Bajaj Discover 110 Review
Bike Tested: Bajaj Discover 110; Road Test No. 903
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 62,183/-
The 2018 Discover 110 sits between the Platina and Discover 125 commuter bikes
The Discover series by Bajaj has been in the market for more than thirteen years now and recently a new model; basically, two for this year was launched by the company, Discover 110 and 125. Since 2004, the Discover series has seen variants like 100 DTS-Si, 100T, 100M and 125T, 125ST and 150 DTS-i, and many others, also a Discover that was powered by world’s first 4 valve twin spark – DTS-i engine was introduced in 2013. In short, the Discover series was introduced in a variety of engine options and sportier designs. Back in 2007, a 135cc variant was also launched whose production was stopped after the launch of the 150cc Discover. Nonetheless, we got to sample the new 110 and this new model sits between the Platina and Discover 125. The new Discover 110 is powered by a new 115.45cc engine and being a commuter motorcycle, it is still offered with a digital display, alloy wheels and an electric start. Read on below to find out what the new Discover 110 is all about.
Motor Quest: It’s been 14 years now that the Discover has been in the market. Bajaj introduced three new models that were powered by world’s first 4-valve twin-spark – DTS-i engine. The Discover was the second bike after the Pulsar series that came with spoke alloys and the patented “Exhaus-TEC” system, which was basically a resonator that boosts up torque at lower RPMs.
In terms of styling, the Discover 110 looks decent and fresh
Styling – The 2018 Discover 110 still carries the design of the previous generation Discover or we can also say that it resembles its elder sibling, the Discover 125, but it does get minor tweaks to make it look modern. These little cosmetic changes include the re-designed rear cowl and contrasting side panels and of course, the new web inspired alloy wheels. Adding to them are the new ‘inverted-horns’-like LED DRLs in the headlight unit which is done neatly making the headlight look like it has been wrapped by the DRLs. The seat is a single-piece unit which now comes in dual-texture. This new model can be had in a choice of three paint schemes – Ebony Black, Flame Red and Blue. The exhaust is upswept and the exhaust shield is neatly designed. With these minor tweaks in its design, the new Discover 110 kinda looks modern and fresh.
The part digital and part analogue instrument cluster is easy to read
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The instrument cluster on this new model is an analog-digital unit. The digital display shows odometer, speedometer, one trip meter and fuel gauge. And on the left is a round analogue meter which is the tachometer. The tachometer gets clear and easy-to-read RPM numbers and the whole instrument cluster is clearly visible even in the brightest of sunlight. Then to the right of the digital display are the tell-tale lights. The switchgear is placed within good reach of the rider and all the switches work well. On the RHS of the handlebar are the self-start button and the headlight switch whereas on the LHS of the handlebar are the horn, low/high beam switch, indicator and pass-light switch. The plastic quality is decent.
Seating position is upright and comfortable
Ergonomics – The Discover 110 offers city commuter ergonomics. It has an upright seating position with easy to reach handlebar and footpegs. The 8-litre fuel tank is sculpted well and offers more comfort to your legs. The new seat is comfortable but not by a great margin. The new mirrors also offer great visibility and the pillion too has got a good seating position as the new grab rails and footpegs are placed within proper reach and access. The saddle height is 805 mm which is not very tall and hence it is easily accessible to shorter riders as well. The D110’s ergonomics make it a comfortable city commuter.
The bike cruises at 20 km/hr in fourth gear without any fuss
Performance – The 2018 Discover 110 is powered by a long stroke, 115.4cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled single-cylinder, SOHC, DTS-i engine. This motor produces 8.5 BHP of power at 7000 RPM and a max torque of 9.81 Nm at 5000 RPM. The transmission duties on this long stroke and high torque bike are taken care by a 4-speed, all-down pattern gearbox. This bike produces the highest amount of power and torque (except for TVS Victor’s power) in its segment. Once you thumb the starter and shift into first gear with a heel-and-toe shifter, the bike immediately moves off the line. The main focus here is with the pillion being onboard, the smaller 110cc mill does not let down the performance delivery at all.
The engine is smooth and refined
The Discover 110 has good low-end & mid-range torque but has vibrations
The Discover 110 seemed to be moving ahead with no stress and it even pulled away in second gear with a pillion rider without any fuss or drama. It cruises nicely till you reach post 60 km/hr where vibrations start to come in but anyway who is even going to do speeds near to 70 km/hr in the city. Keeping the pace between 35-55 km/hr and the motorcycle rides smoothly in fourth gear. The low-end and mid-range torque helps you cruise through traffic easily without letting you change gears much. The engine is refined and also the clutch and gear have a positive and crisp response. The fuel tank offers a range of 610 kms as the bike returns an ARAI certified fuel economy of 76.3 km/l while in the real-world, the mileage will be around 65 km/l.
The front brakes are not impressive
Riding Dynamics – As said before, the Discover 110 offers an upright sitting posture but it is built on the same frame as its predecessor. However, this bike offers great rideability and that’s because of the new suspension setup. Both front and rear suspension get a 10 mm increase in their travel. So, the front telescopic forks have a 140 mm travel while the rear twin shocks (gas-filled) have 120 mm of travel. This is the longest travel suspension in its category and has vastly improved the riding dynamics of this motorcycle. The Discover 110 soaked up every bump and pothole that came in its way with pride without losing any bit of its stability, thanks to its highest weight of 118 kgs and longest wheelbase of 1305 mm, as they too contribute to the same.
The Discover 110 remains composed and stable at all times
Comfort oriented suspensions are what makes this bike a fun-to-ride motorcycle
Though it is a city commuter, it took corners well and felt stable and confident around one but it is not at all a corner-carving machine. The motorcycle gets an attractive price tag and hence misses out on a disc brake. And when it comes to braking, it does not get good drum brakes at the front. The front brakes lack feedback and are too soft to bring you to a complete stop under panic situations. The rear drum brake did manage to impress me with its better feedback and a great bite which eventually made me use only the rear brake during my test ride.
Bajaj has done a great job with the new Discover 110
Verdict – Bajaj Auto has done a great job on the Discover 110 by adding new features and by making it a more rider-friendly motorcycle. I had never ridden a Discover like this which is smooth and relaxed at the same time. At Rs. 50,496/- (ex-showroom, Mumbai), it has been priced aggressively. The new Discover looks decent and fresh and has also become modern due to the addition of few bits like the digital display. The engine is refined and smooth and the gearbox too has a good response. Though the front brake doesn’t have a good feedback, I wish if the company would have offered a disc brake as an option at least. The ride quality is what makes this bike an ideal commuter motorcycle.
Paintjob and graphics match well and are done well
What’s Cool
* Torquey nature of the engine has a lot of good traits
* Comfortable ergonomics and plush suspension result into a phenomenal ride
* Nice paint job with graphics and digital display make it sportier yet commuter
What’s Not So Cool
* Front drum brakes lack feel and feedback
* The amount of vibrations kicking in at higher RPMs isn’t pleasing
Alternatives: TVS Victor, Hero Passion and Honda Dream Series
The “inverted-horns” like LED DRLs give it an identity
2018 Bajaj Discover 110 Specifications
* Engine: 115.45cc, single-cylinder, DTS-i
* Power: 8.5 BHP @ 7000 RPM
* Torque: 9.81 Nm @ 5000 RPM
* Transmission: 4-speed, all-down pattern
* Fuel Consumption: 76.3 km/l (ARAI certified)
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Suspension: 140 mm telescopic forks (Front), 120 mm Twin shocks, NITROX gas filled (Rear)
* Tyres: 2.75 x 17 (Front), 3.00 x 177 (Rear)
* Brakes: 130 mm Drum (Front), 110 mm Drum (Rear)
2018 Bajaj Discover 110 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 2035 mm x 760 mm x 1085 mm
* Wheelbase: 1305 mm
* Ground Clearance: 165 mm
* Seat Height: 805 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 8-litres (1.5-litres useable reserve)
* Kerb Weight: 118 kgs
Text: Viraj David; Images: Avdhoot Kolhe
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