TVS Star City Plus Review

In 2005 TVS launched Star City in the highly competitive 110cc commuter bike segment. This segment is still the favorite with nearly all major bike manufacturer in India due to the volume it gets and company which dominates this segment rules the Indian bike market. In the same lines TVS launched its New Star City Plus in June 2014 in order to gain further footage in this segment.

Design

A glance at the latest variant of the model and you realize that there is not much of the difference between the new Plus and its older sibling in terms of overall looks. The bikini fairing which is common in all commuter bikes is retained. The protruding headlamp which was there in its previous avatar is replaced now with squarish headlamp which looks good. The sharper look makes it one of the most visually appealing bike in its segment. Black treatment throughout its body including engine and exhaust muffler gives it edgier look and alloy wheels further adds value. The graphics is changed too and glossy paint further enhances its looks.

Instrument cluster is simple with trip meter and digital fuel gauge mingles well with all white speedometers. Power mode and economy indicators are good additions to Star City+. Plastics used in the switches are of high quality, seat is comfortable and tail light cluster gives a distinctive look from the back. .

Engine

The bike gets power from 4-stroke, single cylinder, air cooled 109.7cc engine that punches out peak power of 8.4PS at 7000rpm and produces maximum torque of 8.7Nm at 5000rpm. Power to weight ration of the bike is good 77.06 PS/Ton. The engine for City+ is smooth, well refined and is fitted with TVS’s exclusive Ecothrust Technology. Molycoat piston fitted in the cylinder ensures good fuel economy and reduces friction. Improved spark plug and TSI ignition system together ensures proper combustion in the engine.

Mileage

One of the primary requirements of the commuter bike is its good fuel efficiency and TVS Star City Plus excels in that field too. On busy city traffic it could return a mileage of 64kmpl and on highways it could go up to 76km on a litre of petrol. The 10 litre fuel tank ensures a smooth ride up to 670km before you have to visit gas station.

Ride and Handling

Upright riding posture which is common with all commuter bikes is comfortable for City Plus too. Telescopic forks in the front and 5 step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers in the back as suspension is mated well with single cradle tubular frame which together fives comfortable ride on both city and highways and take up bad patches of roads too with ease. Torque is good at low and mid ranges and 0-60kmph could be achieved in just 7.6 seconds which is good for the segment. It is very smooth even at corners or while changing lanes. Power delivery is good and is nearly constant at all speed ranges and the bike could go easily to top speed of 90kmph. The wheelbase is slightly increased when compared to its sibling but that has not affected its stability or quality of ride.

The front is fitted with 130mm drum brake and 110mm rear drum brake works well and stops the bike quickly when required. Front disc brake addition could have enhanced the safety of the bike further even if that means increasing the price by few thousands.

Verdict

TVS is successfully able to eliminate all the shortcomings of its older model with this motorcycle. Some of the top selling 2-wheelers from TVS are Jupiter, Apache, XL Super and Star City all have high reliability factor attached to them. Buy this bike for reliability, fuel efficiency, comfort and value for money. Overall this is a powerful commuter.

2016 Specifications and Prices

Ex-Showroom Price (Rs.)

Engine
Type: 4-stroke, Air cooled, single cylinder
Valvetrain: 4 valve
Displacement: 109.7 cc
Power: 8.4 PS at 7000 rpm
Torque: 8.7 NM at 5000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.2 : 1
Transmission: 4 speed constant mesh
Clutch: Wet – multi plate type

Mileage
City: 64kmpl
Highway: 76kmpl
Overall: 67kmpl

Performance
0-60kmph: 7.6s
60kmph-0: 29.4m
Top speed: 90kmph

Other Specifications
Suspension(F): Telescopic Fork
Suspension(R): 5 step adjustable hydraulic shock absorber
Brakes(F): 130mm Drum
Brakes(R): 110mm Drum
Tyre(F): 2.75×17
Tyre(R): 3.00×17
L x W x H: 1980 mm x 750 mm x 1080 mm
Wheelbase: 1260mm
Kerb Weight: 109kg
Ground Clearance: 172 mm