Bajaj’s new CT100 thinks it has the gumption to take on Yamaha’s transformed G5, despite belonging to a segment lower. Does it succeed?

YAMAHA G5
List price Rs 40,990 (ex-shoroom, Pune)
Top speed 87kph; 0-60kph 8.99sec; Kpl 58.3 (overall)
For Great build quality and paint job, refined engine and smooth gearbox
Against Poor handling under emergency braking, lack of box-section swingarm

NEW BAJAJ CT100
List price Rs 34,184 (ex-showroom, Pune)
Top speed 91kph; 0-60kph 8.08sec; Kpl 64 (overall)
For SIS suspension improves ride quality, pleasing maneouvrability in city traffic
Against Poor kickstart lever, lack of box-section swingarm

Power corrupts, they say, and absolute power corrupts the most. But that adage is for the political-minded and those who revel in revving the superbikes. There, however, exists a breed for whom the need for speed is not the raison d'etre of their existence. While it was predicted that 125cc-engined motorcycles were to grab market share from their lesser-embodied 100cc siblings, it is now becoming increasingly apparent that this expected shift in power is not happening all too swiftly. Most manufacturers’ bulk sales – the bread and butter that gets the sales counter ringing – continue to comprise the tardy, yet fuel-efficient 100cc bikes, this segment remaining a firm favourite of the masses. Clearly, it will be a while before the 100cc segment gives up its numero uno mantle to another. In India, the ubiquitous ‘average kya hai?’ reins supreme, both in town and country, and remains a query that, for many, justifies their purchase decision.
This being the time of the year when it rains motorcycle launches, the limelight is currently hogged by commuter bikes, with most manufacturers revving up their act to stay on top. Two spanking new offerings have debuted last month – Bajaj’s sales champ, the CT100 now comprehensively modified, and Yamaha’s stylish Libero transformed into the G5. The launch of the two competitors within days of each other makes a face-off necessary, a shootout with a difference.
With increasingly little to separate the entry-level and cheaper 100cc bikes from the slightly more upmarket 100cc models, we thought it best to not only compare the two bikes but their segments as well.