TVS Star City Plus comes with a low price tag and offers a fuel consumption range of 85 kilometers per liter.
While you are going through the streets of an Indian city, a motorcycle makes it way through the backed-up traffic. It is most likely a TVS Star City Plus.
The Star City Plus is just one of the many bikes I have used over the years. However, it is a bike that remains etched in my memory for some reason, and I am not able to figure out why.
Maybe its the practicality wrapped in style or all the riding I have done through the good old American beltway and the sprawling urbanized regions. Whatever the case maybe, this bike is certainly a highlight from TVS and has won the hearts of a number of riders and has won theirs too.
Now let’s discuss the appearance. The Star City Plus resembles that friend who manages to look effortlessly stylish all the time. The bike is not super ornate, but it is far from bland. You will first notice its sharp and edgy headlamp. It's as if the bike is winking at you and saying, “Are you up for an exciting journey?"
You will find a fuel tank that has been sculpted just enough to go with the style of the bike. It is quite a balance to strike. Too intricate and it becomes forgettable. Too aggressively designed and it loses the casual appeal that makes the Star City Plus so desirable.
This is where it honestly gets interesting. TVS has added a sporty appeal to this commuter bike. It’s like seeing your average, chill friend pull off some great dance moves at a party. Unbelievable, but in a good way.
Don't even get me started with the color options. They did not skimp out on the shades that's for sure. The Star City Plus has the traditional black and red options, but also boldly has blue and grey. I still reminisce about the day my friend purchased the blue variant – he looked as if he was soaring through some endless sky.
At Long Last: Performance That Exceeds Expectations
Let’s open the engine bay and see precisely what makes this star shine. The Star City Plus has the heart of an agile warrior and is equipped with a 109.7cc single-cylinder engine. If you often ride massive bikes, then 109.7cc may seem pretty underwhelming. However it is considered quite the weapon in terms of commuting bikes.
This modest engine produces about 8.4 horsepower along with 8.7 Nm of torque. While these specifications may not make you the talk of the biker bar, on city streets these numbers are more than sufficient.
Like a work of art, this engine impresses with its smoothness. There's literally no vibration riding this bike, so you’d believe you’re on an electric bicycle. This bike is designed for long rides and after spending hours on the bike, don’t expect to feel like you just jumped off a jackhammer.
This is what makes this bike unique – gas mileage. TVS claims to offer 86 kmpl, which real world experience suggests is lower, but is still great. I mean you can certainly travel long distances without worrying about running out of petrol. I rode from Delhi to Jaipur on one full tank, and the needle on the gauge barely changed positions.
Comfort: Your Backside Will Thank You
Let’s be honest, people use their commuting bikes more than just during weekends. With that being said, comfort is an important factor when riding through traffic or even going to work.
This is offered by the Star City Plus. The seat is wide and very well padded, like a nice sofa on wheels. The position where you sit is upright so you can see cars above you and be able to see that pothole that is trying to swallow your front wheel.
The setup of the suspension is done well – there are telescopic forks in the front and on the back there are 5 adjustable hydraulic shocks. It’s not perfect, but it does minimize the bumpy rides. It is not as smooth as riding on a magic carpet, but it is close enough that you will not mind speed bumps or broken pieces of roads.
I recall once driving in Bangalore on a particularly bumpy road. A friend of mine on a different bike was bouncing like corn in a hot pan. I? I felt as though I was gliding over bumps. Good suspension is something you appreciate during moments like these.
Tech and Features: More Than Just Standard Commuter Use
So the Star City Plus is a commuter bike but no, TVS did not cut down on the features. It’s as if they took a bold step and designed it like a premium bike and has made it accessible to everyone.
Let’s take a look at the dashboard first. The analog speedometer features a digital display as well. It is straightforward and easy to comprehend, providing all the necessary details at once. Fuel gauge? Check. Odometer? Yep. Trip meter? You got it. It even has a service reminder, so you have no excuse for missing that oil change.
And the Star City Plus offers more than just an impressive dashboard. The headlight also provides adequate lighting when necessary. It is bright enough to make those early morning or late evening commutes far safer. For safety connoisseurs, the bike comes equipped with Synchronized Braking Technology (SBT), instantly applying both brakes upon the slightest touch of the rear brake pedal. Finally, something that truly makes me feel protected while commuting.
One little thing that makes a huge difference in day-to-day rides is the handy USB charging port. Never will arrive to my destination with a dead phone battery again. It’s these little touches that show TVS has really considered how practical their bikes are.
On the Road: Where the Star City Plus Stands Out
One can only imagine what it’s like to ride a motorcycle, but the real test is on the road. This is precisely where the Star City Plus earns its stripes.
In city traffic, it’s like a fish in water. Moving within the bike’s parameters was easy, thanks to the light clutch and smooth gearbox. On city roads, the bike’s compact dimensions and responsive handling allow you to effortlessly squeeze through gaps that larger bikes wouldn’t dare attempt. Getting stuck in traffic is almost enjoyable.
But don’t think the Star City Plus is just a city slicker; in fact, it tends to do quite well on the highway too. Sure, it’s not going to win any land speed records, but unlike other bikes, it is able to maintain 70-80 km/h. I’ve done several long rides on this bike, and time and again, the bike never seems to run out of energy.
There’s this one memory that paints a specific picture in my mind. One time, my friends and I decided to take a trip together on our individual bikes and rode from Chennai all the way to Pondicherry. Everyone had their pick, from sporty 150cc machines to a couple of Royal Enfields. But I did not happen to be the one whinging at the end of the tour, complaining about aches and numbness in my hands, and back. And so, it became rather clear to me that the Star City Plus had proven itself to be an all-rounder and had done me justice.
Experience was more than just ownership of the machine.
Purchasing a bike comes with more than just the bike itself. It is a package that comes complete with the entire ownership experience, and that is exactly how the Star City Plus makes its name shine for taking the crown once again.
And this is one of the strongest TVS points, as they happen to have one of the most wide-ranging service centers all over India. You can feel relaxed and not worry about your location because you know it is very likely that a TVS service center is near you. This has proven to be invaluable, especially when you go explore odd routes that aren’t really frequeneted by people.
The other strong aspects are the maintenance expenses. The Star City Plus is specially designed for people who do not want to go through the hasssle of constant maintenance, along with the addition of easily accessible parts. Looking after one’s loyal pet gets easier when they do not require special attention, proving to be life savers in case of a dreaded emergency.
The resale value is also notable. Generally, TVS bikes have a good resale value, and the Star City Plus certainly isn't any different. You can rest assured that should you ever seek to upgrade in the future, you will receive a fair amount for your trusty steed.
The Verdict: One That Doesn’t Burn Out
So should you purchase TVS Star City Plus? Does it continue to hold its ground in the bike market despite the competition?
Definitely. The Star City Plus is like that dependable friend who’s always there for you. It may not be the shiniest or the most muscular bike out there, but it’s the one you can count on day in and day out.
It achieves excellent levels of performance, comfort, and efficiency in one simple frame. It won’t go unnoticed in a crowd, but it certainly isn’t loud enough to draw unwanted attention. It is fun to ride without being overpowering, thus making it a great bike for more novice riders. And above all it is comfortable enough for those long rides, as well as nimble enough to scoot around in busy traffic.
If anything, the TVS Star City Plus is an all-rounder, and to my astonishment, it performs most tasks remarkably. It possesses characteristics of a bike that evolves, transforming it into more than a simple vehicle. It integrates itself into your everyday activities and becomes a constant partner whether you are going to the supermarket or embarking on a long trip.
So, if you want a little more than a regular town bicycle, you should consider the Star City Plus. Go on a test ride. Drive it, touch the soft engine, and picture all those adventurous moments that you can have with it.
However, here’s a warning - you might just end up crushing on this little star. And, unlike the time when you thought growing a mullet is okay, this is one attachment that you will not regret at all.