TVS Star City

TVS Star City Plus : 8600km long term report

TVS Star City  (24)

Date of acquisition: 28th September 2014

Distance traveled : 8622 Kms

Achieved fuel efficiency : 58.33 km/liter

No. of times it has been serviced : Twice

This is the second riding report of the TVS Star City Plus, the premium commuter from the Hosur based motorcycle major. Power comes from a  109cc Ecothrust DLI engine which produces 8 bhp of power and 8.7 Nm of torque.

Related – TVS Star City Plus Induction Report And First Long Term Review

TVS Star City Plus

Let me be honest. We’ve hurled some serious abuse to this motorcycle. In a span of six months, we’ve managed to clock close to 9,000 Kms on the digital odometer – and most of it has been hard riding.

The grind includes:

Daily commute – 14-15 Kms

Bi-weekly round trips to Pune – 300 Kms (approx)

Weekends in Pune – around 50 Kms

In spite of that, the Star City has been a trusty steed. The robust power-plant never managed to skip a beat, while the burbling, moderately raunchy exhaust note, unlike any other pint sized commuter, kept pleasant company throughout. However, a couple of small niggles crept in:

 TVS Stary City (2)

A sore nut gave way, and consequently the flange of the exhaust header came off. A quick fix sorted things, and we reckon it’s because of the incessant highway runs with the throttle almost pinned. 

TVS Stary City (1)

Chain slack is an issue, and though tightening the adjusting nuts ironed things out, a spell of hard riding made matters loose again.

TVS Star City  (1)

Observations:  

  • Fit and finish were always good, and manage to stand the test of time. Paint quality is lustrous, while plastic quality has stayed intact.
  • The Star City Plus is quite comfortable. The ride quality is nice and well damped, but the rear suspension manages to bottom out on potholes, especially with a pillion.
  • The front end is overtly light, which makes for effortless maneuverability in traffic clogged urban environs. However, with a pillion, the lightness can get quite unnerving, as the front end tends to get twitchy.
  • The seat with a dotted pattern is large and fairly comfortable. Even on long jaunts (>150 Kms), the TVS throws minimal discomfort to the rider’s back, along with the pillion’s.
  • The riding position is very relaxed and friendly, and marks its commuting intents.

TVS Star City  (18)

 To the shops and back is what the Star is supposed to be doing on weekends. Inter-city trips maybe stretching its functionality too far.

  • Stability isn’t an issue, but the bike gets severely affected by crosswinds, owing to the lightness. However, the TVS Dura Grip tyres are a combination of a softer compound with a block type pattern which provides better grip on tarmac than most other TVS tyres.
  • Brakes (130mm front and 110mm rear drums) aren’t the strongest, and the rear brake tends to loosen up over time. Heavy braking is a scary affair, with a lot of dive from the front end. The rear wheel locks up easily when the pedal is mashed.
  • Electrical systems are trouble-free, with not an indicator giving up. Headlamp strength is decent and adequate.
  • The 4-speed gearbox works well in low speeds, but can get annoyingly clunky when speeds and spirits rise.
  • Performance is perky, and aided with a couple of chain tightening instances, stays the same since day one. Even after beating it mercilessly along the ghats, the Star City Plus never skipped a beat.
  • Standing up to fuel efficiency claims isn’t the Star City Plus’s forte. Fuel efficiency has dropped a tad from before. Our last report stated a figure of 65.85 km/liter, while now it stands at 58.33 km/liter.

Price: Rs 44,000 (ex-showroom Delhi)

Tech-Specs:

Engine

  • Engine Capacity (CC) 109.7 cc
  • Maximum power 8.4 PS @ 7000 rpm
  • Maximum torque 8.7 NM @ 5000 rpm
  • Bore X Stroke 53.5 mm x 48.8 mm
  • Compression Ratio 9.2 : 1
  • Transmission 4 speed constant mesh
  • Clutch Wet – multi plate type
  • Chassis & Suspension
  • Chassis Type Single cradle tubular frame
  • Front Suspension Telescopic oil damped front suspension
  • Rear Suspension 5 step adjustable hydraulic shock absorber

Brakes & Tyres

  • Brake Front Hand operated, Internally expanding, 130 mm dia
  • Brake Rear Foot operated, Internally expanding, 110 mm dia
  • Tyre Size Front 2.75 x 17
  • Tyre Size Rear 3.00 x 17

Dimensions

  • Wheel Base 1260 mm
  • Height 1080 mm
  • Ground Clearance 172 mm
  • Length 1980 mm
  • Width 750 mm

Weight

  • Kerb weight 109 kg (ES MAG)
  • 105 kg (KS MAG)

Capacities

  • Fuel tank including reserve 10 liters
  • Reserve 2 liters
  • Fuel Economy (IDC) 86 Kmpl*

* Under standard test conditions

 

 

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