Bajaj is back with a vengeance in the 100cc segment. Can their Discover 100T make it big in this ultra competitive commuter segment?
The Discover launched back in 2004, becoming for Bajaj commuter bikers what the Pulsar is to performance bikers. The Discover meets conventional bike users requirements, and has improved steadily over the years. The Indian market certainly has evolved in this decade, but some basics remain, with a section of practical 100cc loyalists steadfastly refusing to embrace larger capacity bikes.
Does the 100T work well on the road?
Design
The 100T comes with several parts finished in black. Its side panels lend relief in silver, matching well with the footrest mounting sub-frame sections.
The 100T’s halogen equipped DC powered headlight is bright and flicker-free even at low rpm. Riders are greeted by a handsome, round analogue speedometer and the easily read console includes a prominent fuel-gauge. The 100T provides comfortable palm grips, and its switches work with positive feel also offering a pass-light flasher. A striking asset on the 100T is its massive, forward set fuel-tank that imparts secure inner thigh support. The motorcycle seat is lightly stepped and noticeably long. Large side-panels flow smoothly into the swooping tail-fairing section.
Overall quality is good on the Discover 100T, as is fit-and-finish.
Performance
The Discover 100T can be started via a kick-lever, or electric start button. Bajaj has provided the 102cc, four-stroke, carburettor equipped bike an auto-choke to aid easy starts. Bajaj has fitted in twin spark-plugs (DTS-i) and four-valves. The engine produces a healthy 10.1bhp at 9000rpm, while maximum torque produced is 0.94kgm at 6500rpm. Power surges through a cable driven clutch, and five-up, smooth shifting gearbox. Clutch feel is just right, positive and light.
The 100T accelerates with willingness unlike any 100cc, four-stroke commuter bike in India. Throttle response is likewise brisk for a 100, and there’s adequate bottom end grunt. Open the throttle, and power feeds in sharply with rising revs. Our test figures prove the 100T is quicker than any Indian 100, at par with most 125’s and even faster than quite a few. The 100T takes 6.56 seconds to pass 60kph from rest, and recorded a creditable, true top speed of 104kph on test with us.
Ride, Handling and Braking
The Discover 100T is held together by a dual-cradle frame, with a rectangular section swingarm. There’s telescopic fork front suspension and a pair of gas-charged rear shock absorbers. Its upright riding position proves comfortable over long distances, and there’s a nice feeling of sitting in your bike, not on it.
Handling is nimble. Ride quality is plush, good for the class, although Bajaj has used an obsolete ‘ribbed’ tread pattern tyre in front and a similar old-school tyre at rear. The 100T corners well at speeds under 50kph, but push beyond this, and both tyres soon run out of traction.
The 100T drum brakes work well, with reasonable feel, helping us stop the bike from 60kph in 25.37 meters during brake testing.
Economy
The Discover 100T ranks amongst the most fuel-efficient bikes in India. We got 60.3kpl when testing the new Bajaj for economy in real world city riding conditions. This improved to 64.5kpl when riding the bike on relatively less congested highways, the 100T feeling relaxed when cruising along in fifth gear.
Verdict
Bajaj has pegged the Discover 100T at a slight premium over its 100cc rivals. It’s however easy to see why. The 100T looks more upmarket than a 100. There’s no dearth of extras, its four-valve, DTS-i and five-speed engine offering best-in-class performance, and proving frugal as well. Comfort and handling are part of this package too. Bajaj’s new Discover does belong to the top of its segment.
(http://www.autocarindia.com/Review/335307,bajaj-discover-100t-review-test-ride,specs.aspx)
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