This is one of the toughest sections to write a review on, since there is almost nothing to choose from! Gone are the days when we had the KB100 / RX 100 and other 100cc’s. Now everything is 4-stroke, thanks to rules by govt. Yamaha no longer manufactures 100cc’s. Their existing entry-level bike, the Crux, is 106cc.
This is a review to compare and contrast the various 100cc bikes on sale in today’s market. That excludes banned vehicles. Note: Mileage is NOT a factor to be taken, since all have almost similar mileages! The deciding criterion is based on riding experience as well as looks.
The list is as follows: reading from the best to the worst.
1) Bajaj Platina
Pros
Now of all the stereotypes, this is one a class apart. Bajaj has done a daring move by rolling out the 6-spoke wheels as well as the greyish engine for a 100cc vehicle. Initially I felt this would be in the same boxer-ct100 mode, but one ride and I found that this time, Bajaj has really brought out something NEW, and not an adapted version of an old material. Another advantage about it is that it looks like a BIG bike, as if it is 125cc. It is also smooth. Mileage is pretty decent too. Power is okay for it’s class.
Cons
Nothing but the fact that this is just it’s first year! It’s got a long way to go before it can cause a revolution. That’s why I didn’t include it in my "20-best bikes". Time will tell.
2) Hero Honda Splendor+
Pros
If Hero Honda still exists as a company, it is because of the Splendor+. HH did a wise move by releasing Sp+ with all looks similar to the previous Splendor. Old Splendor is slightly more heavy than the Sp+. Most reliable bike on our roads. I’ve had accidents at wee hours of the night, and rode the bike for several kilometres without any serious problem(since no mechanic available then). That "Limited Edition" was an eye-catcher.
Cons
The styling is 10+ years old. Apart from that the bike is too common. No one will turn their heads if you drive by in a Splendor. What Suzuki Max 100 was 5 years ago, Sp+ is now.
3) Hero Honda Passion+
Pros
This looks like one macho bike. There are some very good colours too, so people get to choose from a huge list. More stable than the Sp+. It is also more comfortable than any other 100cc bike, for the rider as well as the pillion.
Cons
One thing is that this bike is overpriced, since it is the most costly of the 100cc category. Another thing is that the electricals give trouble whenever rain comes. Sp+ has better headlight reliability than Pass+.
4) TVS Star City
Pros
Technically this is a very reliable bike. Though I’ve never rode this one, I have travelled on the pillion. This bike performs well in rain. Skidding is the least of all the 100cc bikes. Gearbox may be a bit stiff, but becomes better after a few months(Note: the rider should not change the gear as if he is auditioning for Jurassic Park 4. Otherwise gearbox would be gone).
Cons
In my opinion, it does not look good. It comes with 6-spoke wheels, but I felt it doesn’t suit it well. Apart from the looks, could not find anything wrong with this bike.
5) Honda Activa
Pros
Very smooth engine. Power is pretty decent, better than the legendary Kinetic. It is also very stable. Managed to take it through potholes too, and for its "miniature wheels", it did well. Even it’s riding position is comfortable.
Cons
Try parking it on a crowded bike-stand! Toughest of all scooters to park! Another thing is that it is way too common. Honda Customer Care actually destroys customer relations.
6) Hero Honda CD Dawn & CD Deluxe
Pros
Same reliability as Sp+ / Pass+.
Cons
You won’t get any thrill riding them. Tend to emit some slight noise unlike Sp+ and Pass+. Gearbox is slightly rough(maybe because these bikes weren’t mine, they were others’ bikes). Looks: Disgusting.
7) Bajaj CT100
Pros
This bike had a very good start. It actually overtook the Splendor+ as far as sales were concerned in 2005. I don’t know the source of this information, but we were discussing this at work, and the person who told this was credible enough. Actually has more power than the HH’s. The new headlight mask lifted its image. They also brought out a glossy colour theme which was decent.
Cons
CT100 is the worst performer after the rains. You need to give it a lot of care before and after the rains, because that’s when the starting problems come. Gear-change is slightly difficult. Electricals are not very reliable. The worst hit are the reflectors. They actually stop blinking, and one indicator alone stays on continuously. And at times refuses to get switched off. Needs careful maintenance after the first year.
The above information is based on riding / pillion experiences. There are some other 100cc bikes which I haven’t yet laid my hands on. The sooner I do, I shall update the review. They are: Kinetic 4S / Honda Dio / Bajaj Wave / Kinetic Stryker etc. The list does not include Hero Honda Pleasure since no force on earth will make me ride this.
If you are planning to buy a 100cc vehicle, DON’T test it at the showroom! Ask someone who has that vehicle for atleast 1 or 2 years. Test-ride that. You get better analysis.