March 28, 2009

Bajaj launches the DTS-Si XCD 125 cc


Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si
Bajaj has launched its much hyped 125 cc Bajaj XCD (earlier speculated as the “Exceed” or “Xceed”) today on the 9’th of September 2007. The pictures of the XCD that you see below have been downloaded from Bajaj Auto’s website.
The 125 cc XCD is a very important bike for Bajaj. Bajaj is taking one more shot at Numero Uno Hero Honda in an attempt to replace its best selling 100 cc Hero Honda Splendor. Bajaj hopes that the extra feature laden XCD with its new engine would be able to lure away customers looking at 100 cc bikes.

Styling
In an attempt to lower manufacturing costs, most of the Bajaj bikes usually share parts with one another. This definitely results in lower prices but also results in lack of exclusivity for the bikers.
The Headlamp is sharp looking and positioned low to give that crouching look. The XCD also features a Digital Display for a speedometer. The side panels and the tail piece though have been designed for the XCD, looks like have been inspired by the Discover’s side panels and the tail piece of the Pulsar. The tail lamp features LEDs which is a first for any 125 cc bike in India. The tank has plastic extensions like the Pulsar 200. Apart from the aesthetics, I doubt if it is of any practical use. Now, does the tank look a bit familiar to you..?? No, it’s not the Discover’s tank but actually looks quite similar to the “Sonic” concept shown by Bajaj at Auto Expo 2006.

It's Features
The XCD incorporates the all black theme made popular by the Bajaj Pulsar 180 and the Pulsar 200 and seems to be the latest fad now among bike makers. Stickers on the tank make sure that everybody takes notice that it is the “Bajaj XCD 125”. The bike also incorporates a Electric Starter.But it has to be said that even though Bajaj has tried to give the XCD a new look, the XCD looks very much similar to the Discover (at least in the pictures) and its no where are fresh a design as the TVS Flame. Although it might be unfair to compare the TVS Flame and the Bajaj XCD , the 125 cc TVS Flame has raised the bar for styling quite high.
Engine:Bajaj has given the XCD a new engine with the much touted DTS-Si (Digital Twin Spark Plug – Swirl Induction) Technology. According to Bajaj the new DTS-Si should give 109 Km/l (under ideal test conditions of course). The engine also produces 9.53 Ps of power and 10.85 Nm of torque.

Folding Number Plate:A unique feature of the XCD is the “Folding Number Plate”. Instead of a rigidly fixed number plate, a flexible mechanism has been created. Now what happens is that whenever the front suspension of the bike encounters a bump, the number plate swings to and fro so that the LOW headlamp has enough clearance. The benefit of this innovative feature according to Bajaj is that the Headlamp can now be set really low.Amusing feature I’d say. But I’d actually prefer less loose parts on my bike. Anyway Bajaj has applied for a patent for this unique feature.
Price:According to news reports, Bajaj has priced the XCD at around Rs. 41,000-42,000 (Ex-Showroom) which puts it bang in the Splendor category. Bajaj wants to wean away the 100 cc consumers towards the 125 cc XCD. Therefore such a pricing was expected.

Initial Impression:The XCD looks like a welcome addition to the promising 125 motorcycle segment. Bajaj has timed the launch of the XCD just before the festive season begins. Bajaj is expected to follow the launch of the XCD with a massive promotional blitz. TV Commercials already proclaim that the 125 cc DTS-Si engine will soon have a bike for it on 10’th September 2007.
Only time will tell how good the125 cc DTS-Si engine is in terms of power, fuel efficiency and reliability. If Bajaj really wants to take splendors place then it really has to ”Exceed” in all these parameters.
Tech Specs of  this bike
  • Engine: 125 cc, 4 Stroke, DTS-Si
  • Max Power: 9.53 Ps @ 7000 rpm
  • Max Torque: 10.85 Nm @ 5000 rmp
  • Front/Rear Wheels: Alloys
  • Front Tyre: 2.75 X 17
  • Rear Tyre: 3.00 x 17

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