With the deadline to stop BS4 sales approaching fast, major manufacturers have updated most of their products to BS6 specifications. This deadline was recently extended by the Supreme Court of India on a conditional basis.
Under it, the final date for automotive dealers to finish selling their BS4 stock is 13 May 2020 (as of now, the nationwide lockdown extends to 3 May 2020). Many dealerships are facing immense losses due to being closed for a long period of time while some are even on the verge of going out of business completely.
Business strategies have led to the discontinuation of certain products (in two-wheeler and four-wheeler categories) ahead of BS6 era. Some of these models might make a comeback in BS6 format once the current state of affairs and ongoing COVID-19 lockdown protocols settle. Now, Bajaj Auto has taken down the entire Discover range from its official website.
Back in Feb this year, Bajaj dealers were selling the Discover at discount to clear stock.
In the Indian automaker’s portfolio, the Bajaj Discover has always been an important model line. However, the company did not update it to BS6 specifications alongside its other products. The website currently lists five model series under its ‘Our Complete Range’ section: Dominar, Pulsar, Avenger, Platina and CT.
Bajaj’s Discover series, in its final BS4 format, had two models: 125 and 110. It had remained on the Indian market for 16 years. Over the years, there were ‘100’, ‘135’ and ‘150’ Discover models as well. Powering the Bajaj Discover 125 was a 124.5cc air-cooled engine good for 10.7bhp and 11Nm while mated to a 5-speed gearbox. The lesser ‘110’ had a 115.4cc air-cooled motor packing 8.4bhp and 9.8Nm of torque. This was mated to a 4-speed transmission.
As mentioned before, the Discover line-up could make a comeback in the near future with a fresh BS6 upgrade. On the other hand, Bajaj Auto continues to sell it in foreign markets. With the rise in compelling competitors, the demand for Bajaj’s popular commuter motorcycle range has dropped down by a significant margin. Furthermore, entry-level Bajaj Pulsar models such as 125 Neon and ‘150’ have created a good amount of internal competition.
The Bajaj Discover DTS-i was introduced in the country back in 2004 with a 125cc engine. It came at a time when Indian automotive brands were making some memorable commercials, unlike the boring ones we often come across today. Those who were born in the ‘90s would still remember the fun Discover commercial featuring Jackie Chan. Back then, Bajaj Auto was at the top among two-wheeler manufacturers when it came to making good advertisements. Some of these can be found buried deep down on YouTube.
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
