TVS Star City+: Long term review, fleet introduction

When we were told that the new TVS Star City+ would be the latest entrant to the ZigWheels garage, I am sure not everyone was kicked about it. But that is understandable, as it is a commuter motorcycle developed with a sole purpose of taking the rider from point A to B in comfort without much frills. And for this fact, I was more than glad to get hold of the keys to the TVS Star City+ as my daily commute from my residence to office is a tiring 60km ordeal in Mumbai traffic. Since then, I have clocked a shade above 1000km on the bike and here is what I have to say of my journey so far. 

The TVS Star City+ follows traditional commuter motorcycle styling while sporting minimal body graphics. Details that enhance the visual appeal of the bike include the chrome plated heat shield on exhaust, 3D emblem and the neatly sculpted fuel tank. Even though the styling isn’t in your face but I did get a few queries regarding the bike with many of them christening it “Dhoniwali bike” owing to the commercial in which cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni is endorsing the new motorcycle. The TVS Star City+ sports a part-analogue-part-digital instrument cluster which is easy to read. The build quality of the switch gear is excellent and TVS definitely earns brownie points on this end.

Seating position of the TVS star City+ is upright while the subtle knee recess on the fuel tank is helpful in gripping the bike and results in a comfortable riding posture. The 109.7cc, air-cooled motor churns out 8.3PS of max power and a torque of 8.7Nm. Power delivery is brisk and linear and the bike feels comfortable cruising at speeds between 60 to 70km/h but at higher speeds harsh vibrations start to creep in from handlebar, seat and footpegs, which is one of its qualms. Power is transmitted to the rear-wheel via a four-speed transmission that offers crisp and precise gear shifts. Being a commuter motorcycle, manoeuvrability is a factor that is of great importance as one has to carve yourself out from the traffic infested roads. The TVS Star City+ fared impressively on this aspect as on my way to office I have to encounter some of the worst traffic jams in Mumbai and the lively handling dynamics of the Star City+ meant I eased my way through it.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the TVS Star City+ fared badly as it returned an overall fuel efficiency figure of 55kmpl. Although the fuel efficiency figure is on the lower side, I have to admit that around 70 per cent of my journey is with the throttle pinned wide open. Other negatives I felt with the TVS Star City+ is cold start, as I have to spend at least five minutes in warming up the engine by idling with the choke open and it is a bit frustrating especially when one is in a hurry. Also the drum bakes don’t provide adequate bite or feedback specially the front drum brakes. Overall my journey with the TVS Star City+ has been a good one but a sterner ordeal lies ahead as the roads are deteriorating with every passing day and a trip to Pune is on the cards. Also Read: TVS Star City+ vs Mahindra Centuro vs Hero Splendor i Smart Comparison Review

Date Acquired: June 25 2014

Total km till date: 1,135km

Fuel consumed: 20.6 litres

Overall fuel efficiency: 55kmpl (As tested)

Cheers: Peppy motor, Slick gearbox, Manoeuvrability

Sneers: Fuel Efficiency, Cold Start, Brakes

Total Cost:  Nil