Bajaj Discover, a prominent name in the entry and executive-level segment is geared-up to make its presence felt in the Indian market. Sources have stated that, the Indian bike-maker has witnessed a steep fall in last year's sales figures. Last year released version of Discover 100 T and Discover 125 ST had a reserved number of takers who loved its sporty design and feel. Later that year, Bajaj unveiled the 100 M in October. The bike retailed at Rs 47,700 (ex-showroom Mumbai), the pricing was competitive considering the fact that bikes in this segment retail from Rs. 42,000 – Rs. 48,000. The sales numbers for Discover 100 M was better in comparison to the other two variants. The bike-maker intends to gain a strong footing this time around in the Indian commuter market this year, by launching the new 125cc bike. The bike has been put up for sale post an official launch by the bike-maker some days ago in the country.
The new discover 125 gets a 124.6 cc twin-spark DTS-i engine that generates a good 11.5 Hp at 8,000 rpm and produces 10.8 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. The fairly powered engine attains a top speed of about 100 km/hr while delivering an impressive fuel efficiency of 76 kmpl. For complete control the bike gets racing inspired Petal disc brake. Comfort is assured with Nitrox gas charged rear suspension at the rear and telescopic suspension for the front wheel. During launch Prasad Vaze, Business General Manager, Bajaj Auto motorcycle, said, “Many consumers are tired of the 100cc regular commuter bikes which offer only 8 Ps power. They want to upgrade to sportier, attractive bikes with superior technology and features. However, barriers such as price and mileage deter them to move on to the 125cc segment. The new Discover 125 offers equivalent mileage of a 100cc and comes with exciting performance and features at an attractive price."
With the new launch, Bajaj expects about 90-95% of the cumulative Discover sales to originate from 125cc and 100cc Discover bikes. Kevin D’Sa, President of the finance section at Bajaj Auto stated that, company can start production of about 1,20,000 – 1,25,000 Discover units every month by June. This may mark a 50 % hike in sales from the current rate at which the Bajaj Discover is moving, a considerable volume maybe contributed by the October launched Discover 100 M and the new upcoming 125cc bike. The company’s figures have shown a sharp decline - 14% in the year-to-date numbers despite an overall 3.3% development in the industry. Bajaj’s sales fell by 16% between April and December 2013. The positive response that the Discover 100 M has seen in recent time, has prompted Bajaj to expect a recovery in sales numbers by the fourth quarter of 2014.
The newly launched Discover 125 is available in shades of electron blue, silver blue, charcoal magenta, charcoal green, wine red and silver gold. The bike comes with an attractive price tag of Rs. 48,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for drum brake variant, whereas the disc brake-equipped version retails at Rs 50,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
