Bajaj Discover 150F: Commuting Redefined

The pros: Build quality and fit-finish is impressive, Comfort and easy accessible, light clutch operation and offers good ride quality.

The cons: The gearbox isn't precise and shifts aren't that accurate. Seat could have a little bit wider.

The crux: At a price of a 125cc bike, the company is offering comfortable, stylish and powerful motorcycle. Value for money.

Rating

Discover has always been Bajaj's fore-front player in the very-competitive commuter segment. Over the years, the manufacturer launched several iterations of the motorcycle with various engine displacements, ranging all the way from 100 to 135cc.



The newest and most powerful addition in this line-up is the Discover 150F, which sits at the top of the heap. The range-topping model comes in two avatars, namely the 150S which comes with the same bikini fairing, non-LED tail lamp, analogue meters, and the 150F with half-fairing, semi-digital meters and LED tail lamp. The one we got our hands on is the swanky 150F, and here is what we think after riding it on both congested lanes as well as on open highways.

Design and built quality

Though this semi-fairing isn't an alien concept for Indian buyers, courtesy Honda Stunner and the Hero Ignitor, the 150F still stands out and deserves applause in terms of styling. Designers at Bajaj have done a great job, as the fairing looks well proportionate and integrated with the rest of the design. Unlike other commuters, the 150F does attract a lot of eyeballs while on road.

In fact few by-passers did get contemplated to ask me about it, and some even turned their heads. The front of the 150F features good-looking twin pilot lamps neatly seated above the main unit, which makes a style statement of sorts. Except the chrome 'Discover' moniker, F's ten-litre fuel tank is all same as the discontinued 125ST model. The side profile of the motorcycle with large side panels flows well into a sharp tail section, featuring a stepped LED tail lamp.

The 150F gets black-coated honey-comb alloy wheels, which we've already seen on many Bajaj products. And just like the alloys, the engine, chassis and the exhaust has also been finished in black. Keeping the price point in mind as well as neglecting some minor glitches, the build quality and fit-finish on-the-whole is impressive.

Ergonomics

Comfort and easy accessibility is still the most important aspect to be noted in this segment. And the Bajaj has done a good job with the 150F again. The motorcycle has good riding position with ample inner thigh support for a comfortable ride, especially in congested traffic.

The seat is well padded, lightly stepped and noticeably long, while unavailability of proper width is somehow felt. The semi-digital instrument cluster looks convincing enough, and comprises of an analogue speedometer which is accompanied by amber lit digital display, showing odometer, trip meter, fuel-gauge, service reminder and a clock.

Engine and Performance

Powering the 150F is an-all new 144.8cc air-cooled single-pot, air-cooled engine, which puts out a healthy 14.3 bhp at 8,500rpm, while the peak torque produced is 12.75 Nm at 6,500rpm. Equipped with brand's DTS-I technology (twin spark plugs), the unit features a 4-valve head sitting atop an under-square piston configuration, resulting into enhanced lower-end torque.

With everything going the right way, the all-up slated five-speed transmission comes as a disappointment. The gearbox isn't precise and shifts aren't that accurate. Also, adaptation of short gear ratios results into engine getting strained above 70kmph. The clutch feel is just right, its light, positive and pulls well even in heavy traffic.

Ride and Handling

Ride quality pops up as a pleasant surprise. It is way better than whatever I had experienced with Discover in the past. The motorcycle handles rather well. It is light on its feet, quick and nimble through traffic and allows rider to make directional changes easily.

Braking is fairly commendable, with a 240mm front petal disc in the front, along with 130mm rear drum doing its duty at the rear. Bajaj has installed telescopic forks in the front, while a gas-charged mono-shock is placed at the rear, both working effectively to offer good ride, and soaks in bumps as-well-as potholes nicely.

Verdict

Bajaj has been known to offer more for less to buyers, and the 150F is no different. At a price of a 125cc motorcycle, the manufacturer is offering a motorcycle which looks good, handles well, boasts good ride quality, and is reasonably quick as well. So, Discover 150F gets thumbs up from my side, and keeping everything in mind, this can be concluded as value for money proposition and a great buy!