Bajaj Discover DTS-Si 100cc

• Published On: 27 March 2017
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Bajaj has midly tweaked styling on the Discover to give it a new lease of life. So what’s it like to ride?

This bike is the range-starter in Bajaj's Discover range of commuters and shares its silhouette with the original Discover 125 DTS-i. But the addition of all-black treatment to the five-spoke alloy wheels, front forks, engine, chain cover and neat-looking sheared silencer have managed to give this bike a more modern and appealing look.

On the outside
The new battery-powered headlight is flanked by twin pilot lamps and is really bright in the night. The twin-pod instruments come with a useful tripmeter, speedometer and fuel gauge, beacons for the turn indicators, a neutral warning and battery. The grips and levers were comfortable to use and the switchgear, easy to handle. There’s now a blue ride-control switch that helps riders maximise mileage – it guides riders to prevent excessive opening of the throttle. The handle-mounted mirrors offer a clear view of the road behind too.

The rubberised gearshift and rear brake pedals feel comfortable and offer relatively better grip in the wet now. A blackened alloy grab handle at the rear sits atop a stylish LED tail-lamp. The rear mudguard offers a little more protection now.

Power torque
This is the first of the Bajaj bikes to adopt the improved ‘DTS-Si 2.0’ engine. The twin-valve engine also uses a graphite-based piston coating that reduces friction between the piston and cylinder block, thereby increasing engine efficiency. The bike pumps out a modest 7.8hp at 7500rpm, while producing a max torque of 7.84Nm at 5000rpm.

The engine comes mated to a five-speed gearbox — a rarity in this segment — that shifts in an all-down pattern. The Discover can pull off overtaking maneuvers in the city pretty well. The rubber-mounted engine feels smooth and refined, with vibrations firmly kept at bay. The bike does the 0-60kph dash in 9.78sec and can hit a top speed of 90kph.

From the saddle
Like most 100cc bikes, the Discover 100’s engine is tuned towards fuel economy. Bajaj has done as much as they can to ensure the bike’s frugal in the city. The bike returned 62kpl in real-world city riding conditions, and an even more creditable 67.1kpl out on the highway. A high handlebar seats riders in an upright posture that’s comfortable for even tall riders. The seat is well padded and adequate for long distance riding. Ride quality is good, really spine-pampering with the bike efficiently soaking up all sorts of road undulations.

Is it worth the money?
Styling tweaks have given the original Discover a new lease of life – it looks more modern than its predecessors. Its 94.38cc engine is well suited to city riding and delivers excellent mileage. The new Discover ride and handling combination is also good. It also gets features such as a battery-powered headlight, a five-speed gearbox and an LED tail-lamp, all working towards making a solid case for this bike in its class.