When Bajaj Auto launched the Discover 125 back in 2004, the Pune-based manufacturer tried to jazz up an otherwise staid commuter motorcycle segment. The Discover tried to be a cut above the rest with its stylish looks, and features like alloy wheels, electric start and a disc brake. Eight years on, Bajaj Auto is trying to take things to the next level with the Discover 125ST.
Story continues below Advertisement
What is it?
The ST' in the Discover 125ST's name stands for sports tourer - a tag associated with much larger motorcycles. Bajaj is saying this bike is for those who put in more miles on their daily commute, or go for weekend rides, hence the ST suffix. Bajaj has given the Discover 125ST aspirational features like a petal disc brake and a monoshock, apart from a full make-over to appeal to those looking for something more than just a commuter'. The styling is sporty, with a curvy front bikini fairing and a sporty looking fuel tank and a well-contoured seat. The alloy wheels resemble those on the recently launched Pulsar 200NS, and look nice. The end-can is new as well, and the Discover finally gets aluminum footrest holders, DC lighting and a rectangular section swingarm.
What does it have?
The Discover 125ST uses the current generation Discover 125's block with a new four-valve head, which has helped increase power output to 13PS, produced at 9000rpm while maximum torque produced is 10.78Nm at 6500rpm. The 125ST's engine block also get corrugated fins, which Bajaj claim help in improving engine cooling thanks to the increase in the surface area. The bike feels peppy in city with lots of bottom end torque. Gear ratios are short, and the bike has no trouble pulling from low speeds in higher gears. The engine feels smooth otherwise, but gets buzzy at higher revs. The seat is nicely contoured and feels comfortable from the word go. The slightly higher footpegs also help in making the riding position comfortable. The throttle feels light and crisp, and coupled with the light weight of the motorcycle makes riding in the city a breeze. On the highway the bike feels relaxed up to 70kmph, beyond which vibrations creeps in, particularly from the footpegs.
What do we think about it?
The Discover 125ST has a great potential as a new-generation commuter motorcycle for the discerning buyer, who wants more bang for his buck. Bajaj hasn't announced the pricing yet, but we're expecting it to be priced at around Rs 52,000 ex-showroom (lower than the Honda Stunner and Shine and the Hero Glamour), since they are known to offer more for less. With features like a gas-charged monoshock, rectangular swingarm, petal disc and its sporty styling the Discover 125ST tries to re-write the rules for the upper end of the commuter segment, but only time will tell how the commuter segment buyer responds. Stay tuned for more updates.
