TVS Star Sport : Commuter motorcycles have always had a say in the Indian two-wheeler industry and the news of TVS launching the new TVS Star Sport is no less than history being created.
Aimed at the entry segment, this bike concentrates on the 2 factors that Indian riders want the most; best mileage and cheap price.
In these times of increasing fuel prices and economic uncertainty, TVS have hit the right notes, by providing an utilitarian, fuel-efficient, and an affordable motorcycle to the masses with the Victor.
A New Bike for the Commuter Masses
TVS Star Sport has been introduced as a simple daily commuter, which is high on reliability, performance and frugality.
Design-wise, it’s no-nonsense; not that showy, but still contemporary enough that both the city folks and countrymen would like.
It VX also assures a long life, less maintenance, and fuel efficiency, which are the reasons why this is a perfect choice for students, office commutters, and things like that.
The bike is powered by a 109.7cc air-cooled engine that’s more about fuel efficiency than performance.
It might not be right for your performance-hound, but there’s plenty of torque and take-off there for commuting the city without struggling to keep up on the highway.
And with the reported mileage in the range of 70 to 75 kmpl, it’s one of the most affordable two wheelers you’ll find in the market.
Engine and Performance
The new TVS Star Sport is equipped with a 4-stroke, single-cylinder motor that produces an estimated 8.2 bhp and 8.7 Nm of torque.
This is mated to a 4-speed transmission that feels crisp and suited to both slick and city riding environment. What’s noticeable is the way it responds at low revs, coming in handy when stuck in traffic.
It is also fitted with ET-Fi (Eco Thrust Fuel injection) technology that helps in improvement of overall combustion efficiency leading to increased pickup and smoother ride in traffic, less emission and better fuel efficiency.
Peak speed is about 90 kmph which is adequate for the segment that is. But that bike isn’t really about speed — it’s about practicality, dependability and frugality.
Design and Features
Styling is of the TVS Star Sport is minimalist but contemporary. It receives new graphics, sporty decals, along with a trendy headlamp unit.
The body panels fit well and it gets a muscular looking fuel tank that makes the bike feel much bigger than it actually is.
There is also a part-digital instrument cluster that displays details such as speed, fuel level, trip meter and odometer.
It also gets LED DRLs, alloy wheels and a lengthy comfortable seat that aids the riding comfort for rider and the pillion as well.
TVS has kept the suspension a simple affir with the system being conventional telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers in the rear that turn out to provide good ride quality, be it in the city or on bad rural roads.
Braking is sufficient with drum brakes front and rear, though it would have been nice to have disc brakes as a choice.
Pricing and Variants
The real plus point of the TVS Star Sport is its tempting price tag. Priced from about Rs 59,000 to Rs 65,000 ex-showroom, it is an affordable and reasonable purchase compared to many of its rivals but with similar if not better fuel efficiency and trustworthiness.
The bike is available in several dual-tone colour schemes, so at least you get some visual variety.
With the pricing, TVS is targeting to lock horns with the Hero HF Deluxe and Bajaj Platina 100.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Great Mileage: One of the best in its category making it ideal for every day rider.
Price: Cheap to buy and run.
Refined Engine : Smooth performance for both city and highways.
Light Weight: Easy to control and suitable for beginners.
Trusted Brand: TvS has good service network through India.
Cons:
No Disc Brake Option: Better braking would have been nice.
Lack of Modern Connectivity: As with its UHD counterpart above, this TV doesn’t support Bluetooth or navigation.
Plain-Jane Instrument Cluster: Lacks tech, especially compared to its newer competition.
Limited Highway Performance: Not the best for high speed long trips.
Conservative Styling: Young or fashion-focused shoppers might not find it as attractive.
TVS Star Sport Final Verdict
The TVS Star Sport is not a looker but it makes a statement with the numbers, by numbers we are referring to fuel efficiency, cost and utility.
It is a stripped-down, highly utilitarian commuter bike made for the masses. For those wanting to save on fuel and maintenance while experiencing a reliable performance, the Star Sport is a wise purchase.
Whether you are a student in college or a salaried employee, the bike provides you tremendous value for money which you have earned—-following the Indian commuter spirit.