Bajaj Discover 150F and Discover 150S: Review

So, Bajaj has launched yet another new Discover. The one in blue is called the Discover 150S. Now, if you think it looks identical to the other Discovers before it, you have hit the nail on the head. Because even though this is the new flagship Discover, it uses the same platform - down to the wheelbase and dimensions - as the Discover 100T and the now defunct Discover 125ST.

Not just that, the bikini faring, the fuel tank, the side panels and even the tail piece has been borrowed as is. The Discover 150S then, even though a good looking motorcycle in its own right, doesn't really have that visual pull of a new motorcycle.

Design & features

Its twin however, does. It's called the Discover 150F; F signifying faring. It still uses the same platform, fuel tank, and side and tail panels, but the half faring upfront gives it a standout appearance on the road. We also like the alloy wheels, the LED tail lamps and the black finished engine.

The Discover 150F gets smart instrumentation too. It is part analogue (for the speedometer) and part digital (for everything from the odo and trip meter to the fuel gauge, clock and service reminder). The Discover 150S, which is cheaper to buy, gets cheaper instrumentation. It's all analogue and doesn't sport half the read outs of the 150F.

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As far as seating ergonomics go, both bikes are identical. Now, the 150F might compete against the likes of the Yamaha SZ-S, it doesn't really feel as substantial when astride. It feels like a smaller motorcycle and the seating is a bit cramped compared to larger 150s too. It's not uncomfortable, but just not as sound and roomy as some of the others.

Design & features: 3.5

Engine & performance

The real story here is the engine. This too, like the new-age Discovers before it, uses a 4-valve head, twin spark plugs and promises best in class performance-economy compromise. It displaces just under 145cc but produces a noteworthy 14.5PS of max power. The peak torque at 12.7Nm is healthy too. And the engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

The performance on the road impresses. The clutch is light, the throttle response is crisp and immediate, and this engine isn’t shy of revving. The mid-range is strong making the Discover 150F and the 150S pleasantly tractable motorcycles both at city and highway speeds. These have a strong top end too - Bajaj claims a top speed of 110kmph - and though the engine gets noisy and vibey right at the top, the NVH isn't bad; or at least not bad enough to make you want to close that throttle for the fear of blowing the engine.

Engine & performance: 4

Ride, Handling & Braking

Like other Discovers before it, the ride and handling is well judged on both the Discover 150F and the Discover 150S. These aren't exactly cushy rides but potholes, bumps or a rippled road don't bother the duo much. The handling on both is agreeable as well. The Discover 150F isn't the sharpest motorcycle to filter through traffic with and it isn't the most planted around bends either, but push comes to shove, it will go around the twisty stuff without the rider really having to back off too much. The Discover 150S, thanks to lighter weight, is a bit more alert and with it, a bit more fun.

Braking on both motorcycles, particularly for commuter oriented machines, is acceptable. The initial bite and feel isn't exactly confidence inspiring but squeeze that right lever harder and the 240mm petal disc upfront wakes up delivering improved characteristics on both aforementioned areas. The base Discover 150S meanwhile comes with a 130mm drum at the front while the rear brake on all versions of the new Discover 150 is a 130mm drum setup as well.

Ride, Handling & Braking: 3

Price & Fuel efficiency

The Bajaj Discover 150F only comes in one trim and it's fully specced. Electric start, alloy wheels, a 240mm disc brake upfront, tubeless tyres, LED tail lamps and a part digital instrumentation. It costs Rs 59,000 ex-showroom in Pune. The Discover 150S on the other hand, can be ordered with or without the front disc brake. Without it, it costs Rs 52,000 but gets electric start, alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. The 150S with disc retails for Rs 55,000. As you can tell, no matter which variant you choose, these are all very well priced and are closer to 125cc motorcycles rather than 150s. Only the Yamaha SZ-S is as well priced as the Discover 150F. When it comes to fuel economy, both bikes deliver 72kmpl on the test cycle. But, Bajaj claims the Discover 150F and the Discover 150S will return in the region of 55kmpl in real world riding.

Price & Fuel efficiency: 4

Verdict

With a juicy price tag, and class matching performance, styling and dynamic ability, both the new Discover 150 bikes are certainly worth buying. But, if we had to choose between the two, we'd pick the 150S with the disc brake. Not only is it slightly peppier than 150F, it is also easier and more fun to ride in the city and around twisties. The Discover 150S is also cheaper and because it is lighter, should be fractionally more fuel efficient too.  But, going by the reactions we got on the road, it's the 150F that is clearly the star in the Discover lineup and the one to buy if you want to be noticed.

Verdict: 3.5