Bajaj launches the 125 cc DTS-Si "XCD"..
As promised, 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. Now only if the TVS Flame hadn't raised our expectations with its fresh and sexy styling 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. Bajaj XCD 125 DTS-Si 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. Quality of the photos of the Bajaj XCD were not as impressive as the quality of the photos/wallpapers of the TVS Flame. 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. Related Posts:
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.
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:
The website design of the Flame is far more exciting than the website for the Bajaj XCD
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.
Now only if the TVS Flame hadn't raised our expectations with its fresh and sexy styling.
One more thing I would like to mention is that the quality of the photos of the Bajaj XCD were not as impressive as the quality of the photos/wallpapers of the TVS Flame. Moreover the website design of the TVS Flame is far more exciting than the website for the Bajaj XCD. Probably Bajaj also should look into these small matters as well.
Tech Specs of the Bajaj DTS-Si XCD 125:
Disclaimer:
This is to remind that the Views or Opinions in the blog are entirely mine unless explicitly stated. The Views and Opinions published in this blog should in no way be related to any other person or organization associated -- directly or indirectly -- with me.
12 Comments:
It looks fairly good in these images!
But the real thing looks yucky!
Yeah Bajaj needs a good player in this segment, and yes dont now who would win Flame or XCD, but I really wanna shout on top of my voice!
BYE BYE SPLENDOUR, RIP!
Well you cannot compare the XCD with the Flame!
Though they have the same engine displacements they cater to different segments.
The XCD to 100cc buyers and the Flame to 125cc buyers! Check the FAQ, question number 8.
The 125 section is surely hotting up.
The Gladiator is slowly getting back to the sales, The Flame looks like a outright winner and if the XCD can stock even 80% of what Bajaj claims, then it sure has a winner on its hand.
Now lets see, what mr. Munjal has in his artillery, coz HH sure wont take it lying down with the 125 cc clearly sliding from HH sales charts.
Good for Indian bikers, whatsay?
the 125 cc segment is surely hotting up.
125 cc engines from Hero Honda have been reviewed as very good and there is every reason for Hero Honda to stike back strongly.
Yes its probably unfair to compare the Bajaj XCD with the TVS Flame.. but what can we do..?? The 125 cc TVS has certainly taken at least my breath away with its "Oh so Sexy..!!" styling.
i hate the horizontal engine in bikes; so never interseted in hero honda splendor.
I am very much impressed to the technical specifications of XCD 125 cc. perhaps it will rock the roads.what i like most in XCD is its new technology engine DTD-Si which delevirs power more than most of the hero honda 100cc and 125 cc bikes with superb mileage of 109*KMPL in testing condition (if it gives around 80-85 KMPL in practice than also it is the winner among all bikes for mileage).
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM SPEED OF XCD IN ROAD? CAN IT CROSS THE 100KMPH MARK?
don't dismiss the "horizontal" engine from Hero Honda so soon..
The Horizontal engine from Honda Owes its origin to the "50 cc Honda Cub launched in the 1950's.. This was the model with wich Honda began it's world domination.
The Honda Cub is still being manufactured in some countries. And guess what the Honda Cub has been voted as the Best Motorcycle of the Century by non other than Discovery Channel itself. (An article on the same can be found in this Blog)
No wonder that the variation of the same horizontal engine which is found in the Hero Honda 100 and 125 cc engines in India has also been a huge success..!!
The claims made by Bajaj looks fine on paper. But they have a lot to prove in terms of fuel efficiency, power and reliability on the road it hopes to dethrone the Hero Honda Splendor. Lets just wait and watch.
WHEN IAM SEE THE BAJAJ XCD IAM SHOCKED YR WHT A DESIGN MIND BLOWING FANTASTIC YAR IT S SO STYLISH BIKE WITH SHARP
TECH. IT IS TOOO GOOD ACHI LAGI MZZA AA GAYA
[:)]
*HAMARA BAJAJ ALAG ANDAAZ*
Bajaj should offer a disc brake variant for sporty riders. Drums are totally useless. It will make the variant expensive but lot of people prefer safety and performance and will pay.
Raghuveer C B
if disck brack with XCD it will be a great combaniation for all bycks
and give your custmer lots of colours in its range
WHEN IAM SEE THE BAJAJ XCD IAM SHOCKED YR WHT A DESIGN MIND BLOWING FANTASTIC YAR IT S SO STYLISH BIKE WITH SHARP
TECH. IT IS TOOO GOOD ACHI LAGI MZZA AA GAYA
[:)]
*HAMARA BAJAJ ALAG ANDAAZ*
i hate the horizontal engine in bikes; so never interseted in hero honda splendor.
I am very much impressed to the technical specifications of XCD 125 cc. perhaps it will rock the roads.what i like most in XCD is its new technology engine DTD-Si which delevirs power more than most of the hero honda 100cc and 125 cc bikes with superb mileage of 109*KMPL in testing condition (if it gives around 80-85 KMPL in practice than also it is the winner among all bikes for mileage).
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM SPEED OF XCD IN ROAD? CAN IT CROSS THE 100KMPH MARK?
Go to XCD125cc
Thanks...
Post a Comment
Your Comments are valuable as they keep the conversation alive..
But Please Comment Responsibly (for them to be published)