Bajaj Discover 100 T

Bajaj Discover 100T review, test ride

The Discover launched back in 2004, becoming for Bajaj commuter bikers what the Pulsar is to performance bikers. The Discover meets conventional bike users requirements, and has improved steadily over the years. The Indian market certainly has evolved in this decade, but some basics remain, with a section of practical 100cc loyalists steadfastly refusing to embrace larger capacity bikes.

Does the 100T work well on the road?

The 100T comes with several parts finished in black. Its side panels lend relief in silver, matching well with the footrest mounting sub-frame sections.

The 100T’s halogen equipped DC powered headlight is bright and flicker-free even at low rpm. Riders are greeted by a handsome, round analogue speedometer and the easily read console includes a prominent fuel-gauge. The 100T provides comfortable palm grips, and its switches work with positive feel also offering a pass-light flasher. A striking asset on the 100T is its massive, forward set fuel-tank that imparts secure inner thigh support. The motorcycle seat is lightly stepped and noticeably long. Large side-panels flow smoothly into the swooping tail-fairing section.
Overall quality is good on the Discover 100T, as is fit-and-finish.

The Discover 100T can be started via a kick-lever, or electric start button. Bajaj has provided the 102cc, four-stroke, carburettor equipped bike an auto-choke to aid easy starts. Bajaj has fitted in twin spark-plugs (DTS-i) and four-valves. The engine produces a healthy 10.1bhp at 9000rpm, while maximum torque produced is 0.94kgm at 6500rpm. Power surges through a cable driven clutch, and five-up, smooth shifting gearbox. Clutch feel is just right, positive and light.

The 100T accelerates with willingness unlike any 100cc, four-stroke commuter bike in India. Throttle response is likewise brisk for a 100, and there’s adequate bottom end grunt. Open the throttle, and power feeds in sharply with rising revs. Our test figures prove the 100T is quicker than any Indian 100, at par with most 125’s and even faster than quite a few. The 100T takes 6.56 seconds to pass 60kph from rest, and recorded a creditable, true top speed of 104kph on test with us.

The Discover 100T is held together by a dual-cradle frame, with a rectangular section swingarm. There’s telescopic fork front suspension and a pair of gas-charged rear shock absorbers. Its upright riding position proves comfortable over long distances, and there’s a nice feeling of sitting in your bike, not on it.

Handling is nimble. Ride quality is plush, good for the class, although Bajaj has used an obsolete ‘ribbed’ tread pattern tyre in front and a similar old-school tyre at rear. The 100T corners well at speeds under 50kph, but push beyond this, and both tyres soon run out of traction.
The 100T drum brakes work well, with reasonable feel, helping us stop the bike from 60kph in 25.37 meters during brake testing.

What it costs

Ex-showroom (Delhi)

Rs 50,500 ex-showroom, Delhi

Engine

Fuel	Petrol
Installation	Inclined from vertical
Type	Single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke 102cc
Bore/stroke	47/58.8mm
Compression ratio	10.5:1
Valve gear	4 per cyl, SOHC
Power	10.1bhp at 9000rpm
Torque	0.94kgm at 6500rpm
Power to weight	83.5bhp per tonne

Transmission

Type	5-speed, 5 up
Gearbox	Manual

Dimensions

Length	2038mm
Width	714mm
Height	1070mm
Wheel base	1305mm
Boot volume	165mm

Chassis & Body

Weight

121kg

Suspension

Front	Telescopic forks
Rear	Gas-charged shocks, rectangular swingarm

Brakes

Front	130mm drum
Rear	110mm drum

Performance

0-20	1.28sec
0-40	3.30sec
0-60	6.56sec
0-80	12.77 sec
0-100	30.50 sec

Economy

City	60.3kpl
Highway	64.5kpl
Tank size	10 litres