Bajaj Discover managed to clock good numbers against Hero MotoCorp’s commuter segment leaders although it didn’t last too long and the reason sighted was the exhaustive option list that the two-wheeler maker offered. So, after learning from their past experiences, Bajaj is back with the new Discover duo for 2018 – Discover 110 and Discover 125. Both motorcycles feature a long stroke engine with a difference in the size of their respective bores. We got a chance to evaluate the smaller Discover in Pune on a warm winter afternoon and here’s what we came back with.
New 2018 Bajaj Discover 110 Design and Styling
The motorcycle is distinctively Discover and yet refreshingly updated from the previous generation models. The most evident update is what Bajaj likes to call the reverse bullhorn dual LED DRL that gives the motorcycle a refreshed fascia. The primary illuminator continues to use a halogen bulb. The fairing too has been slightly tweaked for 2018. Behind the headlight is a digital-cum-analogue instrument console. The tachometer remains analogue while rest of the details are displayed on the orange backlit digital display.
The fuel tank design is retained and it can store upto 8-litres of fuel. The side panel is revamped and is now available in a matte finish. To further enhance the visuals, Bajaj has added new graphics to the motorcycle that give it a sporty appearance. The saddle is gets a revised profile, dual texture fabric with a prominent stitch-line, along with a new pillion grab rail. The rear of the motorcycle features a new texture for the taillight bezel. The overall visual upgrade is finished by the new spider web style alloy wheel design.
The fit and finish is at par with the segment with we didn’t come across any unpleasant squeaking sounds or vibrating panels during the test ride. The switchgear quality feels pretty decent too and it’s quite better than some of its rivals.
But let’s get to the biggest upgrade – the new engine.
New 2018 Bajaj Discover 110 Engine, Performance And Braking
The Discover 110 features a new long stroke engine that’s aimed to deliver low- and mid-range performance. Before we talk about the characteristics, let us walk you through the technical specifications. The engine is an 115.5cc single-cylinder, air-cooled unit that’s tuned to deliver 8.6PS of power @ 7,000 rpm and 9.81 Nm of torque @ 5,000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a four-speed gearbox.
The engine is aimed to deliver good low- and mid-range performance and the Discover 110 delivers it just perfectly. You’d want to stay above the 3,000 rpm mark as the motor feels slightly uncomfortable below that mark. To translate that in numbers on the speedometer, you’d have to stay above 40 kmph in the top gear to avoid engine knocking. The 4,000-5,000 rpm range is idle for cruising. The motor starts to pull cleanly above 5,000 rpm, where the peak torque kicks in and has enough grunt till 7,000 revs. So, while you can cruise around town or highways at 4,000 revs, you’d have to shift down a gear for a quick overtake. The engine felt refined and was cruising speeds of 70-80 kmph without any signs of distress.
Stopping power is provided by a 130mm drum brake upfront, and 110mm drum unit at the rear. Stopping power provided by factory fresh drum units was progressive and sufficient to shed the kind of speeds that the Discover will clock.
Unlike its rivals, disc brake is not available even as an option and that was the only downside in the overall experience. But we’re the breed who’s been spoilt by Nissins and Brembos of the world. Bajaj says that the drum setup is targeted to the consumer who’d appreciate the progressive feel of the braking department.
New 2018 Bajaj Discover 110 Ride Quality
After riding from Mumbai to Pune, a distance of nearly 145 kms (one way) on my rather aggressive and sporty KTM 200 Duke, the Discover provided some solace on the busy roads thanks to its typically commuter motorcycle oriented ergonomics. The rider’s triangle is comfortable and upright with forward set footpegs and high set handlebar. The suspension setting was bang on spot – gliding over undulations without being too soft. The saddle further enhanced the comfort and the the overall ride quality felt plush and comfortable.
The NVH levels are surprisingly low and well managed. Some vibrations start to creep in from the footpegs after 7,000 rpm but it isn’t something that’ll spoil the experience. You can cruise at upto 70 kmph with almost no vibrations to spoil your ride.
At the end of the day, I wasn’t too tired to retire in Pune for the evening after the test ride. Instead, I was quite ready to ride back to Mumbai (another 145 kms) and that’s a proper compliment that I’d give to the Discover 110.
New 2018 Bajaj Discover 110 Features and Details
New 2018 Bajaj Discover 110 Price
The 2018 Bajaj Discover 110 is available in single variant only and is priced at INR 50,176 (ex-showroom Delhi).
New 2018 Bajaj Discover 110 Verdict
Our initial reactions were positive and apart from the missing disc brake, we didn’t have any complaints with the motorcycle. So should you buy one? The Discover 110 is one of the most refined, well equipped and one of the most value for money motorcycles in its segment. The overall build quality, the modern switchgear, well balanced NVH levels, a claimed ARAI certified fuel economy of 76.3 kmpl and an aggressive price tag make it an appealing option to consider. As aforementioned, apart from the missing disc brake option, we didn’t have anything to complaint about the motorcycle and if you can live with that, make sure you take a test ride.
New 2018 Bajaj Discover 110 Technical Specifications
| Engine and Performance | |
| Engine Displacement | 115.5cc |
| Power | 8.6 PS @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 9.81 Nm @ 5000 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 50 x 58.6 |
| Transmission | 4-Speed |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 73.2 PS/Ton |
| Fuel Economy (ARAI Certified) | 76.3 kmpl |
| Dimensions | |
| Length x Width x Height | 2035 x 760 x 1087 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1305 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
| Seat Height | 800 mm |
| Fuel Tank | 8 litre |
| Kerb Weight | 118 kg |
| Tyres, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Front Tyre | 2.75 x 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 3.00 x 17 |
| Front Brake | 130 mm Drum |
| Rear Brake | 110 mm Drum |
| Front Suspension | 140 mm Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Twinshocks, Nitrox (Gas Filled) 120 mm |
| Price | |
| Ex-showroom Delhi | INR 50,176 |
New 2018 Bajaj Discover 110 Image Gallery
