Could the Discover 135 Sports have become the adventure tourer platform?
In recent years, the adventure touring segment has exploded in popularity, and manufacturers are scrambling to get bikes into different displacement categories. With its stout frame, punchy engine, and relaxed ergonomics, the Discover 135 Sports has caused some enthusiasts to wonder if it could be the basis of a small displacement adventure bike. Imagination and debate have sparked among riders about the idea of a lightweight, efficient adventure tourer built on the 135's platform. Proponents point out that with some modifications, the same characteristics that made it a good street bike would have translated well to off road capability; skeptics question if it would have had the performance and durability to do true adventure riding. The hypothetical evolution of the Discover 135 prompts us to think about what opportunities we missed in product development and whether we can repurpose the design we already have to meet new market trends.
Absolutely! A mini-ADV would have been a perfect start to the 135's frame and engine. Add some long travel suspension, spoked wheels and a windscreen and you have instant budget adventure bike.
Nah, I don't see it. The 135 was too street-focused. ADV bike building is not just bolting on off road parts, it requires a ground up design approach.
An interesting idea, but I suspect the engine would have been the limiting factor. Low end grunt and durability that the 135 motor might not have been able to deliver is what adventure bikes need.
With some serious re-engineering, maybe. The basic platform had promise, but it would have taken a lot of work to make it competitive in the ADV segment.
It could totally be an 'adventure commuter' – not an off roader, but something that could do light trails and bad roads. Missed opportunity for sure.
The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. The 135 would have made a nice lightweight ADV that would have fit between scooters and full size adventure bikes.
While it’s a fun thought experiment, realistically Bajaj would have been better off developing a purpose built ADV platform. The 135 was great, but it wasn’t infinitely adaptable.
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Discussions and Questions Could The Discover 135 Sports Have Become The Adventure Tourer Platform
Could the Discover 135 Sports have become the adventure tourer platform?
29 January 2025 07:48
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