Bajaj Platina Comfortec Test Ride Review

• Oct 28, 2016
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Bajaj which is known for its high speed and powerful motorcycles has recently launched one of its old products with new badging and some extra ordinary features, yes, we are talking about Bajaj Platina Comfortec. Bajaj keeps working on its products and product related technologies, which resulting into either brand new product like “V 15” or continues up gradation across all product lineup. The Bajaj Platina Comfortec is an example of Bajaj’s continues quest of upgrading their existing products (however, at times the change brought by the company is pretty quick and not appreciated by the masses). Style & Features:

The Bajaj Platina Comfortec is basically an updated Platina ES 100; as far as styling and design elements are concerned it is pretty similar to the previous generation Platina. A perfectly no nonsense commuter motorcycle now comes in silver color allow wheels to break the monotony of black color (all black theme). Along with the alloy wheels the clutch cover also got silver color treatment, apart from this the bigger SNS rear shock absorber springs are being given unique golden brown color. As the name suggests Bajaj has put all its might to make the motorcycle comfortable- Platina Comfortec. To make the ride comfortable the company has featured longer travel front telescopic suspension. The more the travel it does the more bump soaking capability the telescopic suspension possesses. To complement the front longer travel suspensions the company has also introduced beefier rear SNS shock absorbers. The already longest seat in the category of Platina is now become firmer as company has featured extra foam to the seat, which is made up of high density material. A beige or golden brown color piping lace is also given to the seat to complement the similar color treatment given to the rear shock absorber springs. Apart from these aesthetical as well as functional features the Platina Comfortec is also featured with wider foot pegs with extra rubber mount. In fact there is one foldable root rest is also been given in addition to the foot board given on Saree guard. Engine & Performance:

The Platina Comfortec is equipped with same 102cc engine but tuned differently. To make the actual ride more comfortable there has something interesting been done to the engine. To my surprise, the bike behaved in a manner which I could only experienced on the auto-clutch motorcycle once launched by TVS by the name JIVE. The moment I shifted the bike into 1st gear it was all felt normal, the gearbox felt smooth as it was experienced in older Platina (ES 100). But the magic moment came when I decided to check the stalling of the engine; I deliberately decelerate the bike to 10 Kmph in 1st gear and keep decreasing the speed further to see at what speed the bike gets stalled. You will surprise to know the bike never went to stall at all. Yes, you read it right, NO STALLING AT ALL…………..

This simply translates that in city riding condition where you tend to be in lower gears all the time, you need not to worry about depressing the clutch all the time. It’s a real boon in heavy traffic condition and a great feature added by Bajaj. I wish Bajaj introduce this feature in all of their products. Instrument Cluster & Switchgear:

The instrument console featured on the Platina Comfortec is same as it is given on the previous gen Platina. Two pods of dials are given, out of which one is equipped with Speedometer along with Odometer and the other pod is featured with Fuel Gauge and other Tell Tail lights.

The Switchgear are typical Bajaj and also borrowed from their other entry level commuter motorcycles. Kill switch is absent and a Pass light is been given on the left hand side. There is nothing premium attached to the switchgear and they are all basic in nature. However, the handlebar grips have been improved and now they are softer yet grippy in nature than before. Riding Dynamics:

We decided to take the bike for an off road ride first, our initial impression with the tall handlebar and increased front telescopic suspensions was good. Almost instantly you get to feel that increased seat height due to augmented travel distance of both the suspensions makes the bike felt more commanding. Both increased ground clearance and specially designed suspension setup at Platina Comfortec makes the ride comfortable even in extreme conditions. However, we found the slimmer profile front tyre of Platina a little insufficient for the hardcore off roading. But then, how often we encounter such extreme riding conditions? Riding the Platina on road filled with potholes was another test we put the newcomer and it did splendid job there. In fact these are the conditions that we tend to face on regular basis, especially in tier two- tier three cities. Considering the performance of the Platina Comfortec on challenging roads (or no roads) it seems perfect option for the rural market as well. Verdict:

Platina is been one of the best selling products from the house of Bajaj and it has become even better after being re-launched. The engine has become more refined, the gearbox is now impressively smoother than before and the overall built quality is good. As far as new Platina Comfortec is concerned the anti stalling feature has only added another feather in the cap. The comfort level has definitely gone a notch higher with revised set of suspensions at both the ends. I can only say that those who are looking for a no nonsense commuter bike with added features that bring more comfort to the ride must consider new Platina Comfortec as well with other competition present in the market.