New Bajaj Discover 125 cc launched

Bajaj Auto has launched a 125 cc version of the Discover priced at Rs. 45,500 for the drum brake variant and Rs. 48,000 for the disc brake variant. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. Bajaj claims the Discover 125 can achieve a top speed of 100 km/hr but its real claim to fame would be the segment-leading 82.4 km/litre mileage!

The 125 cc engine of the Discover 125 produces 11 PS of maximum power and 10.8 Nm of maximum torque. The lower parts of the Discover 125 have all been blacked out to make the bike more appealing.

We haven’t yet been able to lay our hands on photos of the new Discover 125 as Bajaj is yet to update its website with details of the new bike. So keep checking this page for updates!

The Discover 125′s launch comes as no surprise. Earlier this month, DWS Auto had reported about Bajaj’s plans of re-launching the 125 cc Discover version sometime in April. Related: Bajaj Discover 125 set for comeback in April.

Bajaj already has another 125 cc bike in its portfolio, the Platina. However, according to the company, the Platina 125 is not viewed as a premium brand compared to the Pulsar and Discover. In fact, the company has voluntarily limited the production of Platina to 40,000 units to concentrate on the two volume brands – Pulsar and Discover.

There are also reports that the Discover 125 cc bike is being brought in to fulfill the needs of those who would rather settle for a Hero Honda bike than opt for a Bajaj in the 100 cc segment. According to surveys Bajaj conducted, it was felt that most buyers consider powerful bikes such as Discover 150 to be low on mileage and high on maintenance.

The 125 cc Discover is expected to give buyers both mileage (as in a 100 cc) and the performance of a 150 cc, apart from the ownership experience of a premium brand. In terms of pricing, Bajaj directly targets the Hero Honda Splendor and Passion bikes, which are the highest selling entry level motorcycles. With regard to engine capacity, the Bajaj Discover 125 will compete with Honda Shine, Suzuki Slingshot and Yamaha YBR 125. Also read our story on 125 cc bikes in India

Bajaj launched the Discover 100 in July 2009 and the Discover 150 in April 2010. Both bikes gained instant success setting the sales chart on fire. Bajaj claims the Discover 100 returns a mileage of 80 km/litre while the Discover 150 delivers a claimed 65 kmpl. The Discover 100 is priced at Rs. 41, 736 while the Discover 150 retails at Rs. 48,000 (disc brake version). All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

Bajaj Bikes reasons the need for the new 125 cc version saying that sales of the Discover brand, which currently holds No. 2 spot in the entry-level motorcycles in the country, peaked from 15,000 units an year to 1,30,000 units within 2 years. The company targets to sell 1, 50,000 Discover motorcycles by the second quarter of 2011-2012. Bajaj Auto is also planning to launch an all-new Pulsar by the last quarter of 2011. Could this be the Pulsar 250 to take on the just launched Honda CBR250R?