The new Bajaj Discover 125 DTS-i is the latest addition to the burgeoning list of accomplished models from the two-wheeler giant. Bajaj seems to have done everything right and the stats imply that the 125 should be as victorious as its siblings, the 100 DTS-i and the 150DTS-i.
Aesthetically, the new Bajaj has very few changes. There are similarities galore between the 100 DTS-i and the 150DTS-i, and as such, Bajaj should have seized the opportunity to be bold and come out with an innovative design to add flair to a dated design. The entire Discover family looks almost the same and the only difference is the slightly altered decals. A wide headlight, with twin parking lights held in the curvy fairing adorns the front, and the rear view mirrors provide good rear view vision.
The instrument cluster remains unchanged and you get the familiar speedometer and large fuel gauge along with the odometer, tripmeter and regular beacons.
The switchgear is top-notch and operates with a crisp feel. A familiar blue ride-control switch is in place to help riders avoid excessive twists of the wrist and maximise fuel economy.
The eight-litre fuel tank looks sleek but does not offer too much support to the rider's thighs, especially taller riders. The rubber-covered gearshift and rear brake levers with their tactile grip complement the Discover's commuter image. Like its siblings, the latest Discover shows off its tubular frame around its side panels. The seat and rear grab rail, including a layered LED tail-lamp, are typical Discover traits. The rear ends in a wide tailpiece. Overall build quality, fit and finish are good and the plastics on the new Discover are built to last.
The 124.6cc mill doing duty in the Discover 125 is powered by an air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that employs the DTS-i technology.
This engine is known for its good fuel efficiency. Bore and stroke dimensions at 54 by 54.4mm are near-square, while two valves sit in the alloy head. Fuelling is via a conventional carburettor; with peak power developed being a healthy 11bhp at 8000rpm, and maximum torque of 1.1kgm at 5500rpm. The Discover 125 also applies Bajaj's patented ExhausTEC system on its exhaust to boost low and mid-range power. And an auto-choke ensures glitch-free start-ups every morning.
The smooth, free-revving engine has a meaty and willing punch to it and the power delivery is linear, with well-spaced gear-ratios. Oddly, Bajaj has gone in for an all-down configuration for the gearbox, instead of the one-down, four-up shift pattern.
During performance testing, 0-60kph was dealt in 6.33 seconds and it goes on to a top whack of 100kph. The Discover 125 uses 17-inch rims at both ends and a single downtube frame similar to its siblings. A set of telescopic forks do duty in the front, while its rectangular swingarm is supported by twin, gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. Discover riders will feel at home on the new 125, which shares a nice riding position.
Ride quality is good, the suspension feeling just right and the new Discover soaks up potholes and bad roads with aplomb.
This is a light and nimble motorcycle, one of the virtues expected of a city slicker. The bike is at ease scything through traffic, its light steering and able chassis making it quick to turn into corners. However, the overall package suffers due to its Eurogrip tyres, which fail to impress and rob the bike from achieving its full handling potential. This excellent commuter bike deserved better.
Fuel efficiency stats of 57.3kpl in city traffic and 53.1kpl on the highway kept us suitably impressed.
Bajaj's pricing strategy (Rs. 45,500 for the drum brake version and Rs. 48,000 for the disc brake variant, ex-showroom Delhi), makes this a good value-for-money purchase for the commuter motorcycle buyer.
