India’s best looking 100cc bike is Bajaj’s new Discover 100T. We take a short spin.
The Discover commuter bikes have always represented a runaway success story for Bajaj. While the Pulsars address customers looking for sporty performance, the Discover series looks at more conservative buyers, reluctant to buy less fuel-efficient, larger capacity motorcycles. We’ve seen several bikes launch under the Discover umbrella, the latest being Bajaj’s well received Discover 125 ST, which is already selling about 40,000 units a month across India.
The Discover 100T (Tourer) is a commuter bike that borrows design cues from this older sibling. Easily the best looking 100cc bike in India today, the T houses an attractive headlight unit encased within a flared bikini fairing. Its handsome analogue speedometer and fuel-gauge sit under a tinted visor and are easy to read on the fly. Palm grips on the 100T are comfortable while the bike’s Bajaj typical switches feel built-to-last and work with crisp feel. A pass-light switch is also included. The rear-view mirrors show-off unique design and provide a wide field of vision. The 100T comes with exotic looking, slim-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. Its engine, exhaust and several other lower parts are smartly finished in black.
The Discover 100T uses Bajaj’s proven twin-spark, DTS-i technology and houses a four-stroke, 102cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, this breathing through four-valves. This is a more than desirably spec’d engine for the 100cc segment. The button-started T has been provided with an auto-choke system for easy starts in all weather conditions. It puts out a hefty power output of 10.1bhp at 9000rpm, while maximum torque is 0.94kgm at 6500rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a smooth, five-speed, all-up shifted heel-and-toe operated gearbox. The new Bajaj bike clutch offers a nice, light and positive feel that is certain to prove a boon in crowded city riding conditions.
Our brief test-ride confirmed throttle response is good for a 100cc, but do look out for more performance details in a full review in our February 2013 issue. Bajaj claims a 100kph top speed, and we’ve little reason to doubt the Discover 100T will easily match-up and thrill, having now experienced its peppy feel. The T should offer quick acceleration too, and be among the fastest 100cc motorcycles you can buy in India today.
The latest Discover deploys a semi, double-cradle steel frame with telescopic fork front suspension and a set of gas-charged rear shock absorbers, bolted onto a rectangular swingarm. The upright 100T riding position is perfect for city commutes and is complemented by a well cushioned seat that should also prove apt for long hours on the saddle. Ride quality is fine as well, but the new Discover could use better tyres. The 100T uses a rather traditional ribbed tread pattern front tyre and similarly old fashioned rear tyre, which although not ill-suited to daily commuting, can improve. The 100T comes equipped with a 130mm drum brake in front and 110mm drum at the rear.
The Discover 100T comes with a sticker price of Rs. 50,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi) making this a slightly premium priced 100cc bike, but not without reason. Bajaj’s new 100cc clearly offers a whole lot more than any of its rivals. Stay tuned for more details, coming up shortly in Autocar India’s February 2013 issue.