From the Bajaj stable, there have been many impressive two wheelers that have rolled out ever since the Indian automobile major began operations in the post independence era.
While the scooters produced by Bajaj were a clear market leader, their foray into motorbikes has seen multiple challenges - both from consumer behavior as well as competition. From the initial days of the motorcycle revolution in India that saw, among others, the Kawasaki Bajaj collaboration producing the KB100 till date, one of the biggest selling models has been the Bajaj Discover.
In 2004 the company rolled out the first Discover. A 125 cc offering, it has, since then, seen an evolutionary phase that has spawned different versions of this popular bike. Also launched were other variants that included a 135 cc, a 112 ccand a 100 cc. The various variants meant that customers could opt for either spoke wheels or even alloy wheels. The technology in Bajaj Discover carried their standard Exhaus-Tec and DTS-i. As for the riding features and comfort, there was even a self start option while the braking sported both drum and disc brakes.
Bajaj also launched a 112 cc model in 2005 which was specially for those looking for high mileage. Claiming just over 100 kilometres to the litre, it appealed to the cost conscious among two wheeler buyers. For more power, the Discover was repackaged with a 135 cc engine in 2007 which had state of the art features like nitrox suspension. Not to ignore the 100 cc segment, the company brought in an equivalent in 2009. Armed with a DTSi engine, it did good sales with the Indian mobike owner who had a frugal approach to owning a two wheeler. On the heels of the Pulsar's success, the Discover was also launched with a 150 cc engine.
The Bajaj Discover continued to sell well in the Indian market. In 2012, the model beat reigning bestsellers like Hero MotoCorp's Splendor to be crowned the largest selling motorbike in the world. Most of the sales were from India itself as the focus on the export market was less. Aiming for the 150,000 units mark was Bajaj's goal which they almost achieved. Given the category and make of the model, it was received very well in the rural markets. The sturdy feel and the high fuel economy meant that the Discover was the model of choice for the average Indian.
However, 2014, has not been a good one for the Bajaj Discover. Sales have continued to drop in the face of stiff competition from other best selling models. But, given Bajaj's track record and the eternal popularity of the model, it is only a matter of time that things start to look up again.
While the scooters produced by Bajaj were a clear market leader, their foray into motorbikes has seen multiple challenges - both from consumer behavior as well as competition. From the initial days of the motorcycle revolution in India that saw, among others, the Kawasaki Bajaj collaboration producing the KB100 till date, one of the biggest selling models has been the Bajaj Discover.
In 2004 the company rolled out the first Discover. A 125 cc offering, it has, since then, seen an evolutionary phase that has spawned different versions of this popular bike. Also launched were other variants that included a 135 cc, a 112 ccand a 100 cc. The various variants meant that customers could opt for either spoke wheels or even alloy wheels. The technology in Bajaj Discover carried their standard Exhaus-Tec and DTS-i. As for the riding features and comfort, there was even a self start option while the braking sported both drum and disc brakes.
Bajaj also launched a 112 cc model in 2005 which was specially for those looking for high mileage. Claiming just over 100 kilometres to the litre, it appealed to the cost conscious among two wheeler buyers. For more power, the Discover was repackaged with a 135 cc engine in 2007 which had state of the art features like nitrox suspension. Not to ignore the 100 cc segment, the company brought in an equivalent in 2009. Armed with a DTSi engine, it did good sales with the Indian mobike owner who had a frugal approach to owning a two wheeler. On the heels of the Pulsar's success, the Discover was also launched with a 150 cc engine.
The Bajaj Discover continued to sell well in the Indian market. In 2012, the model beat reigning bestsellers like Hero MotoCorp's Splendor to be crowned the largest selling motorbike in the world. Most of the sales were from India itself as the focus on the export market was less. Aiming for the 150,000 units mark was Bajaj's goal which they almost achieved. Given the category and make of the model, it was received very well in the rural markets. The sturdy feel and the high fuel economy meant that the Discover was the model of choice for the average Indian.
However, 2014, has not been a good one for the Bajaj Discover. Sales have continued to drop in the face of stiff competition from other best selling models. But, given Bajaj's track record and the eternal popularity of the model, it is only a matter of time that things start to look up again.
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