Bajaj Discover 125 Drum Brake

Bajaj has re-launched their very popular entry level 125cc bike, Bajaj Discover 125. This bike proved to be a huge hit when it was initially launched in 2004. The new bike is also setting new records of success. Let’s try to find out what makes this bike so popular.

Design and Style

Bajaj has never changed the design of this bike ever since its conception. They have just modified the bike so that it looks modern. This new age Discover takes most of the styling cues from its younger sibling, Discover 100. It features its classy bikini fairing at its front with dual colored graphics on it. Bajaj have restyled the tinted visor of this bike and now it features more prominent lines on it. Its black colored rear view mirrors are mounted on its handle bar. Discover 125 sports twin pilot lamps in its headlight which makes its face look attractive. Its front fender gets an integrated mud flap at its end.

To make it look different than its younger sibling, Bajaj has fixed a small disc brake with cover at its front which reminds you of XCD 135. The bike follows the all black theme with black colored alloy wheels, engine, muffler and rear grab rail. It features dual tone graphics all over its body which makes it look cool. Its muffler sports a chrome heat shield on it which makes it look very similar to its younger sibling. These both bikes look identical when seen from sideways. The rear styling features an extended fender which carries the number plate and flexible clear lens indicators on it. The layered LED tail light is quite familiar but you will notice new wider tyre at the back.

Instrument Console

Bajaj Discover 125 has a very basic instrument console with twin circular dials. The left dial houses an analogue speedometer and odometer while the right dial features an analogue fuel gauge. Other essential indicators can also be seen in this instrument console. The bike has a ride control switch on the right side of handle bar.

Engine and Gearbox

This bike is powered by a new 4-stroke, mono cylinder 125cc engine. This air-cooled engine pumps out a power output of 11 bhp at 8000 rpm. The torque output of this DTS-I engine arrives at 5500 rpm which is of 10.8 nm. This engine is mated with a five-speed manual gear box with all gears down shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

It’s a very responsive and powerful engine. The bike is lighter than many of its competitors and hence manages an impressive power to weight ratio which makes it faster than most of its rivals. The bike does 0-60km/hr in less than 5 seconds and feels quite confident. The gear ratios are well proportioned and help this bike to get the best out of this engine. It has an instant throttle response which helps you while driving in city traffic. Its ample amount of torque kicks in as early as 5500rpm which avoids frequent gear shifting.

Yes, this engine is far less refined than Honda’s 125cc engine but it is better than what you get in TVS and Yamaha bikes. This engine turns really noisy when rev hard and feels quite harsh after 7000rpm. The bike can go pass the three digit mark on speedometer. Its fifth gear certainly gives it an advantage over others and that’s quite evident while overtaking on highways. We wish if it had a smoother gearbox as you have to put some effort while making gear transitions. Apart from this, we don’t think there is anything disturbing in the performance of this bike.

Mileage

Despite being on the faster side, Discover 125 may return you a fuel efficiency of around 60-62km/ltr in city conditions while these figures certainly improves on highways.

Comfort while Driving

Discover 125 offer commuter oriented riding posture with up raised handle bar and front set foot pegs. The knees stay around its fuel tank which offers you a firm grip around it. The best thing about this bike is its starched and well stuffed seat. Two adults can comfortably travel on this bike. The plastic material used on its handlebar is also quite soft to touch and can easily be operated.

Storage Space and Safety Features

Bajaj Discover 125 comes with less under seat storage space while it comes with many safety features. The bike has a pass button, front leg guard, rear saree guard and DC electrical system which maintain the beam of its headlight at night.

Suspension and Brakes

Undoubtedly, this bike has the best suspension system in its class. It features front telescopic forks and Nitrox gas filled suspension at the back. The base variant of this bike comes with drum brakes of 130mm on its both wheels while Bajaj also offers this bike with an optional front disc brake of 200mm.

Ride and Handling

Discover 125 have a very light handling which acts as a boon in city traffic. The bike can be parked anywhere and can move frequently in city traffic. Even on highways, it steers as per your need and always remains under control with an exceptional braking system. It has a very precise braking and you stay confident at high speeds. The bike can also digest almost every pothole with ease. The riding comfort is unmatchable in its class. Its rear suspension and wide rear tyre strongly holds this bike on highways. Moreover, the bike feels extremely stable around corners thanks to its class leading wheelbase of 1305mm. The high ground clearance of 165mm helps you to go pass most of the obstructions on our roads.

Variants

Bajaj has launched new Discover 125 in two variants: one with drum brakes and second with front disc brake.

Shades

Bajaj has launched the new Discover 125 in three shades: Black with blue graphics, Black with red graphics and Black with green graphics.

Verdict

The disc variant of Discover 125 is priced at INR 47-49K (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary). Now we understand why it’s such a popular bike. At this price, we also can’t think of any other bike which is as powerful and comfortable as Discover 125. Moreover, its fuel economy is also better than others. Yes, there are some quality issues but they can be neglected at this price. Undoubtedly, it’s a complete value for money bike.

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