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Bajaj Auto has taken a bold step forward in the commuter motorcycle segment with the launch of the all-new Bajaj Platina CT 160 in India. Building on the legacy of the highly trusted Platina lineup, this new model promises to deliver a more powerful riding experience while maintaining the brand’s core values of affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Aimed at daily commuters, college students, and young professionals, the CT 160 is designed to be a practical, stylish, and performance-oriented companion for Indian roads.
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Trust
For years, the Bajaj Platina series has been synonymous with reliable performance, excellent mileage, and a smooth riding experience. From office-goers to rural users, the Platina has always struck a chord with Indian consumers. The CT 160 takes this legacy a step further by offering improved engine capacity, better aesthetics, and added features, catering to the growing expectations of today’s riders.
With urban congestion increasing and fuel prices remaining high, the CT 160 aims to strike a fine balance between performance and efficiency a quality that made the original Platina a household name.
Fresh and Youthful Design
The new Platina CT 160 comes with a completely refreshed design that appeals to the modern commuter. It’s sportier, sharper, and more premium in its appearance compared to earlier models. The bike features a new muscular fuel tank with stylish shrouds that give it a more aggressive stance. The headlamp unit has been reworked and now looks more dynamic, while the inclusion of LED DRLs adds a touch of sophistication.
Its alloy wheels, aerodynamic panels, and clear-lens indicators enhance its overall appeal. The seating is wide and cushioned, ensuring that both rider and pillion enjoy a fatigue-free ride even during long city commutes.
Performance that Matches Everyday Needs
At the heart of the Platina CT 160 lies a 160cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that delivers approximately 15 PS of power. While it may not be a high-performance machine built for racing, it offers enough torque and acceleration for daily riding. The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, which ensures smooth and precise gear shifts, ideal for city stop-and-go traffic as well as occasional highway stretches.
The bike’s frame is built to be lightweight yet sturdy, giving it nimble handling while maintaining stability even at higher speeds. Bajaj has worked on reducing vibrations, especially at mid-range RPMs, resulting in a smoother and more refined ride.
Fuel Efficiency That Saves in the Long Run
One of the strongest selling points of the Platina range has always been its mileage, and the CT 160 continues this tradition proudly. Under standard riding conditions, the bike returns a mileage of around 65 to 70 km/l, which is excellent for a motorcycle of this segment.
This fuel efficiency is achieved without compromising much on power, thanks to Bajaj’s finely tuned engine and efficient combustion system. Whether you ride daily for work or make occasional outstation trips, the low running cost is bound to be a huge advantage.
Built for Comfort and Daily Use
Comfort plays a key role in the Platina CT 160’s design. The suspension setup includes telescopic forks at the front and twin spring-loaded shock absorbers at the rear, both tuned to handle rough urban roads and minor potholes with ease. The seat is long, wide, and well-padded, allowing for stress-free rides over extended periods.
The riding posture is upright and relaxed, with handlebars positioned for optimal reach. This ensures that both short and tall riders can find a comfortable position without putting strain on their back or wrists.
Practical Features for Daily Convenience
The bike comes equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster that provides key information like speed, fuel level, trip meter, and odometer. Some variants also include features such as an eco mode indicator and a gear position indicator to help new riders shift gears more effectively.
Additional features like electric start, LED tail lamps, and a refined exhaust note give the Platina CT 160 a more premium feel. The switchgear quality is decent, and the overall ergonomics make it a rider-friendly motorcycle.
Safety and Stability
Bajaj has taken care to provide basic but effective safety features in the new CT 160. The bike is offered with front and rear drum brakes in the base variants, while some higher-end variants get a Combi-Braking System (CBS) for enhanced braking performance.
LED lighting at both ends ensures better visibility at night, and the bike’s rigid chassis helps maintain stability during sudden braking or cornering. An anti-theft locking system is available to give added peace of mind to owners who park their bikes in public spaces.
Pricing and Variants
The Bajaj Platina CT 160 is priced competitively in the Indian market, with the base variant expected to cost around Rs. 90,000 (ex-showroom). The higher variants with more features are likely to go up to Rs. 1.05 lakh. This makes it one of the more affordable 160cc motorcycles in the country, offering strong value for money.
Buyers can choose from multiple color options and trims depending on their budget and feature preferences.
Competing in a Tough Segment
The CT 160 enters a crowded commuter bike segment where it faces stiff competition from models like the Honda Shine 125, Hero Glamour XTEC, and TVS Raider 125. However, Bajaj’s strong brand presence, extensive dealership network, and trusted after-sales service give the Platina CT 160 a clear edge in many tier-2 and rural markets.
What sets the CT 160 apart is its balanced blend of performance, mileage, and comfort something that not all rivals can offer at this price point.
Is It the Right Choice for You?
If you’re someone who commutes daily to work or college, or if you’re a first-time buyer looking for a no-nonsense, practical motorcycle, the Platina CT 160 is worth considering. It may not have flashy features or the most powerful engine, but it offers real-world usability, low maintenance costs, and a design that appeals to both young and mature riders.
It is also a good choice for small business owners, delivery personnel, or anyone who needs a dependable bike for everyday usage with minimal fuss.
Conclusion
The launch of the Bajaj Platina CT 160 marks a significant milestone for Bajaj in the commuter motorcycle space. With upgraded styling, a refined 160cc engine, and impressive fuel economy, the CT 160 offers a package that meets the needs of today’s cost-conscious, style-aware, and comfort-seeking riders. Whether in the city or on the outskirts, it is a motorcycle built to deliver ride after ride.