Pune-based Bajaj Auto has introduced a revamped Platina 125. The updated bike retains the original's petite looks but sports refreshed graphics. Amber turn indicators replace the outgoing model's clear lens units, while a chrome heat shield can be found in place of the earlier brushed-finish unit.
Mechanically, the new bike is slightly different from its predecessor. While its four-stroke, single-cylinder and air-cooled engine's displacement remains constant at 124.6cc, peak power is down by 1bhp to 8.5bhp at 7000rpm.
Peak torque too sees a slight reduction and is now 1.01kgm produced at 4000rpm. The big change to the engine is the deployment of a single spark plug instead of the earlier twin-spark DTS-i architecture. The bike gets a new five-speed gearbox that shifts in an all-down pattern. A maintenance-free battery is another addition to the Platina 125.
As before, the Platina uses a single downtube frame with the engine bolting is as a stressed member. The Platina should retain its predecessor's comfortable ride thanks to telescopic front forks that work in tandem with a Spring in Spring (SNS) rear suspension.
While we would have liked to see the fitment of a rectangular swingarm, the new Bajaj sticks with its earlier tubular unit. Drum brakes are standard fare both front and rear, though the front brake size has been reduced to 110mm from 130mm.
The new Platina comes in a single electric start-equipped variant and is available in four colour options. Priced at Rs. 36,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the new Platina 125 undercuts the older model by approximately Rs. 2,500. The new Platina 125 should comfortably slip into the Platina 125 DTS-Si's shoes as a frugal city runabout.
