Bajaj Discover 125ST Review

As if Bajaj did not have enough Discovers in the market already, it has introduced yet another version. This one is called the 125ST and promises to be more than just a daily commuter

The trick to managing higher sales it seems is to have numerous models catering to a single segment. And Bajaj certainly wants more numbers, if for nothing else, but to get back its number two spot from Honda. A great learning on how to get the most from this trick comes from Maruti Suzuki. Not getting into the specifics, it has almost 10 models (not including variants) in what we would traditionally describe as the small car sphere. And this segment alone is responsible for Maruti's number one position.

Now Bajaj wants to do the same in the commuter motorcycle segment. But unlike the carmaker, it will do so with just two brands - Platina and Discover - but with multiple variants for each. Take the Discover for instance; there are already four versions of it on sale. There's the 100 with a four-speed and five-speed gearbox option, there is the 150 and in between, there's the 125. And now there's another new version called the Discover 125ST.
The ST is essentially the Discover 125, albeit with new clothes and some heavy technical modifications in both engine and chassis departments. The styling is more grown up and modern compared to the existing Discover line-up as well. It also looks more imposing and muscular, even though it is smaller than the current range in all dimensions barring the wheelbase, which is identical to the current bike. It does however get a bigger fuel tank and a wider tailpiece. The overall width though is narrower courtesy the reduced width of the handlebar.

It’s also easier to mount thanks to a lower seat height, and the seat itself, is more comfortable now. Plus with a larger tank the feeling of sitting 'in' the bike is more pronounced. Overall ergonomics though are still very commuter like and work well while tackling city traffic. It also has light controls; the clutch is effortless to pull in and changing gear requires no real force.  It also feels very light on the move feeling nimble and less tedious to ride around in the city.
The ST uses the same chassis as the current Discover 125, but now sports a monoshock at the rear making the ST the first bike in the segment to get one. The setup not only helps the new Discover ride well over almost any surface, it also ensures the 125cc Bajaj doesn't feel completely out of sorts with a pillion on board. Moreover, at whatever pace it can manage, it handles the corners decently well too. The only limiting factor here are the tyres.
The engine too is the same as the Discover 125 including the bore and stroke, but the head design is different. The ST sports 4-valves for better breathing at higher revs, much like the Pulsar 135LS. It also makes more power, but at higher revs compared to the standard 125 and exactly the same peak torque, albeit again at a higher rpm. On the road, the ST doesn't feel much quicker or more ride-able than the standard bike in the low and mid range, which is where most people would end up riding the machine.
However, towards the top end of the rpm spectrum, the ST feels a lot more alive than any other 125cc bike. It also sounds better when revved hard. In fact, it’s only when ridden hard that the ST felt special and brought a smile to our face. In commute mode though, it felt quite ordinary.

The Discover 125ST wants to be more than just a commuter; it wants to be a fun to ride bike, even on longer jaunts, while hoping to bring back youth into the commuting space. In terms of looks, slow-speed flickability and top end performance, it certainly catches the eye. And with some upmarket parts like a 4-valve head and a rear monoshock, it must certainly have the enthusiast’s attention as well. It is still an ordinary commuter though, but what remains to be seen now is how it is priced, and what real world fuel economy it manages to return.

Courtesy: www.Autobild.in