TVS Star City Plus BS6 First Ride Review - Likes and Dislikes
Can the Star City Plus satisfy the needs of those looking for a reliable, dependable commuter?Commuter motorcycles have been the backbone of the Indian two-wheeler industry, with...
Can the Star City Plus satisfy the needs of those looking for a reliable, dependable commuter?
Commuter motorcycles have been the backbone of the Indian two-wheeler industry, with nearly every single Indian manufacturer, and a few international brands, catering to the masses. TVS has been pretty vocal about its star in this segment, the Star City Plus. While it has been a strong performer for the Hosur-based brand, do things change with the BS6 heart? Here’s a taste of what we liked and didn't like about TVS’s popular commuter.
Likes -
Impressive fuel Efficiency
This part goes without saying. Yes, the “fill it, shut it and forget it” mantra may not have been coined for this particular bike, but it’s no wonder that it stuck. Let’s start off with the smaller number here, though. 66.34kmpl was the figure that the Star City Plus returned during our highway testing. This translates to a real-world range close to 650km (going by the Star City Plus’ 10-litre fuel tank), or Mumbai to Goa without needing a fuel stop!
But that isn’t the shocker. That honour goes to the next number: 83.09kmpl in city conditions! Now this figure was achieved in our standard test conditions, where the test riders stick to city-friendly speeds and avoid sudden or hard acceleration. Nonetheless, a realistic city fuel efficiency score of around 75kmpl should be attainable by riders of all kinds.
Styling flair
This is another territory where the Star City Plus comes up top trumps, thanks to its great balance of functionality and flair. Now, the BS4 version had its own understated charm, but the petal disc and segment-first LED headlight on the BS6 model, coupled with the bright (though not loud) stickering gives it a new persona. The above details do make it stand out in a sea of bland-looking commuters.
Ride quality
Dislikes -
Sub-par refinement
Given that it shares its engine with the Radeon, we were hoping that the Star City Plus would offer the same butter-smooth experience. However, that isn't the case; while vibrations are under control until 40kmph, after that the footpegs start tingling. This was a bit irritating as most commuter riders hold speeds between 40-60kmph to extract the maximum fuel efficiency from the engine. In contrast, the Radeon felt quite poised at those speeds and vibes only became a bother on it at 75kmph or above.
Unusual ergos -
This TVS has the seat and pegs positioned correctly, however, the low handlebar felt tiresome. You have to stretch down to get to the control, which puts a little stress on your shoulders. A taller handlebar would ease the load off your shoulders.
Questionable brakes
We appreciate TVS providing the Star City Plus with a front disc brake, extra safety never goes amiss. However, there’s almost zero progression on offer, which could be unnerving, especially since for most riders this could be their first experience with a disc brake setup. We hope TVS introduces a little extra leeway and dials in a bit of feedback into the system for riders to feel confident in a panic braking situation.
Verdict
The TVS Star City Plus is a pukka commuter, one that returns phenomenal fuel efficiency. Its lightness and city mannerisms do make quite a good case for itself. What mars the commuting experience is the engine’s gruffness, which TVS should solve promptly. That’s perhaps the main limiting factor for us to recommend this bike wholeheartedly.
TVS Star City Plus User Reviews
- Best mileage bike with high performanceVery good mileage and comfort is great, nice stylish looks. The performance is best and smooth running, giving it's best in city and highway ride conditions, suitable for heavy traffic and conditions also very good pickup with less fuel usage, It's best for the fuel economy in all weather conditions.Read More2
- Hello iam Aabid Hassan from BaramullaI chose the bike because it was pocket friendly for me and full filled the criteria that i was looking for further the service stations were easily accessible for me. For the road conditions that i usually ride on its lightweight and smooth handling provided me a comfort which was better then other bikes of the segment. The ride was very good and comforting. I have been to a long ride around 200 kilometres away from my home to Sonmarg where for a long time the road was smooth but after I crossed Srinagar the road became bumpy but thanks to my bike the back pain came no where near which I had earlier experienced on my hero honda cbz. Yes absolutely. This bike is very good easily manageable in tragic which I usually ride in and if the road gets a bit off road it can carry you to your destination easily and safely. It's shockers are very good especially on the roads which are under construction.Read More4 11
- Perfect Blend of Style & PowerI select the Ather scooter because it's super fast. It is totally modern design, fantastic look, smart features, and friendly electric power. It promised a smooth ride and advanced technology that fit my daily commute super perfectly. The riding of the Ather 450X has been amazing, smooth acceleration, looks nice, great handling, and a silent motor. This scooter has a digital dashboard and it is best for night trips, effortless and enjoyable. Yes, I highly recommend the Ather to all. I love its new, stylish look, powerful everythink, and environmentally friendly electric scooter. Its smart features and efficient performance make it a top choice for city commuters.Read More1 10
- Ideal for Daily UseI wanted a dependable city bike with low running costs. Researching online and visiting showrooms, Star City Plus stood out for its fuel efficiency and ease of handling. The final decision was easy after a short test ride. Star City Plus is simple and practical. I can easily manage traffic and city roads, and the seat is comfortable. Mileage is impressive. It’s decent on highways, not very fast. Service staff are polite and responsive. I use the Star City Plus for daily office rides. It’s very comfortable and handles city traffic smoothly. Mileage is excellent, though top speed is moderate. On highways, it feels stable. After-sales service has been prompt whenever I needed support.Read More2 8
- Best Value in SegmentMy focus was on comfort, mileage, and durability. I compared options from Hero, Bajaj, and TVS. Star City Plus impressed with all features and its reasonable price. The purchasing process was even and I am happy with my choice. This is a dependable bike for city commuting. Comfortable seating, easy handling, and very good mileage. Highways are okay if you don’t need high speed. The after-sales service has always been helpful and approachable. The TVS Star City Plus is practical and efficient for daily commuting. It is a very comfortable seat, a smooth ride, and excellent mileage. Speeds on highways are okay for long trips. After-sales service is professional and provides timely support when needed.Read More4 2