• Published On: 2 February 2018
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Just how good is Bajaj’s newest executive commuter? We ride it to find out.

The Discover has always been good looking, even the first one launched 14 years ago was great to look at. This bike sticks to the Discover formula of offering great riding dynamics in a comfortable urban commuter package.

On the outside

There are two stacks of LED DRLs integrated neatly into that familiar headlight cowl. There’s a new side panel that’s contrasting grey, but apart from that this bike resembles the earlier Discover. The understated matte black exhaust is a black upswept unit with a chrome heat shield. Then there’s a neat tail section which ends in the stylish tail-lamp that’s finished with a detailed chrome bezel. There’s a new digi-analogue meter console, that’s easy to read and is neatly laid out. The seat is new and was re-textured to be more comfortable for commuters. You also get an optional disc and wider tyres.

The engine

This bike is powered by a 115.4cc motor that makes 8.6hp and 9.81Nm, which makes it one of the most powerful bike in its class. The 110 has a four-speed gearbox and the company has ensured power delivery is not at the cost of fuel-efficiency and rideability. It’s a delicate balance. Everything falls within reach comfortably, thumb the starter and the engine fires up to a refined idle thrum. There’s hardly any vibrations that seep through the handlebar even when you rev it.

How does it ride?

The gearbox has a nice mechanical feel to it, but it’s not as good as something in the Honda Dream range. The four-speed gearbox allows for toe-shifting with ease. Even on fourth gear, at as low as 20kph or so, this bike will move around with ease. Once past 6,000rpm, which most urban commuters won’t breach, it gets a bit rumble. Discovers are fun to throw around in corners and the 110 is no different. Also, this bike rides damn well. Be it bumps, potholes, absentee tarmac or even those hazardous variations in adjacent layers of tarmac, the 110 tackles them with aplomb. At 118kg kerb weight is the heaviest bike in its class. Overall, it feels indulgent and always imparts a solid, rugged feel in both urban and rural contexts.

The brakes could have had more bite. While the front-brake feel is progressive, it is too soft to be able to inspire confidence and the rear wheel locks up under hard braking. It’s 8-litre tank promises 600km of range roughly, but its rivals offer a much higher range, which may be incentive to turn towards one of its rivals, especially in this segment.

Should I buy one?

This bike offers a sincere, satisfying commuting experience. The engine’s tractability, the dynamic prowess and an appealing design are its traits. At ₹50,176 (ex-showroom, Delhi) it undercuts each of its rivals, and that helps sweeten the deal.