Bajaj Discover 150 Disc

The tagline for the Bajaj Discover 150 is ‘Excitement Per Litre’, which clearly sets out the bike’s intention to capture the youthful segment of the market, who are looking for a stylish and sporty bike that doesn’t cost the earth. It’s another addition to the highly successful and well-established Discover series, which has sold well in India.

Design and Style

The exterior styling of the Discover 150, the largest of the Discover family, is roughly in line with that of its smaller sibling models, including the completely black-colored engine and body frame. The body panels and front fairing are also strongly reminiscent of the other Discover models. The bike’s rear is dominated by the sleek three-stepped LED. Overall, it’s a sturdy and dependable design, but somewhat disappointing for a 150cc bike – models in this class generally show a little more style and flair. The build quality is generally good, with the high quality paintwork that we’ve come to expect from Bajaj.

Instrument console

The same analogue instrument console of the other Discover models is present. It subtracts somewhat from the design with its basic look and poor quality materials, but all of the displays are clear and easy to read while riding.

Engine and Gearbox

The Discover 150 is equipped with a 144.8cc DTS-i, natural air-cooled, 4-stroke engine, capable of a maximum power output of 12.8 Bhp at 7500 rpm, and a maximum torque of 12.75 Nm at 5500 rpm. The gearbox is the standard five-speed of the Discover models. The bike’s DTS-i engine employs a digitally controlled dual-spark flame to burn through its fuel, and the result is greater performance with improved fuel efficiency, a welcome innovation for the Discover model.

Acceleration and Top Speed

The bike’s acceleration is, like the other models in the Discover series, strong, stable and powerful. As soon as the ignition switch is turned, its racy and powerful engine kicks in at the lower RPM, and it moves quickly through the gears. The bike can make the jump from 0 to 60kmph in just 5.3 seconds, which puts it near the top of its capable class. The Discover 150, Bajaj claims, will offer a maximum speed of 102kph – and this seems to be borne out by practice. There’s a swift and capable gear progression, silky smooth as the accelerator climbs.

Mileage

The aim of the Discover models is to deliver value for money without diminishing the bike’s athletic style and performance. The manufacturer claims that the Discover 150 gives an average fuel mileage rate of 60 km/kmpl, which would position it as mid to high within the 150cc class. When tested, the bike averages a fuel mileage rate of between 55 and 60 on inner-city roads, and roughly 65 km/kmpl on highways, so the manufacturer’s claim is generally trustworthy. This is a pleasing efficiency rate for a 150cc. The fuel tank is full at 8 litres, and can store a further reserve of 2.3 litres.

Comfort While Driving

The Discover 150 utilizes the same upright riding position as it siblings, and is equipped with the same forward-facing footrests at the front, while its low-slung position brings comfortable and smart ergonomics to the commuter bike. The bike’s leather seat is expansive enough to cater for most drivers, and a comfortable seat suitable for short city journeys or longer cross-country trips.

Safety features

The bike features the Discover's standard Anti-Vibration frame, which aims to offer improved stability during rides. The bike’s disc brakes ensure responsive braking.

Storage space

A common flaw of bikes in the 150cc class is a paucity of storage space, and the same criticism can be levelled at the Discover 150 – storage simply isn’t a priority here.

Suspension and Brakes

The bike is equipped with the telescopic fork suspension at the front seen on previous models and, a new innovation for the Discover series pioneered with the 125 ST, the nitrox (gas-fuelled) monoshock suspension at the bike’s rear. Drivers will notice the difference that the rear suspension makes – it’s stable, balanced and absorbs almost all of the shocks you’ll feel when you head onto less even road surfaces.

The brakes of the Discover 150 are, overall, confidence inspiring and progressive. At the front, the bike is equipped with 240 disc brakes, commonly found on 150cc bikes. At the rear the bike features standard 130mm drum brakes. On the whole, braking is strong and firm, responding quickly to the driver’s squeeze even at top speeds.

Ride and Handling

The bike’s slick design, lightweight chassis and good strong engine make it a capable commuter bike, ideal for weaving through city traffic jams at top speed. Drivers will find it nimble and well balanced even on hard leans. Thanks to its excellent weight to power ratio, it rules the 150cc market in terms of bang for your buck.

Tyre Size

The Discover is designed with 17-inch alloys as standard. The bike’s tyres are something of a let-down, particularly in light of the powerful rubbers usually found on 150cc models. The bike is fitted with 2.75 x 17 inch tyres at the front, and 100/90 x 17 inch tyres at the rear, a setup that feels slightly unstable and less equal to potholes or rough roads.

Shades

Bajaj Discover 150 is available in four shades: Black with blue graphics, Black with red graphics, Black with magenta graphics and Flame Red.

Accessories

The Discover 150 comes fitted with an electric jump-start, 17-inch alloy wheels, bright pilot lamps, a front disc brake and powerful LED-powered tail lamp. A wide range of accessories can be bought to supplement the modest fittings that come as standard.

Variants

The Discover 150 is available in a single standard variant.

Reasons to Buy and Value for Money

If you’re looking for a bike that offers more power for a lower price with good build quality and decent performance, the 150 is worth a look. The Discover 150 is intended to be a budget buys well within the reach of the average commuter driver, and with 110cc bikes now selling at Rs 50,000 and more, the price tag on this high quality vehicle means that it will attract plenty of attention.

Verdict

The Bajaj Discover 150 is a decent, even great vehicle, but it utterly fails to stand out in the 150cc segment, which is full of stylish and powerful bikes with strong market presence. However, if you’re after a budget buy in this class, it’s worth your consideration.

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