Bajaj has introduced its new Discover 100M, ‘M’ for mileage, the drum brake variant of which is priced at Rs. 46,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the disc brake equipped 100M will retail at Rs. 49,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
At a glance, the 100M is unmistakably a Discover, retaining much of its family DNA. A familiar and angular headlight with twin pilot lamps sits within the 100M bikini fairing, behind which is located a familiar, nicely laid out and easy on the eye instruments bay. The rider controls include crisp working Bajaj typical switches, adequate palm grips and functional mirrors. There’s a muscular fuel-tank with hinged filler lid that leads back to a sharp, neatly designed tail. An electric-starter is offered as standard with the 100M, as are web-spoked alloy wheels that are black finished, along with the motorcycle engine and exhaust.
The 100M shares Bajaj’s proven carburetted and DTS-i technology equipped powerplant as earlier experienced on the 100T. It’s a 102cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder and air-cooled engine that comes armed with a 4-valve head, plus corrugated fins for good cooling. Maximum power output is a healthy 9.3bhp at 8000rpm, while peak torque is 0.92kgm at 6000rpm. The new powerplant is refined and smooth. It also feels peppy for a 100cc bike, with good throttle response along with a wide power band that kicks in strongly with good low end grunt. Top speed is a claimed 95kph. The four-speed gearbox shifts smoothly in an all-up pattern via a heel-and-toe, rubber tipped shift lever. Clutch feel is good, progressive and well weighted.
The 100M is held together by a robust, single downtube, semi dual cradle steel frame, with telescopic fork suspension in front, and dual, gas-charged (Nitrox) shock absorbers bolted onto a rectangular section swingarm at rear. The 100M comes with a 1255mm wheelbase, which is significantly shorter than the 100T. The bike feels compact and a touch smaller than the 100T, also light and nimble thanks to the shorter wheelbase. The 100M steers with quick turn in, and neutral manners going exactly where the rider wants it to. The new M comes with tubed Eurogrip tyres front and rear, which provide decent enough traction at low speed.
For stopping power, Bajaj has provided the Discover 100M drum brakes front and rear, with the option of a 200mm petal type front disc brake. Brake feel is good, our short test ride being on the disc brake equipped bike.
Price Rs. 46,000-Rs. 49,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Engine
Fuel Petrol
Power 9.3bhp at 8000rpm
Torque 0.91kgm at 6000rpm
Transmission
Gearbox 4 gears, all up
Suspension
Front Telescopic 130mm
Rear Nitrox 110mm
Brakes
Front Disc 200mm petal / Drum 130mm
Rear Drum 110mm
Economy
Tank size
9.5 litres (1.6 litres reserve)
