Bajaj CT 100: If you are in the market for a tried and tested fuel-efficient and hassle-free commuter bike in India, the Bajaj CT 100 would have featured near the top of your list.
Conceived as no nonsense approach to the activity of cycling, the Marlin is loved by both rural and urban folks the world over.
In an era when the two-wheeler market is moving to more stylish, feature-loaded motorcycles, the CT 100 B will cater to a set of Indian customers who are seeking a simple, yet reliable motorcycle and a bike that saves money for them every day,” even as the two-wheeler turns sportier and feature-loaded.
Here is a detailed look at why the Bajaj CT 100 has been such a success over the years.
Bajaj CT 100 Design Simple and Much on Utility
The CT 100 is simple and basic in its design. It has a classic commuting appearance with a round headlamp, sparse body parts and a long single-piece seat. This is followed by the stylish tail section partnered with alloy wheels and uncluttered graphics – a complete mixture of style without losing its practical identity of a commuter.
Without mean looks or sporty graphics, the CT 100’s appeal lies in its demure and practical no-nonsense design. It’s made for rough wear and tear, constructed from tough components that can handle rough riding and stay low-maintenance.
Engine and Power – Crafted for Efficiency
The CT 100 is powered by a 102cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine making about 7.9 PS and 8.34 Nm. These numbers might not sound impressive, but the true star of the show is its excellent fuel economy.
A lot of the riders regularly boast real highway mileage of 75-90 kmpl (condition varies on the road and how you ride).
Clamped to a 4-speed transmission, the engine is tuned to deliver plentiful torque at low rpm perfect for modest speeds and trail exploring. It starts readily, warms up fast and pulls cleanly through the low RPMs
. It’s perfectly tuned for daily short distance commutes or for carrying the milk and paper in the morning.
Ride Comfort and Suspension
The CT 100 has a comfortable ride and that’s one of the reasons why it continues to be a familiar name on the streets. The bike has telescopic front fork and SNS(rear shock absorber) SNS(Spring-in-Spring) type rear shock absorbers work brilliantly soaking up potholes and bumps, specially on rural or broken road.
The upright stance, plush seat and the long wheelbase provides a comfortable riding stance even when a pillion need to be accommodated.
Foot peg and handle bar position alleviate stress on the lower back and knees for a comfortable riding position.
Brakes, Tyres, and Safety
The CT 100 is fitted with 130mm front and rear drum brakes. It doesn’t offer disc brakes but the bike’s speed and weight are well matched to the braking performance. It also includes CBS (Combined Braking System) for safety in emergency braking.
The tires are thin but solid and offer enough purchase for every day commuting purposes. It’s not geared for sporting cornering, but the stability and balance is more than you would need.
Features and Practical Additions
The CT 100 is a budget bike but comes with some thoughtful touches like:
Kick and electric start (variant as per model)
Alloy wheels
Street bob fuel gauge and gauge cluster
Flat and spacious seat
Sturdy grab-rails and carrier options
Bajaj has kept the emphasis on the essentials, which means spares at low costs and pan-India easy repairability. This results in maintenance costs which are very low and predictable.
Pros:
Excellent fuel economy (75+ kmpl)
Low on maintenance and pocket friendly spares
Relatively high resale values in rural markets
Smooth ride on city and village roads
Lightweight and easy to grip
Excellent value for the price
Cons:
Simply styled, not very attractive to look at
Doesn’t have the feature of today such as a digital display or disc brakes
Neither Performance nor Speed Accelerators built
Limited comforts for high speed highway driving
Thin rubber will never fill you with confidence in the wet.
Bajaj CT 100 Final Verdict
The Bajaj CT 100 is not made to impress or win a drag race, but to fulfil farther, you need better quality products that last long is maintenance-free and saves money on petrol. It’s the sort of motorcycle that for years has been unobtrusively moving India’s workforce, its farmers, students and shopkeepers.
If you are looking for a no-nonsense, reliable commuter which doesn’t much strain your pocket or ask for a huge investment in it – the CT 100 is still one of the most sensible options in its class.