TVS Star City Plus : The commuter motorcycle segment in India has always been fiercely competitive, with manufacturers constantly trying to outdo each other on the three pillars that matter most to the average buyer – mileage, reliability, and affordability.
In this crowded marketplace, the TVS Star City Plus has consistently carved out a loyal following by delivering on these fundamentals without unnecessary frills. With its latest update, TVS has doubled down on these strengths, creating what might be the most compelling iteration of this workhouse motorcycle to date.
I recently spent two weeks with the refreshed Star City Plus, covering over 500 kilometers across various riding conditions – from congested urban streets to open highways and everything in between.
This extended time in the saddle offered valuable insights into how this humble commuter manages to punch above its weight class in ways that matter to its target audience.
TVS Star City Plus A Silent Revolution in Efficiency
Let’s address the headline feature first – the mileage. TVS claims an impressive 83.9 kilometers per liter for the updated Star City Plus, figures that would normally be met with skepticism. However, my real-world testing yielded consistently impressive numbers that weren’t far off the company’s claims.
In pure city riding – the stop-and-go chaos of Pune’s morning rush hour – the motorcycle returned approximately 75-78 kmpl. On more open routes with steady speeds between 50-60 kmph, the figure climbed to an remarkable 80-82 kmpl.
Even with occasional spirited riding thrown into the mix, the overall average stayed above the 75 kmpl mark – numbers that place it firmly among the most fuel-efficient motorcycles available in the country today.
This exceptional efficiency isn’t the result of any single dramatic technology but rather a series of incremental improvements that collectively make a significant difference.
The 110cc single-cylinder engine has received careful refinements to its combustion chamber design and ignition timing. The ECU has been recalibrated to optimize fuel delivery across the most commonly used rpm ranges for urban commuting.
Perhaps most significantly, TVS has incorporated what they call “Econometer technology” – essentially an intelligent system that provides real-time feedback on riding efficiency through the instrument cluster.
Rather than simply being a gimmick, this setup genuinely helps riders develop more fuel-efficient habits by clearly indicating the optimal throttle position for various speeds.
After just days of using this feature, I found myself unconsciously adapting my riding style to maintain the green “Eco” indication whenever possible.
The transmission has received attention too, with revised gear ratios that allow the engine to spin at lower rpm while maintaining city-friendly speeds.
The clutch action has been lightened considerably – a small detail that makes a huge difference during prolonged stop-and-go traffic situations, reducing rider fatigue and promoting smoother, more efficient throttle control.
TVS has branded this combination of technologies as “Duralife Engine Technology,” which sounds like typical marketing speak but actually delivers tangible benefits beyond just fuel efficiency.
Throughout my testing period, the engine maintained consistent performance regardless of fuel quality (I deliberately used petrol from different pumps to simulate real-world conditions), ambient temperature, or riding style.
TVS Star City Plus Practical Performance Beyond the Numbers
Raw efficiency figures tell only part of the story. What makes the Star City Plus particularly impressive is how it delivers this exceptional mileage without feeling compromised in day-to-day usage.
Many ultra-efficient motorcycles achieve their headline numbers through engines tuned so conservatively that they feel sluggish and unresponsive – a compromise that quickly becomes frustrating in real-world riding scenarios.
The Star City Plus largely avoids this trap. While nobody would mistake it for a performance machine, the 110cc engine’s 8.7 horsepower and 8.7 Nm of torque are delivered in a usable, accessible manner that feels sufficient for its intended purpose.
Off-the-line acceleration is adequate for urban traffic light sprints, and the motorcycle comfortably maintains 60-70 kmph cruising speeds without feeling strained.
The torque curve has been tuned to deliver maximum pulling power in the 3,000-5,000 rpm range – precisely where most riders operate during daily commuting.
This means less frequent gear changes and more tractable performance when carrying a passenger or navigating inclines.
One particularly welcome characteristic is the motorcycle’s good low-speed manners. Crawling through bumper-to-bumper traffic at walking pace is accomplished without the hunting and surging that plagues some fuel-focused commuters.
The throttle response is progressive and predictable, allowing for precise control when threading through tight spaces.
The 4-speed gearbox, while basic on paper, offers clean and positive shift action. I experienced no false neutrals or difficulty finding gears throughout my testing period.
The clutch engagement is progressive and forgiving – ideal for newer riders or those navigating chaotic traffic conditions.
Perhaps most impressively, the Star City Plus maintains its composure at higher speeds better than most 110cc commuters. While it’s certainly not designed as a highway cruiser, the motorcycle feels stable and relatively relaxed at 70-75 kmph, with enough reserve power for occasional overtaking maneuvers.
Wind protection is minimal, as expected, but the riding position doesn’t turn you into a sail, allowing for reasonable comfort during longer journeys.
TVS Star City Plus Comfort and Practicality for Daily Use
Commuter motorcycles spend most of their lives navigating less-than-ideal road conditions while carrying everything from office bags to grocery items.
Recognizing this reality, TVS has made thoughtful improvements to the Star City Plus’s comfort and utility features.
The seat deserves particular praise – at 790mm, it’s accessible to riders of various heights, while offering better support than many competitors.
The dual-tone texture provides decent grip while still allowing for some movement on longer rides to prevent numbness. Under-seat storage is minimal but functional, offering enough space for basic tools, documents, and perhaps a light rain cover.
The riding position strikes a good balance between upright comfort and control. The handlebars are positioned to reduce wrist pressure without creating an overly sit-up-and-beg posture that would increase wind resistance at higher speeds.
Footpeg placement is natural for average-height riders, though taller individuals might find them slightly cramped during extended journeys.
Suspension components have received meaningful upgrades that significantly impact daily usability. The telescopic front fork now offers 105mm of travel, while the rear twin shock absorbers feature 5-step adjustable preload.
In practice, this translates to a surprisingly composed ride over urban obstacles like speed breakers, potholes, and expansion joints.
During my testing, I deliberately sought out some of Pune’s more neglected roads, and the Star City Plus handled these challenges with more compliance than expected from a motorcycle in this price bracket.
The suspension manages to absorb initial impacts without feeling overly soft or wallowy during cornering or braking – a difficult balance that many commuter bikes fail to achieve.
The braking setup combines a 130mm drum rear with a 130mm drum front on the base variant, while higher trims offer a 240mm front disc.
Both configurations include TVS’s Synchronized Braking Technology (SBT), which distributes braking force between both wheels even when only the rear brake is applied.
This system provides more stable deceleration while reducing the risk of skidding – particularly valuable for less experienced riders in panic-stop situations or on wet surfaces.
TVS Star City Plus Design Evolution: Subtle Refinement
Visually, the Star City Plus has evolved rather than revolutionized its appearance. The basic silhouette remains familiar, but subtle refinements give it a more contemporary presence without alienating its core audience.
The headlamp unit now features an LED DRL element surrounding the halogen main beam, creating a distinctive light signature while improving visibility to other road users.
Graphics and color schemes have been refreshed with more contemporary patterns that add visual interest without appearing flashy or juvenile.
The “Premium Edition” offers particularly attractive dual-tone options that give the motorcycle a more upmarket appearance than its price would suggest.
Component quality shows noticeable improvement throughout – from the more precisely molded switchgear to the clearer instrument display and sturdier grab rail.
These aren’t groundbreaking changes, but they collectively elevate the perceived quality to a level that competes favorably with offerings from Honda and Hero.
Chrome elements are used judiciously rather than excessively, with tasteful accents on the muffler guard and small side panels.
The alloy wheels (on higher variants) feature a clean, modern design that’s easy to maintain while adding a touch of premium appeal compared to spoke wheels.
TVS Star City Plus Value Proposition and Ownership Experience
Starting at just ₹73,900 for the base variant and extending to ₹81,250 for the fully-loaded disc brake model (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Star City Plus delivers exceptional value not just through its initial purchase price but in its ongoing running costs.
The extreme fuel efficiency translates to tangible monthly savings that quickly accumulate over the ownership period. Based on current fuel prices and average commuting distances, a Star City Plus owner might save between ₹500-800 per month in fuel costs compared to less efficient alternatives – an amount that matters significantly to its target demographic.
Maintenance requirements have been kept deliberately simple, with service intervals set at 3,000km. The motorcycle uses conventional, easily available consumables, and its straightforward engineering means most routine maintenance can be handled by any competent mechanic, not just authorized service centers.
TVS claims that the cost per service ranges between ₹600-1,200 depending on the specific requirements – competitive figures for the segment.
The warranty package has been enhanced to 5 years as standard – an impressive offering that exceeds most competitors and speaks to TVS’s confidence in the product’s durability.
This extended coverage provides valuable peace of mind, particularly for buyers in smaller towns and rural areas where unexpected repair costs can create significant financial strain.
TVS’s dealer network has seen substantial expansion in recent years, now comprising over 1,000 touchpoints across the country. While still not matching the ubiquity of Hero or Honda, the improved accessibility of sales and service support makes the Star City Plus a more viable option in regions where dealer coverage was previously limited.
TVS Star City Plus Competitive Landscape
The commuter segment remains dominated by established players like the Hero Splendor, Honda CD 110 Dream, and Bajaj Platina. Each has its strengths – the Splendor’s bulletproof reliability, the Honda’s refinement, and the Platina’s value pricing.
The Star City Plus positions itself as a compelling alternative by offering class-leading efficiency without significant compromises in other areas.
It doesn’t quite match the Splendor’s decades-long reputation for indestructibility or the Honda’s whisper-quiet refinement.
However, it counters with better standard equipment, more contemporary styling, and that headline-grabbing mileage figure – attributes that clearly resonate with a significant portion of the market.
The motorcycle performs particularly well with first-time buyers upgrading from scooters or public transportation, as well as budget-conscious commuters looking to maximize value without settling for bare-bones transportation.
The Premium Edition variants have also found favor among riders looking for a more distinctive appearance than the utilitarian designs that dominate this segment.
TVS Star City Plus Conclusion: Focused Excellence
The refreshed TVS Star City Plus embodies a philosophy of focused excellence – identifying the core attributes that matter most to its target audience and delivering them without unnecessary distractions.
Rather than chasing features that look impressive on specification sheets but add limited real-world value, TVS has concentrated on perfecting the fundamentals of efficiency, comfort, and reliability.
The result is a motorcycle that exceeds expectations in ways that create tangible daily benefits for its owners. The extraordinary mileage isn’t just a marketing claim but a genuine advantage that translates to meaningful financial savings.
The comfortable ride quality isn’t achieved through complex electronics or exotic components but through thoughtful engineering of basic elements.
In a market segment where compromise often seems inevitable given price constraints, the Star City Plus demonstrates that intelligent prioritization can create a product that feels complete and satisfying rather than merely adequate. It’s not trying to be all things to all riders – instead, it excels at being exactly what its core audience needs.
For the daily commuter seeking maximum value without minimum joy, the Star City Plus makes a compelling case as one of the most sensible choices available today.
It’s a reminder that true value isn’t determined by the lowest price tag or the longest feature list, but by how well a product fulfills its intended purpose day after day, kilometer after kilometer.