputs. Halogen headlamp/DRLs pierce dusk, auto-on boosting night safety, side-stand cut-off nixing rollaways. Ebony Black Red or Cocktail Wine Red graphics pop subtle, slim 741mm width darting traffic gaps ninja-like. EFI starts cold reliable kick/self, BS6 Phase 2 compliant sans ethanol fuss.
Long single-piece seat cushions duets, wide footrests/grab rail securing pillion chats easy at cruise. Maintenance shines: spark plug/air filter every 10,000km, ₹0.25/km ownership over rivals. Real users log 60kmpl city, wind protection upright easing 50km grinds sans breaks. Heat dissipates thighs cool in jams, 1L oil quick top-ups.
India-Specific Impact
Maharashtra on-road sharpens value. Drum variant ex ₹71,354 hits ₹81,651 Aurangabad (RTO 11%, insurance ₹4k), dipping to ₹78k discounts; competes Splendor Plus at similar ₹76k Pune on-road. Chandigarh waits one week, mileage crushing ₹1.5/km at ₹100/L—daily 50km saves ₹3k/month vs thirstier 125cc, 11L tank/2L reserve 700km hauls dodging tolls.
City data favors Platina: Nagpur service nets ₹2k yearly, resale 75% after two years outpacing HF Deluxe. Versus Shine 100’s power or Radeon space, Platina edges comfort/NVH—20% 110cc share Tier-2 Jalna where low seat wins women/families. Finance 8.5% drops EMIs ₹1,800/month, no-frills analogue readable sunlight. Gross 249kg carries groceries steady, spoke alloys entry-level tough.
Rushi’s Verdict
After 60km battling Maharashtra bumps to highways, skip Platina if craving digital smarts or 100kmph legs—mileage hits 60kmpl real, power basic at 8.6PS. But at ₹80k on-road, its plush ride, sippy engine, and set-forget reliability conquer daily chaos over flashier foes.
Test-rode weaving gullies to 90kmph avenues, light steering/ergos nailing fatigue-free hauls, CBS confident wet. Grab for village errands or office darts—Splendor trails comfort edge. Bajaj keeps petrol alive in EV buzz; Platina proves thrift triumphs.
Rushi, Jalna-based auto journalist chasing road tests across Maharashtra’s diverse terrains.
FAQ
What is Bajaj Platina 110 price in 2026?
₹71,354 ex-showroom; ₹81,651 on-road Maharashtra.
Does Platina 110 deliver 70kmpl real-world?
ARAI 70kmpl; 60-65kmpl mixed city-highway.
Key specs of Platina 110 engine?
115.45cc, 8.6PS, 9.81Nm, 4-speed, 90kmph top.
Platina 110 vs Splendor: mileage winner?
Platina edges comfort/mileage; Splendor refined slightly.
Ready to test-ride? Head to your Bajaj dealer—comment your city for local pricing tips.
