Bajaj Auto has been at the forefront of the advancements in the motorcycle segment of the country this year. The company showcased the new Discover 125 Sports Tourer, the sporty version of its 125 cc bike, on May 14, 2012 in India, just a few months after it unveiled the Pulsar 200 NS. However, the launch price was not revealed by the company, though it is expected that the bike will be on sale in the second half of June 2012 at a price of Rs. 55,000, while nationwide sales would commence in August only.
Developed on an all-new platform, the latest iteration of the motorcycle is a major upgrade over the previous facelift, which was brought forth by the company in April 2011. Discover 125 ST joins the ranks of the 100 cc, 125 cc and 150 cc editions of the same model, which are currently available in the country. As the first true sports tourer of India, superior ride comfort and excellent fuel economy with a sporty body will be the chief characteristics of the bike. Sportiness would be the main trait of the vehicle, which would be highlighted by its sharp edged headlamps, swept up can, high tail and silver centre panel. With this new design theme, the Sports Tourer version of the tried and tested Discover will set itself apart from other 125 cc bikes that are known for their minimalist features and average looks.
On the technical front, Bajaj has integrated its patented DTS-i Twin Spark technology in the Discover 125 ST. Propelled by this unique technology, the 4 valve engine of the vehicle will be able to deliver 12.8 bhp of maximum power at 9000 rpm and 11 Nm of peak torque, thus making it the best in its class. The engine will be mated to a five speed gearbox for smooth gear shifts. For better performance, the company has also included the Monoshock Nitrox Suspension in the bike, which would be a first in the segment. Some other notable features of the new edition of the motorcycle include the innovative 'Anti Vibration' frame that enhances its stability and ribbed alloy wheels as well as aluminium side sets that make it more attractive. Petal Disc Brakes have also been used for better safety of the bike.
Speaking at the launch event of Discover 125 ST, K Srinivas, President, Motorcycle Business, Bajaj Auto, 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 With the Discover ST we are making a statement that mileage need not come with boring design and outdated features.” He continued, “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.” The sales prospects for the latest offering from the company are huge as 35 per cent of the bikes sold in India belong to the 125+ cc segment.
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, said that it will annually bring forward a new iteration of the Pulsar and Discover bikes, which will be based on the new platforms that have developed for them. Notably, the two wheeler major will not work on any new 100 cc motorcycles as such a move will reduce its operating profits of 20 per cent, which is the highest in the whole automobile industry right now. He also said that the company is already the third largest bike maker in the world behind Japanese giant Honda and compatriot Hero MotoCorp and will try to further strengthen its position in the global arena. Presently, Bajaj Auto is the market leader in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Philippines and Nigeria in terms of sales and has forged an alliance with KTM of Austria.
