Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

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Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

Question 1: Disc brake are better on these high-mileage+low-power bikes ?
Ans : Disc brakes are not really needed on such small capacity bikes, but if given the option, they are better than drums anyday. You will have to get used to them for first few kms but once you get the hang of it, they are superb.

Question 2: Spoke wheels are better than alloy wheels, technically ?
Ans: Spoke wheels are only good if you off road. Reason, they can be repaired easily with lot less money whereas alloys; if bend or deformed have to be replaced, which is a costly affair. For normal commuting Alloys are always better, lighter and you have the option to go for tubeless tires, which are always better than the tube ones.

Question 3: What benefit electric start has ? I can kick, I am quite fit for that
Ans: No particular benefit, but almost all the bikes have the option now. And kick is always present, if you want to use it.

Looks like your heart is set on TVS Victor, with disk brakes and alloy wheels.
It is a great bike, if you like it, go for it.
If this bike is one time investment, you will be using it daily for years to come, so better buy something that you really like.
If you want to upgrade in near future, go for something that is most value for money and will give you the most bang out of your buck.

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

I have subscribed for this thread. Soon, I will be coming to the same position.

To add more to the concussion, Honda Dream Yuga can also be placed in the list.

But I personally have 3 bikes in mind - Victor, CT100B, Yuga.

Will finalise soon and get it, since I will be using it extensively inside City during all seasons. So, don't want to end up with the wrong product.

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

600i for weekend rides ?

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

What about Yamaha Saluto. I rode the bike and it feels well built.&nbsp;<br><br>It costs about the same as the Victor and at 125 cc has the highest CC in the segment.&nbsp;<br><br>The seat on the Victor is very comfortable and it has a 60W headlight, Pilot lamps and Hazard lights. The mileage is a bit lower. But its got the grunt ... for the segment.&nbsp;

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

Mostly yes. Finding it difficult to use it for office commute, especially in Chennai traffic. So want a no-nonsense, less maintenance bike which can take a beating. Not that I will not maintain it. But that should be my least of priorities. Also, it will help me to save for fuel money for long weekend rides

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

Its not 1 time investment. I am going to change it after 2 years at max.

Heart is not set on Victor, its just that TVS reviews are quite impressive, here is one more of TVS phoenix review at xbhp, makes me feel good for TVS. I am looking for practicality here. I was going to buy CT100B because its the cheapest. Nut nothing finally decided yet. Tomorrow I am going to buy one of these.

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

Cool, do let us know what you finally decide. All the best.

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K


I was wondering if someone with ownership experience of both TVS and Bajaj could share some thoughts

And which has more mileage: Platina or CT100B ?

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

Well, from what I have heard, Bajaj will give more mileage but the engine is not long lasting. It starts to trouble you after a few years. But since you plan to upgrade, you can go for it.
TVS will give a bit low mileage compared to Bajaj, but will last longer.
And the resale value of Bajaj is low. you will get more money for TVS than Bajaj when you want to get rid of it.

About mileage, I think both will give similar mileage.

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

Same-Pinch

I am going through the same search as you are, commuter bike for a period of 2 years, my reason is that I am waiting for the KTM Adventure to release, hence, wanted to get a cheap commuter strictly for city use till it is available

I haven't owned any of the bikes you have shortlisted but I have shortlisted the Bajaj CT100B

checkout my thread as follows,



I kinda find it the best value for money proposition

To answer your questions,

Question 1: Disc brake are better on these high-mileage+low-power bikes ?
Drums do just fine, Discs are good if you're exceeding 60kmph consistently
More than the breaks, the tyres will make a bigger difference in braking, not the type as in steel or alloy but the make of the tyre rubber thread and rubber
All commuters will come with shoddy tyres
Hence, I decided to chose the cheapest commuter so I have some spare amount left if I decide to upgrade the tyres to better quality
Plus, even if you take Drum brake, the size of the brake will make a difference
Bajaj's Cheapest - CT100B comes with 110mm front and back
TVS's Cheapest - TVS Sport comes with 130mm front and 110mm back but is also Rs. 8,000/- costlier than CT100B
In the end, it will depend at what speed you plan to commute, will you always push it to its limit of 60 (in which case get bigger brake) or will you ride in a relaxed manner between 40 and 50 (in which case a smaller brake will do)

Question 2: Spoke wheels are better than alloy wheels, technically ?
Spoke wheels will be sturdier than Alloys but a city commute is not going to break or bend your Alloys unless you meet with an accident
But, Spokes are also heavier that reduces the power to weight ratio but you shouldn't be concerned about it on a commuter
I personally don't find the price difference between Spoke and Alloy worth it to get an Alloy wheel bike, at the end, its the rubber thread that's more important
Drive both, Spoke and Alloy versions and if you don't feel any difference in handling, I'd say save the money and get the Spoke

Question 3: What benefit electric start has ? I can kick, I am quite fit for that
Initially, Ease of access is the only benefit, kicks work just as good
However, if the bike gets old like 4 or 5 years old it might require more than 1 kick if the engine is not maintained, this is where electric start is easier as you just need to keep pressing the starter again and again till the bike starts instead of kicking it again and again
If you intend to keep the bike for only 2 years, kick should do just fine

Here are my inputs to your shortlisted bikes,

1. Bajaj CT100B: Cheapest and VFM with dual spring suspension but it does not has a fuel gauge
2. Bajaj Platina: Costlier than CT100B due to Alloy Wheels, Slightly Bigger Tank, Electric Start, has a fuel gauge, rest all is the same (CT100 will be in between CT100B and Platina)
3. TVS Sport: Costlier than CT100B due to Alloy Wheel, Bigger Tank, Bigger Rear brake and Electric Start but has single spring suspension but it is adjustable to 5 levels
4. TVS victor: Costlier than CT100B due to Alloy Wheel, Disc Brake, Latest Release and Electric Start, but lower on mileage and same tank size as CT100B

Technology wise both go neck to neck, Bajaj just has some models priced cheaper than TVS and gives better mileage

I didn't even bother researching on Honda or Hero bikes as all their bikes are costlier for no damn reason and I would eventually end up spending more money on a bike in 2 years of time (hoping the KTM Adventure releases by then)

All that said, if you are really keen on comfort then look for a bike that has gas charged suspension (monoshock or dualshock doesn't matter), TVS Phoenix and Bajaj Discover range have this type of suspension, both are within your budget and I personally know people who have the Discover series bikes are have stated it is a good suspension and comfortable ride

If you are not so keen on comfort then normal coil spring suspension will also work, although I feel the Bajaj's dual coil sping in CT100B and Platina is better than a single coil spring type found in TVS Sport, reason : simple physics, two springs are better than one

Best of luck with your search, just make sure to get a detailed breakup of the on-road price from dealers and then compare the bikes with prices

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

Ahem! I disagree and beg to differ when it comes to a CT100. I have had my bike for more than 11years now. The engine has never been troublesome. 11 years and 85000kms.

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

On platina and TVS Sport- I totally hate the handling of these 2 bikes. If U ignore that, then no probs. I had a TVS star city for 9 years and >80 K kms, never faced any major problem. The new Victor is a great handler in this case. Cant say about CT100, as I havnt rode it. But dont compare it with the older CT100. The new one is very different from the old One. Honestly, if you r looking to sell within 2-3 years, No bike will create any problem within that period. Choose anything U like.

Re: TVS vs Bajaj -- which bike under 60K

I request the mods to close this thread. I bought a new bike and have started an ownership thread here