Apr 20, 2006 12:18 PM
4510 Views
(Updated Apr 20, 2006 12:18 PM)
Dear all,
My Discover baby has clocked over 25500 km. I have a orange colour (ES) version with wire wheels brought in December 2004.
Let’s Talk about the power plant:-
As you know it’s a 4Stroke DTSi 125cc (124.52cc) short stroke (57mmX48.8mm) motor produces 11.5 P.S @8000 RPM and maximum torque of 10.8Nm @6000 RPM. Engine features Exhaust Tec( Torque Expansion Chamber to over come the short stroke motors low end torque weakness in general) and the ignition is controlled by 8 bit Microprocessor. Keihin NCV 24 MM carburetor is used.
Good things:-
Most powerful bike in the 125cc segment. A ton comes pretty fast; you can keep up with pulsar guys in the city. Overtaking is a breeze no needs to down shift. Bike had an excellent low end torque; you can ride as low as 25km/hr on top gear all the way up to 110 Km/Hr (Max I Clocked). A 5th gear is missed a lot. Longer wheel base (1302mm longer than the new Apache) ensures high speed stability and cornering. Engine is rubber mounted in 2 locations, so vibration also kept in check. Bike had better brakes & suspension with maximum travel (135mm @ Front & 110mm @ Back) so you can jump over the speed breakers. Bike weighs 129 kg, KS model weighs 125 kg.
Mileage:-
When I ride @ 45-50 Km/Hr speed I got 62 KMPL in the city. A ride @ 55-60 Km/Hr speed given me 58 KMPL. I think these figures can be improved by tuning the carburetor, because earlier I was getting 65 kmpl in the city. I tried to tune myself and went wrong.
Maintenance:-
Oil change interval is every 5000km as per the owner’s manual (Service people recommends every 2500km and I followed it). Replace fork oil, spark plug and air filter every 10000 KM. Company offers 30000 km warranty, 4 free services and 9 Paid services. To get the warranty benefit you have to do the paid service also, now they offers extended warranty package . I have replaced the Chain Sprocket kit and it coasted me Rs.650/-.
Other Side of the Coin:-
Drive below 60 engine runs smooth, as soon as you cross 70 engine gets noisy, when you cross 100 it roars(DTSi engine makes more combustion noise compared to normal engine because of fast burning of the fuel). Gearbox feel is not good, it makes unwanted noise and you can expect false neutrals occasionally this is the area which Bajaj needs to improve. To some extend they have managed to sort out these problems in the newer models. Bikes head light is average (35/35 Halogen) and it feels in adequate especially in highways, you need more powerful light. In fact earlier KS model had 60/55W halogen and now they have discontinued that model.
Conclusion:-
If you want a good blend of power, mileage, style and value for money then go for the Discover, no doubt it is the 125cc Leader at present with few glitches.
Thanks for your patience to read this review, your comments are welcome.
