TVS Star City Plus: The TVS Star City Plus stands as a testament to TVS Motor Company’s understanding of the Indian commuter motorcycle segment.
In a market where reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability reign supreme, this 110cc motorcycle has carved out a significant niche for itself.
Designed to meet the diverse needs of both urban and rural riders, the Star City Plus combines dependable performance with modern features at a competitive price point.
This comprehensive review explores the various aspects that make the Star City Plus a preferred choice among budget-conscious riders seeking a balance between economy and functionality.
TVS Star City Plus: Design and Styling
The Star City Plus boasts a design philosophy that successfully balances contemporary aesthetics with timeless appeal.
Unlike many entry-level commuters that appear visually mundane, TVS has invested considerable effort in creating a motorcycle that stands out in its segment.
The front profile features a neatly designed headlamp cluster with an attractive crown-shaped position lamp, lending it a distinctive identity on the road.
Moving along its profile, the motorcycle showcases clean lines and proportionate dimensions. The fuel tank features thoughtfully designed contours and graphics that add visual interest without appearing excessive.
Chrome accents on the side panels and engine area introduce a premium touch to an otherwise utilitarian machine.
The dual-tone color schemes available across variants further enhance its visual appeal, with options ranging from conservative Black with Red to more eye-catching combinations like Titanium Grey with Red.
The rear section completes the balanced design with a simple yet functional approach, featuring a conventional taillight assembly and clearly visible turn indicators.
Overall, the Star City Plus manages to appear more expensive than its price tag would suggest, a significant achievement in this fiercely competitive segment.
Engine Performance and Efficiency
At the heart of the Star City Plus lies a 109.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that embodies TVS’s Ecothrust technology.
This powerplant generates 8.4 PS at 7,000 rpm and 8.7 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm, figures that position it competitively within its segment.
The engine incorporates a precision-engineered combustion chamber and optimized port design that contribute to its impressive fuel efficiency ratings.
What truly distinguishes this motorcycle’s performance is not raw power—which remains modest as expected in this segment—but rather the engine’s tractability and refinement.
The power delivery is linear and predictable, making it exceptionally forgiving for novice riders. The engine maintains composure at lower revs, allowing for comfortable city riding without frequent gear changes.
The four-speed constant mesh transmission complements the engine characteristics well, offering precise shifts with a light clutch action that reduces fatigue during stop-and-go traffic situations.
The gear ratios have been carefully calibrated to maximize fuel efficiency while providing adequate acceleration when needed.
Speaking of efficiency, the Star City Plus delivers impressive mileage figures ranging between 70-75 kmpl under standard testing conditions, with real-world efficiency typically hovering around 65-70 kmpl.
This translates to a theoretical range of approximately 300 kilometers on its 10-liter fuel tank, making it an economical daily companion for budget-conscious riders.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Rider comfort receives considerable attention in the Star City Plus’s design. The motorcycle features a natural upright riding position that reduces strain during extended commutes.
The handlebar positioning and footpeg placement promote a relaxed posture suitable for riders of various heights, while the seat height of 785mm makes it accessible for shorter riders as well.
The seat itself deserves special mention, featuring contoured cushioning with a dual-texture pattern that provides adequate support and prevents sliding during acceleration or braking. With a length of 790mm, the seat comfortably accommodates both rider and pillion without feeling cramped.
Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks with 105mm of travel and 5-step adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear.
This setup strikes an admirable balance between handling stability and ride comfort, effectively absorbing most road imperfections without transmitting excessive harshness to the rider. While not plush by any means, the suspension performs admirably considering the motorcycle’s price segment.
Handling and Dynamics
For a commuter motorcycle, the Star City Plus displays surprisingly competent handling characteristics. With a kerb weight of 116 kg and a wheelbase of 1257mm, it strikes an excellent balance between stability and maneuverability.
The motorcycle feels nimble in congested urban environments, allowing riders to filter through traffic with confidence.
The TVS Dura Grip tubeless tires (2.75-17 front and 3.00-17 rear) provide adequate grip on various road surfaces, including wet conditions.
The combination of a 130mm drum brake at the front and a 110mm drum at the rear (with synchronous braking technology in newer models) delivers predictable stopping power for everyday riding scenarios.
While not designed for spirited cornering or high-speed cruising, the Star City Plus maintains composure at its intended operating speeds.
The lightweight chassis and balanced weight distribution contribute to its user-friendly handling characteristics, making it particularly suitable for riders transitioning from smaller scooters to motorcycles.
Features and Technology
Despite its affordable positioning, the Star City Plus incorporates several features that enhance its value proposition:
- Electric start (on premium variants)
- Synchronous Braking Technology (SBT) for improved braking balance
- LED DRL (Daytime Running Light)
- Semi-digital instrument cluster with eco-indicator
- USB charging port (optional)
- Low fuel indicator and service reminder
- Stainless steel muffler guard for improved durability
- All-time headlamp on (AHO) feature for enhanced visibility
The semi-digital instrument console deserves particular mention, featuring an analog speedometer complemented by a digital display for odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, and service indicators. The inclusion of an eco-indicator helps riders maintain optimal fuel efficiency by suggesting appropriate shift points.
Durability and Reliability
Durability stands as one of the Star City Plus’s strongest attributes. TVS has engineered this motorcycle with particular attention to longevity in varied operating conditions.
The engine components feature specialized coatings and treatments that reduce wear and extend service intervals. The electrical system incorporates weather-resistant connectors and routing to minimize failures in monsoon conditions.
The chassis employs a sturdy tubular frame construction with adequate corrosion protection, while the paint quality and panel fit demonstrate attention to detail often missing in this segment.
These engineering choices translate to lower maintenance costs and enhanced reliability over the motorcycle’s lifespan.
Owner testimonials consistently highlight the Star City Plus’s dependability, with many units crossing the 50,000-kilometer mark with only routine maintenance.
This reliability factor significantly contributes to its popularity, particularly in semi-urban and rural markets where service infrastructure may be limited.
Pricing and Variants
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kick Start | ₹73,990 | Basic variant with drum brakes and kick start |
| Electric Start | ₹77,490 | Added electric start, chrome details, premium graphics |
| Disc Brake | ₹80,990 | Front disc brake, tubeless tires, digital-analog cluster |
| Special Edition | ₹82,490 | Unique color scheme, special graphics, all features of disc variant |
The Star City Plus is positioned strategically in the highly competitive 110cc segment, offering an attractive value proposition across its variant lineup.
While not the cheapest option in its class, the pricing reflects the motorcycle’s feature set, build quality, and TVS’s reputation for reliability.
Key Advantages
Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: Among the most economical options in its segment
Refined Engine: Low vibration levels even at higher speeds
Comfortable Ergonomics: Well-designed seat and natural riding position
Reliable Performance: Proven mechanical components with excellent longevity
Modern Features: LED DRL, semi-digital console, and synchronous braking technology
Attractive Styling: More visually appealing than many competitors
Low Maintenance Cost: Extended service intervals and affordable spare parts
Areas for Improvement
Limited luggage carrying capacity without additional accessories
Braking performance, while adequate, lags behind some competitors
Wind protection minimal at highway speeds
Basic suspension setup struggles on severely damaged roads
Limited color options in entry-level variants
Could benefit from improved headlight illumination for night riding
Competitor Analysis
The 110cc commuter segment features intense competition from established manufacturers.
Compared to the segment-leading Honda CD 110 Dream, the Star City Plus offers more attractive styling and better features at a similar price point, though the Honda edges ahead in terms of perceived brand value and resale potential.
Against the Hero Splendor Plus, the Star City Plus provides marginally better performance and modern features, while the Splendor counters with Hero’s extensive service network and legendary reliability reputation.
The Bajaj Platina offers better ride comfort with its ComforTec suspension, but falls short of the Star City Plus in terms of overall refinement and feature set.
Real-World Performance
In everyday usage scenarios, the Star City Plus demonstrates its commuter-focused design philosophy effectively.
City commutes benefit from the motorcycle’s light handling and tractable engine, allowing riders to navigate through congested traffic with ease. The fuel efficiency remains consistently impressive, a critical factor for its target audience.
For occasional highway use, the Star City Plus performs adequately up to speeds of 70-75 kmph, beyond which engine stress becomes apparent.
The lack of wind protection makes sustained highway speeds uncomfortable over longer distances, reinforcing its primary purpose as an urban and short-distance commuter.
Conclusion
The TVS Star City Plus represents a thoughtfully designed product that addresses the fundamental needs of budget-conscious commuters without feeling excessively compromised
. Its blend of reliable performance, impressive fuel efficiency, comfortable ergonomics, and attractive styling creates a compelling package that justifies its positioning in the market.
While not breaking new ground in terms of technology or performance benchmarks, the Star City Plus excels by executing the commuter motorcycle formula with precision and attention to detail.
Its consistent sales figures and positive owner feedback testify to TVS’s understanding of this segment’s requirements.
For riders seeking a dependable, economical, and low-maintenance motorcycle for daily commuting purposes, the Star City Plus presents itself as a rational choice that balances practical considerations with enough character to avoid feeling purely utilitarian.
It successfully bridges the gap between bare-bones transportation and more aspirational motorcycling, delivering tangible value for its target audience.
TVS Star City Plus: Expert Verdict
The TVS Star City Plus earns its place as a segment staple through consistent execution rather than revolutionary features.
It delivers on the core promises of the commuter segment—reliability, efficiency, and affordability—while introducing enough refinement and features to distinguish itself from purely basic offerings.
This balanced approach makes it particularly suitable for first-time motorcycle buyers and those prioritizing practicality over performance in their daily transportation needs.