Platina ES is one of the most fuel efficient motorcycle in India. It is one of the popular bikes in the rural market where mileage is important over others specs. It was one of the top 10 selling bikes in India for the year 2014 but has not slipped to 14th position as per bike sales figures of August 2015.
Design
Platina ES is based on Wind 125 and not much of changes has come up for its new model too. A small fairing above the lights looks good. There are slight changes made in the side panels than its sibling Platina 100. The seats are long with ample space for pillion to sit comfortably. The bike has electric start from which it has got name ES. Front and rear both gets 110mm drum brakes and alloy wheels are also a great addition. The instrument cluster houses speedometer and fuel meter. The 29 inch seat is big comfortable for 2 people.
The frame of the bike is also redesigned and optimized after which it did shed out 5kg in weight. The wheelbase is also shortened by 20mm. Ground clearance is not more and stands at 190mm which will enable it to work efficiently even on bad roads and protect it from rains.
Engine
Displacement for the engine has been raised to 102cc and is now powered by latest technologies. The bike is now fitted with DTS-i and TEC a technology which is present in the more costly siblings. The bike gets its power from 102cc air cooled, single cylinder engine that kicks out a peak power of 8.2PS at 7500rpm and punches out maximum torque of 8.6Nm at 5000rpm. Due to the reduced weight and latest technologies introduced in the bike, it has become very efficient in terms of mileage without compromising on the performance of the bike.
It can go from 0-60kmph in just 8.3 seconds and could cruise to top speeds equal to 87kmph.
Mileage
Mileage is one of the most important factors for this bike. No Indian bike could come even close to the average per kilometers it could go. On city roads it could easily go up to 86.5kmpl. On highways it just sips petrol in drops and could go up to 92km on a litre of fuel. Fuel efficiency is the USP for Platina electric start.
Ride and Handling
Since it is a commuter bike upright riding position has to be there. The front suspension gets telescopic fork and back is fitted with dual shocks where both are well integrated into the body. The ride quality for the bike is good and is improvement over it sibling that to the improved and optimized frame. The new ES model could take up bad roads even better and cruising through them is is better also due to the increase ground clearance. The drum brakes works well and bike could come from 60kmph to stop in just 20 meters. 3 inch rear tyres also provides stability with excellent road grip.
Verdict
The new improved engine has boosted the fuel efficiency and ride quality of the bike. The electric start is another great feature which the buyers are going to love. It is one of the great buy for people who wants complete value for their money and at Rs. 46,616(Ex Mumbai) the bike promises to provide that value. Some of the top reasons you might want to buy this bike are electric start, best mileage, long seats, highest ground clearance, alloy wheels, widest tyre, 11l fuel tank and zero maintenance battery.
2016 Specification and Prices
Ex-Showroom Price (Rs.)
| City | Delhi | Mumbai | Kolkata | Chennai | Ahmedabad | Hyderabad | Bengaluru |
| Platina ES | 45,252 | 47,341 | 46,577 | 46,522 | 46,172 | 46,230 | 46,049 |
Engine
Type: Air cooled single cylinder
Valvetrain: 2 valve, SOHC
Displacement: 102cc
Power: 8.2PS at 7500rpm
Torque: 8.6Nm at 5000rpm
Gearbox: 4-speed
Carburetor: PTE 16 Manual choke
Fuel Tank: 11l
Mileage
City: 86.5kmpl
Highway: 91.5kmpl
Overall: 87kmpl
Performance
0-60kmph: 8.2s
Top speed: 87kmph
60-0kmph: 20.2m
Other Specifications
Suspension(F): Telescopic Fork
Suspension(R): Dual Shock
Brakes(F): 110mm Drum
Brakes(R): 110mm Drum
Tyre(F): 2.75/17
Tyre(R): 3.00/17
L x W x H: 2000 mm x 840 mm x 1060 mm
Wheelbase: 1255mm
Kerb Weight: 108kg
Saddle height: 798 mm
L x W x H: 2000 mm x 840 mm x 1060 mm