Bajaj Discover 125 (2015-2020)

The Bajaj Discover 125 is a good option for those who want a more powerful option than the Discover 110. The 125cc Discover is similar to the 110cc variant in many aspects. Both bikes share the same cycle parts and even have the same wheelbase at 1305mm. However, the Discover 125 sports a more powerful engine. The bike produces its peak torque at just 5500rpm, which makes it more usable around in the city. The bump in power compared to the 110cc engine is also useful on the highways for better cruising speeds and while overtaking.

As for the underpinnings, the Discover 125 uses a semi-double cradle chassis with telescopic forks at the front and twin Nitrox gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. The gas-charged shocks give the Discover a more pliant ride even over rough surfaces. The bike uses 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends while braking duties are handled by a 130mm drum for both wheels. The Discover 125  also gets a disc brake variant in which the front wheel is equipped with a 200mm disc.

The Bajaj Discover 125 is a solid product for those who are looking for an affordable yet powerful commuting option. In trademark Bajaj style, the bike also significantly undercuts some of its rivals when it comes to pricing.

The Bajaj Discover 125 stays true to the Discover lineage. Bajaj has only reworked the graphics and other cosmetic bits while retaining the basic design of the previous Discover 125. The 2018 variant gets new graphics, a dual-tone seat, bar-end weights, blacked out cycle parts and a nifty set of spider alloy wheels. Bajaj has also included LED DRLs integrated into the headlamp assembly. In spite of being around for a long time, these changes have freshened up the looks of the Discover 125.

In terms of features, the bike sports a semi-digital instrument console that displays a host of information like speed, odo reading, fuel level, trip distance and low battery indicator. The switchgear quality is good, however, it misses out on an engine kill switch. The Discover 125 employs an electric as well as kick starter. The bike’s drum variant has a kerb weight of 121kg while the disc variant weighs 122kg. Fuel tank capacity is 8 litres, with 1.5 litres in reserve.

Bajaj Discover 125 houses a 124.6cc, single-cylinder, 2-valve, DTS-I with ExhausTEC motor that is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, which makes the ride more blissful. The engine generates a maximum power of 10.9bhp at 8,000rpm with a peak torque of 10.8Nm at 5,500rpm. The bike gets enough strength to attain a top speed of 100kmph. The motor can start with a push of a button or by kicking. With an impressive mileage of 82.4kmpl, the bike can easily dominate its rivals.

The 2018 Bajaj Discover 125 gets telescopic suspension at the front and gas-filled shock absorbers at the rear. The rear suspension also features Bajaj’s signature SnS (spring in spring) technology, which helps the Discover 125 tackle poor roads comfortably. Braking duties are handled by 130mm drums at both ends on the Discover 125 (drum) variant. For the Discover 125 (disc) variant, the front drum is replaced by a 200mm disc while the rear retains the drum setup. The disc variant should offer better braking compared to the drum version and complements the increased power output of the Discover’s 125cc engine. The front gets a 2.75x17 tyre while the rear gets a 3.00x17 tyre. Both tyres are of the tube type.

The LED DRLs make the bike more visible to other vehicles on the road, which theoretically reduces chances of mishaps because of visibility issues. Other than that, the Discover 125 gets no significant safety additions. The bike also misses out on CBS (combined braking system) that will be made compulsory for all bikes below 125cc starting April 2019. Bajaj will hopefully launch a Discover 125 with CBS and make its potent commuter safer soon.