The new Bajaj 100T offers enough to keep the commuter smiling. Rishad Cooper has the details
With the Discover commuter bikes, Bajaj has had a good run. While the Pulsars have catered to the sporty performance segment, the Discover series looks at more conservative buyers, reluctant to buy less fuel-efficient, larger capacity motorcycles. We’ve seen several bikes launch under the Discover umbrella, the latest being Bajaj’s well-received Discover 125 ST
The Discover 100T (Tourer) is a commuter bike that borrows design cues from this older sibling. Easily the best looking 100cc bike in India today, the T houses an attractive headlight unit encased within a flared bikini fairing. Its handsome analogue speedometer and fuel-gauge sit under a tinted visor and are easy to read on the fly. Palm grips on the 100T are comfortable while the bike’s Bajaj typical switches feel built-to-last and work with crisp feel. A pass-light switch is also included. The rear-view mirrors show-off unique design and provide a wide field of vision. The 100T comes with exotic looking, slim-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. Its engine, exhaust and several other lower parts are smartly finished in black.
The Discover 100T uses Bajaj’s proven twin-spark, DTS-i technology and houses a four-stroke, 102cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, this breathing through four-valves. This is a more than desirably spec’d engine for the 100cc segment. The button-started T has been provided with an auto-choke system for easy starts in all weather conditions. It puts out a hefty power output of 10.1bhp at 9000rpm, while maximum torque is 0.94kgm at 6500rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a smooth, five-speed, all-up shifted heel-and-toe operated gearbox. The new Bajaj bike clutch offers a nice, light and positive feel that is certain to prove a boon in crowded city riding conditions.
Our brief test-ride confirmed throttle response is good for a 100cc. Bajaj claims a 100kph top speed, and we’ve little reason to doubt the Discover 100T will easily match-up and thrill, having now experienced its peppy feel. The T should offer quick acceleration too, and be among the fastest 100cc motorcycles you can buy in India today.
The latest Discover deploys a semi, double-cradle steel frame with telescopic fork front suspension and a set of gas-charged rear shock absorbers, bolted onto a rectangular swingarm. The upright 100T riding position is perfect for city commutes and is complemented by a well-cushioned seat that should also prove apt for long hours on the saddle. Ride quality is fine as well, but the new Discover could use better tyres. The 100T uses a rather traditional ribbed tread pattern front tyre and similarly old fashioned rear tyre, which although not ill-suited to daily commuting, can improve. The 100T comes equipped with a 130mm drum brake in front and 110mm drum at the rear.
The Discover 100T comes with a sticker price of Rs. 50,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi) making this a slightly premium priced 100cc bike, but not without reason. Bajaj’s new 100cc clearly offers a whole lot more than any of its rivals.
