Is Bajaj Discover 125 ST really the 'sports tourer' it calls itself to be?
When the Discover 125 ST was launched, it was marketed as a sports tourer, a combination of sporty performance and long distance comfort. Does it really deliver on that promise? Its peppy engine and comfortable riding position make it a plus for city use, say some riders, but it's not the power or the features of a real sports tourer, say others. Debates have also been had as to whether the bike's relatively small 125cc engine and basic suspension setup can cope with longer rides or twisty roads as well as its larger displacement tourer counterparts. Great on fuel efficiency, but is that enough to make it a legitimate touring option? Discover 125 ST owners, let’s hear from you: does this bike really live up to the sports tourer label in real world riding?
I would say it's more of a comfortable commuter than a true sports tourer as a Discover 125 ST owner. It’s peppy around town and the upright riding position is nice, but it’s not good on highways and it doesn’t have the power for sporty riding, either. For my daily commute, it’s great, but it’s definitely not a touring bike.
I think Bajaj was smart to market it as a 'sports tourer' – it provides the bike with some cool factor, without actually having to offer true touring capabilities. Surprisingly it handles pretty well for a 125cc bike on twisty roads. Yes, it's not going to keep up with bigger bikes, but for its class, it's sporty enough. The comfortable ergonomics are the touring part.
No 125cc bike is a true sports tourer, let’s be real. For what it is, it’s not bad at all in terms of balancing comfort and performance. Mine are good for some 200-300 km day trips and handled them fine. Expectations are all. If you need a general commuter that can take occasional longer rides, it’s perfect.
I have to say this isn't a sports tourer. There are no touring features, windscreen, luggage capacity, or enough power for highway cruising. The "ST" is nothing but marketing hype. It’s a good city bike, just don’t pretend it’s something it’s not.
Having owned both proper tourers and the Discover 125 ST, I'd say it's a sports tourer in spirit if not in capability. Touring is all about taking the long way home and enjoying the ride, and it encourages you to do just that. Now, it’s not ideal for multi day trips, but for weekend getaways it’s more than capable.
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Discussions and Questions Is Bajaj Discover 125 St Really The Sports Tourer It Calls Itself To Be
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