The Bajaj Platina series has long been one of the most trusted and popular choices among Indian commuters. Known for its unmatched fuel efficiency, low-maintenance requirements, and comfortable ride, the Platina series has cemented its place in the hearts of riders across the country. The latest entrant to the lineup, the Bajaj Platina 125, raises the bar even further, offering more power, enhanced comfort, and the same legendary fuel economy. If you’re looking for a commuter bike that strikes the perfect balance between power, mileage, and affordability, the Platina 125 should be on your radar. In this article, we take an in-depth look at what makes the Bajaj Platina 125 a standout choice for Indian riders.
Why Choose Bajaj Platina 125?
The Bajaj Platina 125 is designed for people who want a step-up in power from smaller 100cc bikes but still want to maintain the same level of fuel efficiency and low running costs. Whether you’re a student, office-goer, or anyone who commutes daily, the Platina 125 promises to meet your needs for both city riding and occasional long-distance travel.
In addition to the powerful 125cc engine, the Platina 125 also offers upgraded comfort features and is built to handle the rough roads commonly found in Indian cities and towns. With a great blend of performance, practicality, and affordability, the Bajaj Platina 125 makes a strong case for itself as the best commuter bike in its segment.
Bajaj Platina 125: Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 124.5cc, Single-cylinder, Air-cooled |
| Maximum Power | 10.5 PS @ 7500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 11 Nm @ 5500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual Gearbox |
| Mileage (Claimed) | Around 60-65 km/l |
| Front Suspension | Hydraulic Telescopic Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Spring-in-Spring (SNS) Twin Shocks |
| Brakes | Drum (with CBS) or Disc (optional) |
| Kerb Weight | Around 120 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11 liters |
| Expected Price | ₹80,000 – ₹90,000 (ex-showroom) |
Design and Styling
The Bajaj Platina 125 continues the simple, functional design that the Platina series is known for. The design may not be flashy, but it is clean, practical, and efficient. Some of the key design highlights include:
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Front Cowl with Integrated Headlights: The Platina 125 features a stylish front cowl that adds to the bike’s modern look. The integrated headlights provide excellent illumination, making night rides safer and more convenient.
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Sleek Body Panels with Sharp Graphics: The Platina 125 carries sleek body panels and attractive graphics, giving the bike a refreshed appearance without compromising on its practicality.
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Long and Comfortable Seat: One of the standout features of the Platina 125 is its wide, long seat, designed to provide greater comfort for both the rider and the pillion, making it an excellent choice for long commutes.
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Chrome-Finished Exhaust: The exhaust pipe is finished in chrome, adding a touch of premium appeal to the overall look of the bike.
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Well-Proportioned Design: The overall design of the Platina 125 is compact yet well-balanced, making it perfect for navigating through busy city traffic.
Performance and Ride Comfort
The new 124.5cc engine in the Bajaj Platina 125 is a significant upgrade over its 100cc predecessors. It generates a maximum power output of 10.5 PS at 7500 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm, providing more power for highway trips and carrying heavier loads. The engine is tuned to offer both smooth city commuting performance and sufficient power for longer trips.
In addition to the power increase, the 5-speed manual gearbox helps the engine perform efficiently at higher speeds, reducing vibrations and providing a smoother riding experience.
Ride Comfort and Suspension
One of the reasons the Platina series has been so successful in India is its focus on ride comfort. The Platina 125 takes this legacy forward with Bajaj’s patented Spring-in-Spring (SNS) suspension, which ensures that the bike delivers a smooth and cushioned ride even on rough roads. This suspension technology is particularly useful for tackling the often uneven and potholed roads in many Indian cities.
The bike’s long seat and upright riding position also contribute to improved comfort, especially for long-distance commuting. Whether you’re tackling city traffic or going on a longer trip, the Platina 125 promises a fatigue-free riding experience.
Fuel Efficiency: A Key Selling Point
When it comes to commuter bikes in India, fuel efficiency is often the deciding factor, and the Bajaj Platina 125 does not disappoint in this regard. The bike offers an impressive 60-65 km/l mileage under real-world riding conditions. With an 11-liter fuel tank, the Platina 125 has an impressive range of over 600 kilometers on a single tank, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.
This excellent fuel efficiency is complemented by Bajaj’s low-maintenance design, ensuring that the Platina 125 remains a cost-effective option for long-term ownership.
Safety Features
Safety is an important consideration for any commuter bike, and Bajaj has equipped the Platina 125 with several safety features that ensure a safe riding experience:
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Combi Brake System (CBS): The CBS ensures that both the front and rear brakes engage simultaneously for more balanced and effective stopping power. This is especially helpful when riding in traffic.
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Optional Front Disc Brake: For riders who prefer extra stopping power, Bajaj offers an optional front disc brake, which provides superior braking performance.
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Tubeless Tyres: The Platina 125 is fitted with tubeless tyres, which reduce the chances of sudden air loss in the event of a puncture.
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Lightweight Handling: At around 120 kg, the Platina 125 is easy to handle, making it perfect for riders of all experience levels.
Maintenance and Service Intervals
Bajaj motorcycles are known for their low maintenance costs, and the Platina 125 is no exception. The recommended service interval for the Platina 125 is every 3,000–4,000 kilometers or every 3–4 months, depending on the usage. Bajaj’s widespread service network ensures that getting the bike serviced is convenient and affordable.
FAQs About Bajaj Platina 125
Q1. Is the Bajaj Platina 125 good for daily commuting?
A1. Yes, the Platina 125 is an excellent choice for daily commuting due to its superior fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and low maintenance costs.
Q2. How is the performance of the Platina 125 compared to Platina 110?
A2. The Platina 125 offers more power and torque, making it a better choice for highway riding and carrying heavier loads.
Q3. Does the Platina 125 come with disc brakes?
A3. Yes, Bajaj offers an optional front disc brake along with the standard drum brake version for those seeking extra braking power.
Q4. What is the service interval for Bajaj Platina 125?
A4. Bajaj recommends a service interval of 3,000–4,000 kilometers or 3–4 months for optimum performance.
Q5. What colors are available for the Platina 125?
A5. Bajaj offers the Platina 125 in multiple color options, including Black, Red, and Blue, with stylish body graphics.
Final Words
The Bajaj Platina 125 is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and comfortable commuter bike. It offers a great balance of power and mileage, with excellent ride comfort, safety features, and affordability. Whether you’re a daily commuter or someone looking for a practical bike for city and highway use, the Platina 125 is a perfect option.
With an expected price range of ₹80,000 to ₹90,000 (ex-showroom), the Platina 125 offers tremendous value for money. If you’re looking for a bike that combines performance, fuel efficiency, and low running costs, the Bajaj Platina 125 is definitely worth considering.