New Discover 150F: Can it succeed where the Discover 125ST failed?

Before we delve deeper into the Discover story, let us just bring those not in the know up to speed on how Bajaj Auto is approaching its motorcycle business. Bajaj understands that the Pulsar name is associated with performance, with the fun to ride factor, and with a bit of premium-ness. So, all those motorcycles that appeal to more than just a commuter - no matter the displacement - will be sold under the Pulsar brand.

Take the Pulsar 135LS for instance. Yes, it's not on sale anymore, but when it was, it was the least powerful Pulsar, and its displacement should have put it in the commuter category. But in its character, it was anything but; the way it braked, handled and delivered performance, was sportier than a few 150s even. And to give it that edge of premium-ness, Bajaj gave it a 4-valve head (its first) and styling that was even more contemporary than larger engined Pulsars of the time.

Below the Pulsar range (and again, we don't mean this in terms of pricing or displacement, but purely in the aspirational sense) is the Discover. All Discovers, no matter the styling, engine capacity or price, have commuter-ism in their core. And like the Pulsar, the Discover isn't limited by displacement or price either. Or technology, for that matter, which we think is great.

Remember the Discover 150? It came at a time when the Pulsar 150 was still going great guns and was the most sought after motorcycle in the 150cc class. The Discover with its upright seating, less polarising styling and focus on fuel economy promised more excitement per litre. Yes, this 'litre' here is for fuel economy and not engine capacity. So, even though the Discover was a 150, it was still very much a commuter all the way.

And finally, right at the bottom is the Platina. Bajaj doesn't talk much about it, but the bike sells. In fact, the Platina is the single highest selling model in the Bajaj lineup. It comes in two variants - one with alloy wheels and one with spoke wheels. There's no disc brake or  fancy styling or even features for that matter. Electric start is the only convenience related feature it sports. And it certainly works; it works for first time bike buyers, and it works for buyers in the semi-urban and rural areas.

Unlike the Platina which continues to draw in numbers, both the Pulsar 135LS and the Discover 150 faded away thanks to dropping sales. But, the motorcycle that inspired these products, the Pulsar 150 soldiers on. Clearly, Bajaj hasn't been able to find or replicate that mojo in products that surround its most successful motorcycle. But, it hasn't stopped trying. And that brings us to the new Discover 150F. It will take over the mantle of being the flagship Discover from the recently axed Discover 125ST when it is launched in a couple of months time. Also Read: New Bajaj Discover 150F in the pipeline. The question is - can the Discover 150F succeed where the 125ST has failed? For Bajaj's sake, we hope it does. But, here lie the road blocks...

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Price:

One of the reasons buyers steered clear of the Discover 125ST was its relatively higher pricing for its segment. Also Read: Bajaj Discover 125ST sales stopped. Of course, if offered tangible benefits; it came with contemporary styling, a monoshock and a petal disc upfront, but none of these features really swayed the commuter. The Discover 150F is based on the same platform as the 125ST. The same chassis, the same monoshock and the same, powerful and wholesome feeling front disc brake.

But, it has a larger engine, and it will sport digital instrumentation. So obviously, the 150F will be more expensive than the 125ST. This doesn't solve the problem of pricing. But, because the Discover 150F will have a larger, more powerful engine, chances are buyers might accept the motorcycle. These buyers are unlikely to be your regular commuters, mind, but will most likely be young executives or college students, who might consider the motorcycle for its styling alone.

Half fairing:

That styling will come courtesy a half fairing. Bajaj has used the half faring design before, on the Pulsar 220 specifically, and to great effect. There are other successful half faired motorcycles too like the Hero Karizma. But, both this bikes are in the premium space. In the more affordable category, half faring just hasn't worked that well. Take the Honda Stunner. It is one of Honda's slow selling mainstream motorcycles.

A half faired motorcycle conveys performance. But, a 125, and a fuel efficient 125 at that simply cannot deliver on this count. Needless to say, prospect buyers weren't too happy. They weren't too happy with its relatively higher pricing compared to the CB Shine either. And finally, the cost of replacing that fairing, would hVe been a huge dampener as well. The Stunner's sister product, the Hero Ignitor isn't doing roaring business for the same reason.

Now to the Discover 150F. This new Bajaj will be saddled with these issues too, be it relatively steeper pricing compared to other Discover models or the cost of replacing that front fairing. The one big difference, of course, is the 150F's higher engine capacity and higher power output. So, it is quite possible that the extra performance that the new Discover 150F promises might negate the price disadvantage while actually justifying the presence of the half faring at the same time. It's a gamble which could go either way.

Seat design:

Honestly, we would never have imagined that a poor seat design could decide the fate of a motorcycle. But, it did, in case of the Discover 125ST. Among other reasons for its poor showing, was the ST's high rear seat height. Customers, it seems, were finding it difficult to get a pillion on board, especially of the fairer sex. In case of the Discover 150F, Bajaj has rectified this, as is clear in the spy images of the motorcycle. Now, Bajaj likes giving higher travel for the suspension on its bikes because it means more comfort over bad roads. And it is something it never fails to quote in its motorcycles' spec sheets. But, higher travel also means, a higher seat height. So, in the Discover 150F, the seat padding for the rear seems to be thinner. Now, this might present another set of problems, but it sure should rectify the one Bajaj faced with the 125ST.

Positioning:

This will be key. If Bajaj can communicate with the right sort of buyer for the Discover 150F, the chances for the bike to succeed are high. But, who is this buyer? To us, like we mentioned earlier, it would be college going students or young unmarried executives under 30 years of age who are looking to make a style statement. These are the guys who want to be noticed and be seen. That they have a 150cc engine that should be able to keep up with a few 150cc class motorcycles, will only boost their pride of ownership, for it would be an ego massage.

Value for money:

This, as with every segment in the auto sphere, is crucial. And value for money, doesn't mean cheap pricing. All it means is whether the buyer is getting more than what he paid for. So, if the Discover 150F can deliver on performance, fuel economy and styling, not to mention features that are comparable with the best in the 150cc class (read Yamaha FZ series), we feel buyers will lap it up. But, if it's a compromise based on pricing in any of the above mentioned aspects, then the success of the Discover 150F will depend on how well Bajaj can communicate the benefits of buying such a motorcycle. If it's the latter case, it will be an uphill task for Bajaj, no question.