Brief test drive report on Bajaj Discover 100cc
Its never easy to understand Bajaj and its strategy in particular. After exiting from the 100cc segment in 2007, Bajaj rediscovers the 100cc segment with the launch of discover 100cc. First let’s understand what’s the need for Bajaj to re-enter this segment. Though the market share of 100cc bikes has declined from 80% from years before to 65% now. The decline is not as fast as Bajaj expected. Bajaj has a meagre 9% market share in this segment while its a market leader in 125cc+ segment. Also the fact that the Hero Honda does well amidst recession is just because of its blooming sales of its 100cc bikes in the rural market. Bajaj is revamping its portfolio and has already launched nearly half a dozen bikes in 2009. The new strategy is already doing magic in sales of Bajaj Auto. As part of the new plan, Bajaj has come up with Discover 100cc to take on the Hero Honda’s evergreen spelendor and passion variants.Can it tame the 100cc segment atleast this time? we check out
Bajaj Discover 100cc: inherits the proven discover styling. The jadoo bike is sturdy and retains the appeal even after in the market for years. The low slung yet muscular styling makes the discover a perfect sibling to pulsar. The optoprism headlamps with twin pilot lamps on the sides are housed in broad fairing. Crowning the fairing is a tinted visor. The side profile is almost the same as 125cc discover except the bike’s contemporary all black styling. The biggest changes is in the rear. Bajaj which mastered the art of using LED now offers a 100cc bike with it. The three step tail lamp cluster looks gorgeous but seems to be borrowed from Suzuki’s GS150R. Overall proportion is good and would lure a 100cc customer
Bajaj Discover 100cc: comes with the Bajaj’s much touted DTS-Si 2.0 engine (remember pentium I,II,III,IV). Bajaj intends to follow the processor makers to give its customers advanced technology. The Digital Twin Spark – Swirl Induction engine gets pent roof combustion chamber and molykote piston for improved combustion and better fuel efficiency. The 100cc engine generates 7.7PS of peak power at 7500rpm. According to Bajaj, Discover 100cc returns a mileage between 78 and 80kmpl. According to ARAI – IDC (Indian Driving Cycle), discover returns a fuel efficiency figure of 89kmpl. Under standard condition,fuel efficiency is expected to be around 125kmpl higher than the XCD 109kmpl. Bajaj is yet to get the ARAI figures under standard conditions.
Bajaj will promote this bike as a long distance bike and is going to do series of outdoor promotional activities. Rediscover India with Discover 100cc would be the message of the campaign. Bajaj will take the customers from cities to suburbs to highlight the mileage of the bike.
Bajaj Discover 100cc: Switch on the ignition, the bike starts with a hum. It’s a typical 100cc bike and the performance is nothing to boast about. The exhaust note is quite rough and could be an irritating one on the long run. Unlike the Discover’s trademark peppy engine, this DTS-Si is a slouch. We manged to hit 80kmph in our test drive. The five speed transmission leaves room for improvement. However we cannot conclude much through our brief test drive. Wait till our complete test report for the exact figures.
Bajaj Discover 100cc: is typically commut-ish with flat seats and the rear grab rail on the same level of the fuel tank. The handlebar is wide and easy to hold. Dsicover 100cc uses telescopic forks at the front and gas charged nitrox suspension at the rear. Ride quality is superb with nitrox suspension and softer seats soaking up the road shocks and bumps well. The 1305mm wheelbased bike uses drum brake at the front and the rear. But unlike the the XCD, it offers a sturdy and stable feel. The tubular dual cradle structure and the rectangular, box section swing arm.at the rear offers a nimble character.
Bajaj Discover 100cc: comes loaded with segment first features like twin pilot lamps, wider rear tyre, gas charged rear suspension, LED tail lamps and maintenance free battery. Electric start with auto choke and alloy wheels are standard fitments. Twin pod instrument panel is simple with standard speedo, fuel gauge and other warning lamps.
Bajaj Discover 100cc: is available in three colours – Black with green stripes , Black with red stripes and Black with blue stripes. Discover will get Red and Blue shades in three months of time. Bajaj Discover 100cc comes in only one variant and is priced Rs40,000 (ex-showroom Chennai). The bike will be available in showrooms across India from July 27th.
