Bajaj Discover 125M | TEST RIDE

Flowing with the time, Bajaj has always kept adding and subtracting the models to its Discover lineup. The last model that joined the league is "Discover 125M".

On the styling front, it is more or less similar to its older sibling 'the Discover 125ST'. Except the flex of a shorter wheelbase and a comparatively smaller fairing, whole bike remains the same. Decals, body language and the riding position are exactly carried forward from the previous one. In fact, the only cosmetic that has undergone a major makeover is the 'rear suspension'. Earlier, the Discover ST was done with the nitrox mono, but now, this bike is given away with gas charged dual suspensions.

On the technicalities, the Discover 125M retains the same engine of 125cc worth of 11.5 PS. On a comparison note, the engine is reduced in power by one and a half PS. The gearbox too gets chopped off by a gear. It means now only four gears available, with the heel shift pattern.

Ride and handling of this bike is quite subtle towards its price tag. The top speed of 100 kmph can be achieved easily, while the city driving doesn't remain a hassle at all. All bumps were soaked with great ease, but the disappointment of missing the mono suspension was felt every second. The major disappointment to us was the gearshift, as it was comfy between third and fourth only. When cruising on highways, the mid range seems to reach dead end soon due to the lesser number of gears. As in return, you have to do a lot of preplanning while overtaking a vehicle on the open roads, otherwise, rely on those segment's first optional petal disc brakes to get the bike trailed behind in right order.

Hence, this new Discover, the 125M, is rolled with a vision to gain an upper hand on the competitors like Honda CB Shine and Hero Glamour. Comparatively its enhanced fuel-efficiency and excellent driving ergonomics is making it to get the pace set against all of them for the price of Rs 46,700 ex-showroom Mumbai.