TVS Star Sport: Its closest rival among the established lot of brands is the Honda Dream Yuga, we find out if the Star Sport has what it takes to tear apart the tarmac and the competition with a ‘bang’.
This motorcycle is also a commitment from TVS Motor Company to offer affordable bike packed with performance and style for the young riders.
TVS Star Sport Striking Sporty Design
The TVS Star Sport looks the part of a sporty commu-biker and is more aggressively styled than its price suggests. A sleek, angular fuel tank carries a generous 12 liters of fuel, while an aggressive front face projects a dynamic and race-ready profile.
The double seat with split design is cosmetic but enhances the sporty look of the motorcycle and also creates different seating zones for rider and pillion.
Control 3D garnish of the headlight, exhaust muffler utilizing chrome plating and engine covers adds the premium feel. The Reflective / Decal vehicles feature several colors which make a riders personality shine. The motorcycle packs a presence that competes with expensive motorcycles in terms of overall stance.
Simplicity That He Can Take to the Bank
The base of the Star Sport makes use of a 109.7cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine which produces 8.1 bhp of peak power and 8.7 Nm of peak torque.
Those figures might look measly on paper, but the motor is tuned to make life on the street easier rather than lay down monster numbers. The powerband is tuned specifically for the rider to enjoy a relaxed and stress-free ride in the city.
Other Features: The gearbox is a 4-speed unit with positive changes and spread-out ratios. It pulls nicely in first gear for traffic, and can take to the highway at a comfortable clip in fourth. Its a smooth engine regarding refinement, Despite revving the engine hard, theres not much vibrations felt.
Mileage That Matters
Fuel efficiency is still very much a consideration for bargain hunters, and the Star Sport performs well. Practical users have reported 60-65 km/l in mixed riding and real life conditions.
In city riding, which is where most of these motorcycles ply at, one can expect returns of 58-60 km/l, which is not bad for a 125 to have in its arsenal.
With skirts boasting a 9.3-litre fuel capacity for extended range and overall use covering more than 500 km on just a single fuel up, in perfect conditions. This distance between fueling stops reduces stops on the way to work or home, which saves daily commuters time and money.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Star Sport is mounted in a compromise between sports and comfort. Slightly rear-set footpegs give a slightly aggressive riding position without stressing the back during a long city commute. The handlebars are set at a nice height for good leverage, yet remain comfortable for being upright.
Despite looking anatomically and intentionally like a chip-fat white one in Greggs, the very plump seat is decently squishy for both rider and passenger.
The rear suspension is rudimentary but it works fine for Indian road conditions. Potholes, as well as speed breakers are negotiated with some degree of anti-social behavior but, well, the ride quality is the best on smooth roads, as expected.
Practical Features
Though on the budget side, the Star Sport does come with a few useful features. The analog-digital meter informs the rider about fuel gauge, trip meter, odometer and speedometer. The side stand warning light helps you avoid moving off with it deployed.
Its electric start mechanism, which is offered as a standard feature across trims, makes usage on a daily basis a lot more convenient. The bike is also equipped with an engine kill switch and pass light which are kind of basic but vital safety features.
The drum brake arrangement, though not particularly strong, is adequate for the motorcycle’s performance.
Build Quality Assessment
TVS has incorporated acceptable build quality levels for the Star Sport. There are still no glaring panel gaps, and the paint finish stands up well to everyday abuse. The chrome components, especially the exhaust guard, need constant care or they will tarnish in moisture dense-air.
The engine itself is very solid and extremely few have any issues in this common use case. The electronics are solid yet unobtrusive, and we’d like the headlight output to be higher for night riding. the motorcycle has the strength one would anticipate for its price.
Target Market Appeal
The Star Sport is aimed mainly at riders who have never owned a motorcycle before and college students who want something low cost, stylish and practical to take them to school.
Its muscular stance gives it a much-needed sense of pride to all riders, who can’t really afford high priced motorcycles. It’s very low cost of ownership and high gas mileage; It’s a great car for those first starting out.
Market Positioning
In a segment where models have a tendency to look like something like Hero Splendor or Bajaj Platina, the Star Sport is a design winner. TVS however, pitches this against the likes of commuter focused fuel efficiency seekers and for those seeking a commuter yet powerful looker as well. This exclusive placement gives it an advantage in dealerships.
Service and Maintenance
TVS has a wide spread service network which will provide easy maintenance in major as well as small towns. All service interval are the same as WEAP 3,000 km / 3 months. The cost of basic service is usually between ₹300-500, which sounds very economical in terms of ownership economics.
Routine maintenance, such as changing the engine oil and replacing air filters, also continues to be relatively cheap. Most local mechanics should be able to tackle basic repairs, thanks to the engine’s straightforward design, but authorized service centers are advised if you want to ensure warranty compliance and best performance.
Value for Money Assessment
At an ex-showroom price of around ₹70,000, the TVS Star Sport comes at a great price. With it sporty looks, good performance and great mileage, covers the basic needs of most budget buyers.
Visually comparing to motorcycles with similar design elements at higher price points, the Star Sport offers 80-90% of the look at 50-60% of the price.
Evolution of the Model
The Star Sport has always been given some minor updates by TVS. Updates tend to involve visual language additions, better paint finishes and the odd mechanical tweak. These changes do not change the identity of the motorcycle in the market but keep it updated.
Real-World Performance
In the city, the Star Sport also moves through the urban jungle quite well too. The light weight makes it responsive on the roads, and the seat height ensures most riders will feel comfortable.
Highway ability is there, but anything above sustained 80 km/h winds results in vibration that intrudes on comfort levels.
TVS Star Sport Conclusion
The TVS Star Sport is a good looking motorcycle that manages to offer sporty looks at a reasonable price. It’s not the fastest in its category, but it is stylish and effective enough to target the right demographic.
For a buyer looking for the most on a budget bike rider, the Star Sport is a well packaged bike that packs enough of want with a great load of affordability.
The bike demonstrates that niggling budget considerations don’t have to come at the expense of style. TVS has struck a chord, too, riding the fine line of commuter sensibilities and youth aspiration to bring a product that makes motorcycle ownership an achievable dream for scores of young Indians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the city mileage of TVS Star Sport?
A: Star Sport offers 60-65 km/l under mixed riding conditions and 58-60 km/l in pure city use. You may get slightly more with highway riding.
Q: Can I go for long rides on a highway with the Star Sport?
A: Highway-possible, but optimized for the city, the Star Sport. Vibrations can occur on long highway trips at speeds over 80 km/h.
Q: How much is the minimum service for the Star Sport?
A: It might cost anywhere between ₹300-500 when availed at TVS authorized service centers, thus becoming highly affordable for servicing.
Q: Is the Star Sport available with disc brakes?
A: No, all versions of the Star Sport have drum brakes front and rear, that way they save you some money and you still have great braking power for it’s size.
Q: What is the height of seat in TVS Star Sport? Q: What is the height of the seat, would short people be able to reach the ground
A: The seat is about 800mm and most people can ride.
Q: Does the Star Sport come with electric start onl y? Q: Are these all electric start?
Q: What is the feature comparison between Star Sport and Hero Splendor?
A: Star Sport is sporty styling and Splendor is for maximum mileage and comfort. The Star Sport came with jazzier looks.
Q: What is the colour of TVS Star Sport?
A: Nothing different from the Star Sport which is the 3-4 colours in combinations of black with red, blue or silver graphics.