Yes, cost effectiveness is the norm today. You have to conserve petrol. Bikes like the TVS Centra, a 100cc bike that can perhaps take on Hero Honda Splendor fit the bill. It is priced at around Rs 37, 000 and the company claims it will give a mileage of 100 kmpl, which in city driving conditions should work out to something around 65-80 kmpl. Its fuel tank capacity is 11 litres with a 2-litre reserve capacity.
It looks fancy. Its headlight is fashionably trapezoidal in shape. The fuel tank sports a new look. The best part of the bike is its behind, which has a normal-looking tail lamp. Centra is a 99.8cc four-stroke bike with a Variable Timing Intelligent engine with digitally controlled ignition timing and temperature sensors for improved fuel efficiency.
All this may not make sense to the average buyer, but the fact of the matter is this bike gives good mileage, thanks to its unique friction reduction technology and fuel wastage reduction system. These features assist deceleration in fuel cut off, and faster warm up of the engine resulting in superior mileage without compromise in power. The ignition used is Digital CDI. The transmission is 4-speed, all gears shift down. Clutch and gears are gentle and easily movable. The gearbox is constant mesh type.
Centra provides a very fluid and comfortable ride. The seat is broad unlike other bikes in this segment. The bike weighs 109 kg. It has a good pick-up and sufficient power for riding on city roads. Its Multi Reflector headlamp comes with a 12V 35W/35W halogen lamp and is bright enough. The side lamps and the tail lamp are 12V 10W. The front suspension is telescopic (100 mm travel) and the rear is hydraulic with co-axial spring (73 mm travel). The rear shockers are 5-step adjustable.
The suspension is just about okay. I think the company can do better in this segment. The instrument panel has two dials. It has the speedometer with odometer, fuel gauge, neutral and headlight indicators, two signal indicators as well as the power mode/economy mode. However, a glaring absence is the tripmeter. Centra’s front and rear brakes are 110 mm drum brakes and they function well. Its wheelbase is 1235mm, the same as those in other bikes in this segment.
Overall, this is a good bike especially when taking into account the cost factor and fuel efficiency. It will serve the city-dweller well, but please don’t fancy taking it for long rides in the country side.