TVS Star City+, as the name says company wants this bike to be the star performer in the high volume commuter segment which is primarily targeted at Indian city
consumers. In this relay race, to challenge the well settled
competitors, Star City+ takes the baton ahead from the hands of TVS Star
City which again is the successor of TVS Star. Understanding the
importance of entry level urban commuter segment and revenues generated
in that segment, engineers in Hossur had big responsibilities on their
shoulders while designing this next generation bike. This 110 cc bike
comes with all the weaponry essential to threaten the bikes like Hero
Splendor+, Honda Dream Neo, Bajaj Discover 100 series, Mahindra Centuro
and many other similar bikes. We got a chance to test ride the bike on
the city streets of Mumbai. Let us explore the Star, which shadowed the
star of Indian cricket MS Dhoni in TV commercials, and find out its core
competence areas.
Appearance: (4.3/5)
Highlights: Attention to details like 3D emblem, faux
mesh on side panels, Apache like engine housing design, contrast
stitching on seat, silver finished rear coil spring and grab rails etc.;
adds an extra pinch of flashiness and makes the Star City+ look premium
compared to other bikes in the segment.
3D Emblem and Faux Mesh on Side Panel Looks Premium.
It’s a preconceived notion that low cost vehicles need not look good
if it is anyhow taking the price northwards. The price has always been
in the director’s seat while designing all such bikes, irrespective of
their manufacturers. But TVS tried to be slightly different by paying
attention to designing and detailing of the bike’s appearance. Bike
carries orthodox rectangular headlight but the black cowl, mounted on
top of that, changes the story. Cowl has recess and contours to add
appeal to bike’s face, which is further enhanced by 3D ‘TVS’ emblem.
Similarly, you can find ‘Star City+’ 3D emblem on both side panels too,
along with faux mesh above, which just improves the aesthetics of this
Star. Except headlight visor, tank, side panels and exhaust cover, every
bit and pieces on the bike have been dipped in black paint. Turn
indicators are finished in white with an orange light within.
TVS Star City+ is company’s key offering in entry level commuter segment of Indian two wheeler market.
From tail to tank everything sits at the same height, which makes the
profile of the bike quite parallel to the ground. This bikes
predecessor, TVS Star City, had the inclined profile line which moves up
as you move from tail to tank. The engine housing will remind you about
that of TVS Apache and it houses a white TVS logo in contrast with all
black engine. Cover on exhaust pipe carries an Ecothrust badge at the
center. Detailing job extends to seat too, and we can see that seat
cover is made up of two different textured materials stitched together
with contrast thread. Tail section design is depicted by a typical TVS
language. Tail light extends outwards to merge well with sloping side
panels. Not seen often on a bike of this segment, Star City+ gets
separate light to illuminate the rear number plate. Contrast colored
rear coil springs and grab rail marks the perfect execution of the
design.
TVS expects this bike to turn the fortunes of the company in entry level commuter segment, in near Horizon
Summarizing, the overall of appearance of Star City+, we can say that
some premium touches, given all around, makes this bike one of the best
looking entry level commuter.
TVS has put in lot of efforts to make this bike stand-out in already crowded entry level market.
Engine and Performance: (4.1/5)
Highlights: Throaty and lively engine mated with versatile gearbox provides pleasant ride perfect for city commuting.
| Engine Specifications | |
| Displacement | 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 |
This 109.7cc TVS motor delivers the power smoothly on tarmac and is visually and audibly inspired by big brother Apache’s engine
Put in the key, turn the ignition ON and half a second press of
self-start switch will bring the engine to life. As soon as the piston
rumbles, a familiar exhaust note will resonate with your eardrums. TVS
Star City+ looks to have attended vocal classes with its big brother
Apache and hence tries to match the exhaust note. Moly coat on piston
reduces the friction and hence prevents the power getting wasted in the
form of heat. Also roller type of followers, in cohesion with cams,
manage the vales smoothly. These things, along with high flow air
filter and some other technological changes put together, are termed as
Ecothrust technology. This 109.7 cc Ecothrust engine produces 8.3 HP at
7,000 RPM and torque of 8.7 NM @ 5,000 RPM. The company claims that this
engine delivers fuel efficiency figure of 86 kmpl, but we expect that
it could deliver the flipped figure at least, that is around 68 kmpl.
Ecothrust technology: Moly coat piston reduces friction and manages Optimal Ignition curve, claims the company.
Slot in the first gear and bike pulls you off in a breeze. First two
gears are short but remaining two gears cover wide spectrum of velocity
figures and hence this gearbox is highly versatile. Third pair of gear
can pull the bike from 20-23 kmph up to the 70-72 kmph without getting
much strained. The value addition done by addition of fifth gear would
have been absolutely much more than the cost incurred, but after-all
it’s an entry level commuter and hence company stayed away from putting
the fifth gear in the box. Frequently jumping from one gear to the
other, the cog sometime feels notchy but for the rest period its butter
smooth. The top speed of the bike is in the range of 92-95 kmph. Bike’s
overall performance might not blow you away (and the bike is not even
intended to do so) but will absolutely serve the purpose above your
expectations. The internally expanding 130 mm and 110 mm in diameter
brakes, installed at front and the rear wheel respectively , stops the
bike in an about 100 meters when applied at the speed of 60 kmph. Brake
force gets gradually applied over the distance and avoids the sudden
jerk.
130mm Drum Brake at the Front Wheel, Absence of Disc Brake Would be Surely Felt.
| Gear | Top Speed (kmph) |
| 1 | 19 – 23 |
| 2 | 42 – 44 |
| 3 | 70 – 72 |
| 4 | 92 – 95 |
Ride and Handling: (4.5/5)
Highlights: Ride of TVS Star City+ is neutral and is least stressful – ideal for a daily commuter who has to do long hauls within the city.
| Chassis Type | Single cradle tubular frame |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic, oil damped front suspension |
| Rear Suspension | 5 step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers |
As soon as you grab the handle and get the wheels rolling, you will
be surprised to see how light the handle bar is. The lightness of handle
bar will be highly appreciated by many commuters, if not welcomed by a
few enthusiasts. In almost every commuter’s life, U turns, detours, and
zipping through the congested traffic are some of the itchy, but
inevitable situations and here the light handlebar come as a savior. At
the same time confidence and surefooted character of the ride is nowhere
compromised. Five step adjustable rear hydraulic shockers are well
sprung and absorb many bumps with ease and pillion is the most benefited
person from it. Front shock absorbers are of a telescopic type with oil
as dampening medium. You might find it bit weird to read if for the
first time, but the seat cushion is so soft that it works in sync with
suspension to isolate road shocks from rider and pillion partially.
Straight line stability and body balancing is managed pretty well in
this bike by TVS engineers. The 17 inch alloy wheels, wrapped in TVS
rubber, never let us down during the test ride.
| Brakes and Tyres | |
| Brake Front | Internally expanding, 130 mm dia |
| Brake Rear | Internally expanding, 110 mm dia |
| Tyre Size Front | 2.75 x 17 (TVS) |
| Tyre Size Rear | 3.00 x 17 (TVS) |
Features and Convenience: (4.5/5)
Highlights: Despite the compact dimensions, an adult
with any physique will find the ride of Star City+ to be nothing short
than highly comfortable. TVS have thrown-in intelligent and most
practical features, like Service Reminder, light that asks you to turn
off the engine when idling for longer time etc., on board of this bike
to increase the value for money quotient.
The instrument cluster provided on this bike is combination of
analogue speedometer and a tiny digital display showing fuel level and
odometer. The speedometer comes with a white textured background which
is readable in bright daylight as well as in the darkness of the night.
The Needle Swings to Maximum and All Indicator Lights Glows When we Turn the Ignition ON
Besides conventional indicators for turn lights, high beam light and
neutral gear Star City+ instrument cluster comes with a Service Reminder
indicator as well. The service reminder indicator starts blinking
whenever the bike is due for a visit to the TVS service center. What
things are working in the background of this indicator is unknown, but
we guess that this is hardwired with the odometer reading.
Note the Service Reminder Indicator at the Bottom
Many would be remembering that Scooty Pep brought in Economy – Power
mode indicator for the first time on- board of any TVS vehicle. Old Gen
Economy – Power mode indicator used to switch depending upon the angle
of throttle twisted, but that of Star City+ is linked with engine rpm
and this technically makes sense too. The power mode bulb would glow
when rpm corresponding to 55 kmph in fourth gear is reached
approximately . Going further if you keep your bike idling for more than
20 sec the power mode light will start blinking and plead you turn off
the engine.
The Economy – Power Mode Indicator Acts as Guide to Extract Maximum Efficiency from the Engine.
Rear view mirrors provided on the bike are one of the best amongst
the all other bikes, as it effortlessly covers the road as broad 3 lanes
and keeps the rider out of the frame.
Rider’s Eye View of Rear View Mirror. It Covers the Road Left Behind Very Efficiently.
Cover for the pillion seat has textured layout which provides better
grip and avoids the slippage. Cushion provided on the seat is too soft
and it even helps in absorbing some shocks.
Soft and Comfortable Seat Gets Skid Resistant Cover.
The fuel tank contours are such that an adult with average height can
get hold of it with thighs and taller guys can also live with it.
Positioning of choke below the left side switch gear is convenient
and it returns back to its original position automatically after a
predefined time. Switchgear design is ergonomic and switches fall within
the reach of the thumb very well.
Left
Hand Side of Switchgear Houses Upper-Dipper Selector Switch, Turn
Indicator Switch, Horn, Pass Light Switch and an Automatically
Retractable Choke.
On the downside company has only provided switch with which we can
just turn the headlight ON or OFF and there is no provision for pilot
lamp.
Note the Absence of Pilot Lamp.
Also the pass light switch doesn’t work if the headlight is turned
ON, so during night times you have to rely on upper – dipper selector
switch. The illumination provided by headlight is decent and its
operation is flicker free throughout the use.
Chunky and Functional Grabrail on Star City+.
Build Quality: (3.9/5)
Highlights: Build quality is up to the mark in several
areas, but has some sore points like mediocre finishing of switchgear
and flimsy side panels and under seat cable management.
| Dimensions | |
| Wheel Base | 1260 mm |
| Height | 1080 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 172 mm |
| Length | 1980 mm |
| Width | 750 mm |
Get astride and grab the handle bar of the bike and you’ll notice
well-built bike beneath you. Right from handle bar grips to brake levers
and seat, all are built with the best possible material keeping the
cost in mind. Paint quality is good too. The brake and clutch cables are
well routed and will ensure that these cables don’t get twisted and
damaged easily. But plastic quality of side panels raised concern is our
mind. Also, even though switchgear is ergonomically designed, some
switches like pass light had some rough edges around, at-least on the
test unit. The exposed screw-heads break the harmony of the instrument
console design, a simple rubber cap should have been used to cover
these.
| Weight | |
| Kerb weight | 109 kg (ES MAG) |
| 105 kg (KS MAG) | |
| Capacities | |
| Fuel tank including reserve | 10 liters |
| Reserve | 2 liters |
Conclusion: (4.3/5)
The buyer looking for a bike of this segment has very few but strict
criteria in their mind, while making the choice -like good fuel
efficiency, low maintenance and hassle free ownership. TVS has covered
these basic requirements well and gone beyond that by offering smart and
cost effective features. After making their presence felt again in
scooter segment with Jupiter and 2014 Wego, the company has chosen a
well-rounded package to re-enter the entry level urban commuter market.
TVS Star City+ has strong points like versatile and traffic friendly
gearbox, light yet confident ride, well sorted ergonomics which suites
person with any physique, comfortable seat and good feature list. At
ex-showroom, Delhi price of Rs. 44,000 for electric – start variant and
Rs. 41,445 for kick – star variant, TVS Star City+ is an absolutely a
worthy buy. TVS Star City+ is a perfect commuter and a smart companion
for young aspirant as well as for a seasoned person of any age.
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