The game changer. Review on Bajaj Discover 125 ST

Bajaj has been a game changer ever since the dawn of the Pulsars in 2001.  Now, everyone knows Pulsar changed the course of motorcycling here in India.  Not so long after in the year 2004 came another major move that revolutionized the ever so popular commuter segment here in our nation.  The very fact that Bajaj had roped in Jackie Chan as the brand ambassador to promote the Discover spoke more than just loudly of the confidence level in the new platform they were introducing into the industry.  Over the years, the Discover has evolved alongside the Pulsars and has slowly but surely contributed to the growth of the company, which currently holds the runners-up position next to Hero Moto Corp.  What we now have in the form of the Discover 125 ST (ST stands for Sports Tourer) is something that further ups the ante and takes commuting into a whole new realm.  Enough said let's head straight into the review.

One look at this piece of art and you cannot just believe your eyes.  It sure is a piece of art in the 125 cc segment.  The older curvy headlamp makes way for the sharper and meaner unit along with the pilot lamps.  Almost everything about this bike is new - whether you look at the redesigned fuel tank, the striking silver side panels or the sleeker rear panels along with a freshly designed tail lamp.  Even the exhaust boasts of a new design and also the sound is nice and soothing, perfect for touring.  The speedo console intelligently offered with a brand new design and analog meters doesn’t make you miss a digital unit.  The ten spoke spider alloy wheels are a major plus and something one would never expect in a commuter segment bike.  Also the Nitrox mono suspension enhances the sporty look of the bike.  T

he only glitch in the design department that I found was the fuel tank cap, which was sticking out annoyingly.  Having raised the bar so high, they could have done away with it as well and instead provided a well encapsulated tank cap.  Nevertheless, when it comes to the design aspect, it stays true to its tagline – The Next Generation Commuter.

Comfort is really high on this bike irrRajeev_Vermactive of whether you choose to ride in the city or highways both for the rider and the pillion.  I did personally feel the seat could have been a little softer.  The raised handle bar combined with the well set foot pegs and the chiseled fuel tank allow you to slot your thighs in and enjoy the ride without straining your palms, wrists, or back.  Gear shift is nice and smooth. There are no vibrations under the regular rev limits unless of course you choose to really rev it hard.  It is meant to give us a comfortable ride day in and day out and that is exactly what it delivers.  The suspension is good and on the softer side.  The 17 inch wider rubber provides adequate road grip, but it could have been tubeless.

The braking is confidence inspiring and more than sufficient for a bike in this category.  One would not and should not be riding a commuter segment motorcycle at break neck speeds and call the need for sufficient braking power.  For daily commuting to the office and other household chores, I feel the 200 mm front petal disc and 130 mm rear drum brake should more than just suffice.

PERFORMANCE/HANDLING:

I own an Apache RTR 160 Hyper-Edge – now this is a bike that puts most of its peers to shame when it comes to acceleration, performance, pick-up, and just about everything.  I test rode the ST after riding up to the showroom in my RTR.  To my surprise, I really did not feel a whole lot of difference.  The bike was responding pretty well even with a pillion on board.  Without a pillion, it was just zipping through.  I personally did not expect this from a 125 cc bike.  The last time I rode the Pulsar 135 LS, I could clearly feel it was way underpowered and rightly so.  There were also a lot of vibes on the P-135.  The ST however felt like something out of this world.  Well, this 124.6 cc 4 valve DTS-i engine churns out 13 Ps of power @ 9000 rpm and 1.1 kgm of torque at 7000 rpm.  One needs to give credit to Bajaj for making the engine so smooth and at the same time so crisp and responsive. Manoeuvring through city traffic is also a piece of cake.  As I mentioned earlier, this is not meant for racing.  The name itself suggests it is meant for touring and as long as you choose to cruise, the ride is downright effortless.

MAINTENANCE AND AFTER SALES SERVICE:

I am an ex-Pulsar 180 UG IV owner and having maintained the bike for more than six years, I personally felt the parts were pretty cheap except for the digital speedo censor/wiring kit.  Lack of a digital speedo further downs the scope of any heavy maintenance expenditure creeping in.  I personally was not really satisfied with their service and there are quite a few if you look around as well.  While one does need to appreciate Bajaj for always offering more value for money through each of their products and trying to raise the bar each time they launch a new product, I personally feel they need to pay serious attention to their after sales service as well.

FUEL EFFICIENCY:

Mileage is crucial in a day and age where fuel seems to be really giving land and gold a run for the money as far as appreciation is concerned and when it comes to a commuter, you need to underscore, bold, italicize, and do whatever more you can to lay emphasis on it.  This is another area where the new Discover shines through emphatchandru021y.  Owners here in Hyderabad claim figures of 60+ kmpl in city conditions.  With so many other things on offer on board this “next-gen commuter, ” this I guess is a pretty rRajeev_Vermactable figure.

CONCLUSION:

Well, I would like to end on the same note I started off – Bajaj being a game changer.  Every major launch from Bajaj has been a game changing, ground-breaking, and earth shattering move when it comes to the Indian motorcycling scene.  The Pulsars proved it, the Discovers saved it, and well the KTM Duke just nailed it.  Heart-racing features at jaw-dropping prices has been their mantra.  A price of Rs. 55, 431 ex-showroom Hyderabad places the new Discover 125 ST in the premium commuter segment alongside the newly reincarnated Hero Ignitor, ever so brightly shining Honda Shine, not so resistant Yamaha Gladiator SS, and hardly spinning Suzuki Swish 125.  If you are married, are expecting a child, need some savings, and at the same time are a bike enthusiast who cannot kill the biker within you and look for more goodies for the money you shell out, this might be the thing for you.  However, a major concern with Bajaj bikes has been the engine life and durability factor wherein the products lack the initial punch a couple of years down the line; this clearly reflects in the poor resale value of all Bajaj bikes.  I hope people at Bajaj have worked on it and of course with the inputs pouring in from KTM, things should be looking brighter for Hamara Bajaj.

That I guess pretty much sums it up guys.  Always wear a helmet, never take your eyes off the road, set the headlight on low beam while within city limits, and never use a cell phone while riding.  God bless and take care.

DISCLAIMER: My reviews are meant for informative purposes only and not to invoke an opinion.  Each one is unique and has his own lifestyle and before making a choice, one needs to consider all the aspects in one’s life.  Ultimately a bike needs to cater to one’s needs and blend into one’s lifestyle.