Penny Pinching performer

The Economic Times, 27.05.10

Bajaj Auto's latest offering,the new Discover 150 DTSi claims to have mastered the art of balancing mileage and performance,which are two determining factors in the entry-level 150cc segment.Varad More brings you the first impressions of this power-commuter !

Last year Bajaj Auto hit the high note with its Discover 100 DTS-Si entrylevel motorcycle,which not only raked in solid sales figures but also helped the company in further establishing the Discover brand across the country.In order to capitalize on the on-going momentum of the Discover brand,Bajaj Auto has launched the new bigger Discover 150 DTSi staying in tune with the value-for-money aspect of the brand with a corresponding price benefit.This latest entrant from Bajaj Auto is not only lavishly feature-packed but it also offers a fine mix of fuel economy and performance to go along with its power-commuter image.

Styling on the biggest Discover is in-line with its smaller siblings - the allblack engine and frame coupled with identical body panels and the same-old bikini fairing upfront.The graphics on the tank and body panels are revised making the bike look more contemporary as well as giving it a slightly more robust look.Apart from these,Bajaj Auto has not tampered with the exteriors of the Discover 150 DTSi in order to stay committed to the Discover design genome.

There is a lot more to the new Discover 150 DTSi than just mere sticker jobs.The potency of the bike lies with its increased engine capacity as well as improved handling dynamics thanks to its longer wheelbase and wider rear tyre that gives it the sure-footedness often kept limited to premium motorcycles.These handling benefits make for a much planted feel and comfortable riding experience,especially for commuters who have considerable distances to clock on daily basis.The saddle is comfy,large and wide for long hauls while the overall riding position is suitable for riders of different physiques.Add to that the light front-end and raised handlebars,and it makes the Discover a breeze to put through tight spots on our crowded city streets.

This flickable nature of the Discover 150 can be largely attributed to its lightweight structure tipping the scales at just 121kg! Instead of using components from the sixyear old Discover family,the R&D team at Bajaj Auto decided to employ the more modern as well as lighter frame and engine from the now-discontinued XCD range.The 144.8cc motor is packaged inside a lighter engine bay has been taken from the XCD 135 that gives it a solid weight advantage,improving its overall efficiency.The Discover 150 has all the credentials that one would need to convince even the most aware buyer to turn his back over its rival heavyweights (pun intended!)

In its latest avatar with bumped up displacement,the engine produces 13PS of power at 7,500rpm and 12.75Nm of torque available low down from 5,500rpm.Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a 5-speed transmission with an alldown shift pattern that has very smooth and precise shifts.The lightweight single downtube cradle frame is assisted by a 130mm telescopic suspension upfront and twin gas-charged Nitrox hydraulic suspensions on the rear.

Available at hand from low down the rev-range,the power delivery is creamy smooth and precise.Rideability is a forte of the new Discover 150 DTSi as it does an exceptional job of running around the city at 30km/h slotted in 5th gear.Thanks to the urgent power delivery and wellconfigured gear ratios,the bike lurches forward with efficiency that is crucial for swift overtakes in the city traffic.The 12.75Nm of torque is also extremely helpful when carrying a pillion and it actually requires lesser dancing on the gear lever in order to keep the power handy.

Available as standard fitment,the front disc brake has superb bite and provides accurate feedback making it extremely easy and comforting to bring the Discover 150 DTSi to a halt swiftly without upsetting the motorcycle.Talking about standard fitments,Bajaj Auto has once again beaten its competition by offering supreme bang-forthe-buck on the Discover 150 DTSi with standard features such as an electric starter,alloy wheels,autochoke,maintenance-free battery and LED tail-lights at an affordable price-point.With an unbelievably attractive price tag of Rs.46,000 (ex-showroom,Delhi),the Discover 150 DTSi is cheaper than most 125cc motorcycles available in the country today but offers much better equipment and superior overall performance.If you dont believe it,all you have to do is throw a glance at the comparison chart!