Top 5 most fuel-efficient commuter motorcycles
When we talk about the commuter motorcycle segment, fuel efficiency has one of the biggest impact on customers’ buying decisions. People buying into this segment are seldom bothered by the performance or the looks of their soon-to-be, as the biggest question lingering in their minds is ‘Kitna deti hai?’ The whole point behind manufacturers claiming astronomical efficiency numbers for their products is to catch the attention of the customers. We list out the top 5 most fuel-efficient commuter motorcycles that you can buy in India, in order of the figures released by the Automotive Research Association of India.
Hero Splendor iSmart – 102.5kmpl
The Hero Splendor iSmart was developed with the aim of infusing some technology into the otherwise dull 100cc commuter segment. Hero MotoCorp took the standard Splendor Pro and armed it with the innovative ‘i3S’ technology. This integrated start-stop system automatically cuts power to engine, whenever the gearbox is slotted into neutral for more than a few seconds. The engine starts again as soon as you pull the clutch, thereby saving fuel. This technology has helped the Splendor iSmart claim the title of the most fuel-efficient motorcycle sold in the country.
Bajaj CT 100B – 99.1kmpl
The Bajaj CT 100B is a barebones version of the entry-level model range in the company’s line-up – the CT 100. Stripped of every ‘unnecessary’ component, the CT 100B is the perfect example of what minimalistic means. However, this weight reduction, coupled with the frugal 97cc single-cylinder engine, has resulted in the CT 100B being the second most fuel-efficient motorcycle in the Indian market. Apart from being the runner-up in this list, the CT 100B can also boast of being the most affordable motorcycle that you can buy in India.
Bajaj Platina 100 ES – 96.9kmpl
The Bajaj Platina 100 ES is a no frills commuter motorcycle targeted at customers who need an economical and hassle-free bike. While it might be better equipped than the CT 100B, there isn’t much the Platina 100 ES can boast about, apart from the efficiency, that is. At the heart of the Bajaj Platina ES is a 102cc single-cylinder DTS-i engine, which has been tuned to extract the maximum out of every drop of fuel. Likewise, the Platina ES’ feather-like weight of just 108 kilograms plays an equally important role in helping the motorcycle return 96.9kmpl.
Hero Splendor Pro – 93.2kmpl
The Hero Splendor Pro is the new and updated version of India’s most popular commuter motorcycle. It is powered by the same 97cc single-cylinder engine used in the Splendor iSmart though the absence of the i3S technology means that the Splendor Pro is about 9.3kmpl thirstier than the flagship. Nevertheless, the efficiency figure of 93.2kmpl makes it the fourth most efficient motorcycle sold in the Indian market.
TVS Star City+ – 88.3kmpl
While all the other motorcycles in this list are basic 100cc offerings, the TVS Star City+ is an 110cc motorcycle. True, we decided to overlook multiple models with the same powertrain, but nevertheless, the fact that a 110cc motorcycle made it to this list is quite surprising. The TVS Star City+ is a plain vanilla motorcycle perfect for someone who doesn’t want to follow the crowd and settle for a Hero or a Honda. The Star City+ is powered by an 8bhp 110cc Ecothrust engine which helps it return 88.3kmpl, making it one of the most economical motorcycles in the country.
