Bajaj Auto unveiled its ambitious Discover 125 Sports Tourer (ST), which claims to deliver mileage of a commuter bike and performance of a sports bike, on May 14, 2012. The 3rd largest two-wheeler manufacturer after Honda and Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj is looking to grab the top position in the market and the latest launch is an attempt in that direction. This new bike, which will arrive in Maharashtra showrooms in second half of July, is also an effort towards increasing the sales volumes in the mass commuter segment.
The all-new Discover houses a 4 valve, 125 cc DTS-i Twin Spark powertrain. This unit will be belting out maximum power of 12.8 bhp, which is the highest in its segment, and 10.78 Nm of peak torque. The new bike shares its power to weight ratio with the last generation Pulsar 150 UG3, which speaks volumes about its speed. Of course, the company knows its customers and the new Discover comes is expected to come with an acceptable price tag, though Bajaj Auto has not disclosed the vehicle's cost as of now.
Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj stated that the automotive giant has plans to launch a Pulsar and a Discover every year by utilising the new platforms that have been developed for them. He further stated that the company's sales are much higher than that of Honda's. Bajaj said, “Honda has been making motorcycles since 2004. While Honda’s volume of sale in the domestic market is about 75,000 a month, ours is 200,000 a month.” Invariably, the new bike is yet another attempt at improving sales volumes and attracting new consumers. He also quipped, “Now commuters want more than just 100 cc motorcycles. Of every 100 motorcycle sold, almost 35 belonged to be 125 cc and above class.”
Also present at the launch event was President, Motorcycle Business, Bajaj Auto Limited, K. Srinivas. He commented, “We believe that the average Indian commuter has to compromise a lot for fuel efficiency. With the Discover ST we are making a statement that mileage need not come with boring design and outdated features.” Adding further, he said, “The Sports Tourer is an everyday fun ride to work. We believe that the sporty evolution of the commuter category will occur fast, and it is our intention to dominate this segment by introducing such breakthrough products.”
Close at Bajaj's heels, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HSCI) introduced a 110 cc bike of its own, called Dream Yuga. The Japanese company's cheapest product in the mass market has been launched on May 15, 2012. This manufacturer refrained from entering this segment during the days of its partnership with Hero MotoCorp of India. The all-new Dream Yuga will be priced at Rs. 44,642 and will be targeted at the rural market of the country.
