WITH THE NEW DISCOVER 100T BAJAJ HAVE GIVEN THE INDIAN COMMUTERS STATE-OF-THEART TECHNOLOGY IN THIS SEGMENT, SUCH AS A FOUR-VALVE ENGINE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A 100-CC MOTORCYCLE

THE 100 CC COMMUTER segment accounts for 58 per cent of the two-wheeler market in India and currently it is dominated by the Hero Splendor and Passion motorcycles. Two new motorcycles were launched last month in the commuter segment by Bajaj Auto and Mahindra 2 Wheelers.

With the new Discover 100T Bajaj have given the Indian commuters state-of-the-art technology in this segment, such as a four-valve engine for the first time in a 100-cc motorcycle. The new 100T has the performance of a 125-cc and also feels like a 125.

On the other hand, Mahindra 2 Wheelers seem to have travelled in the opposite direction with the Pantero. It looks identical to the Stallio that was withdrawn from the market shortly after its launch two years ago. The difference between the Stallio and the Pantero is that the Stallio had a Chinese engine and now the Pantero’s engine is made locally. The original design of this tried and tested engine dates back to 1960 and it belongs to the Honda Cub step-through. We don’t think Mahindra will be able to make a dent in the commuter segment with the Pantero.

The Bajaj Pulsar 200NS and the Yamaha Ray walked away with the Motorcycle of the Year and Scooter of the Year 2013 Awards at the recent Bike India award presentation. Both these two-wheelers did extremely well during our road and comparison tests.