Bajaj Discover 125T launched at Rs 52,500

With the motive of expanding its Discover portfolio, Bajaj Auto has launched a lower spec variant of its Discover 125ST motorcycle. The new bike, which will simply carry the 125T moniker, is a stripped down version of the Discover 125ST, which was launched exactly a year ago. The key difference between the new bike and the ST is the lack of a mono-suspension, which Bajaj has replaced with the standard gas filled twin shockers at the bike's rear. Visually also the rear suspension set-up is the only distinguishing factor between them. 

The boffins at Bajaj have also tinkered with the 125T on the mechanical front as the 124.6cc, 4-valve mill now produces 12.5PS @ 9,000rpm and 10.8Nm @ 6,000rpm, which is a difference of 0.5PS between the two bikes, whereas the torque figure remains same, but peak torque is reached 500rpm quicker on the 125T.

The Chakan based two-wheeler manufacturer hasn’t fiddled with the bike's transmission as it sports the same 5-speed gearbox akin to the 125ST.  All these modifications have been done with the intention of improving overall fuel efficiency of the mid-variant 125cc bike. How much of a difference it has really made can be gauged once we do a proper test of the bike, as the 125ST had a tested overall efficiency figure of 66kmpl.  

Also the new bike would be available in two variants unlike the 125ST, which was offered only in one standard variant. The Discover 125T with drum brakes at the front and rear has been priced at Rs 52,500 whereas the disc brake version would sport a price tag of Rs 55,500, both prices are ex-showroom Delhi. When one compares the disc version of the Discover 125T and ST, the monetary difference  among them stands at just Rs 526 and personally we feel the 125ST makes more sense since one gets the benefit of a mono-shock for a fraction of price difference.  

With the Discover 125T Bajaj would be hoping to boost its sales as it now has a product which can directly compete with its core rivals Honda’s Shine and Hero MotoCorp’s Super Splendor since the Discover 125ST was more of a performance 125cc commuter and competed with Honda’s Stunner and Hero’s Ignitor.