New Bajaj Platina 125cc - Old wine in new bottle

If you thought Bajaj Platina 125cc was no more a bike and was stopped forever, you are just wrong, because Bajaj wouldn't want to phase out its hit model. So, it has sent the Platina 125cc to its designer studio for some engine tweaks and cosmetic makeover.

Sure it did get a cosmetic as well as adjusted powertrain unit and Bajaj re-launched it into the market during the last week as new Bajaj Platina 125cc. With this re-launch Bajaj expects to reinforce its presence in the entry level bike segment.

So what's new with the new Platina?
The new Bajaj Platina 125cc has come out with appealing body graphics and total black styling. The company has trimmed down the kerb weight of Platina by over 3kg. This, according to the company should increase the mileage factor of the bike.



The new Bajaj Platina runs on a 125cc engine which is actually scaled down in terms of power generation; generating a 8.5PS of maximum power at 7000rpm and a 10Nm of peak torque at 4000rpm. The previous version of Platina generated a peak power of 9.5PS and a peak torque of 10.85Nm.

As for other features, the new Platina 125cc comes with a 5-speed gearbox as compared to the 4-speed old Platina version. The modifications make the New Platina 125cc a heavy duty bike. Besides it comes with convenient features such as electric start as a standard and the telescopic Front Suspension and SNS suspension at the rear which makes ride smooth and comfortable.

The full-black styling gives the new Platina a richer look and the company claims it to be the best in its class in terms of style, performance as well as mileage.

Bajaj has aggressively priced the new Platina 125cc at Rs. 36,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) and the company claims that the bike is relaunched with modifications for easy daily commuting and comfort riding on Indian road conditions. The company officials say that the competitive pricing makes the new Platina 125cc a true value-for-money bike.



The 100cc Bajaj Platina which was earlier launched in 2006 was a big hit, and then the 125cc version of Platina was launched in late 2008 and now there is a re-launch of the 125cc Platina. But can the new Platina withstand competition from Hero Honda Stunner? Who would anyway want to buy a 125cc when there are many choices in the 150cc segment? Furthermore, the influx of foreign super bikes also can kickbutt these old warhorses off the roads soon. Bajaj may look at promoting the new Platina 125cc in the rural bike market to edge the competition and reinforce its presence.