13 Bajaj XCD 125 cc generates public interest, Bajaj to cease Discover 112 and 125 cc models

Internet search indicates that the 125 cc has caught the fancy of the Public... Bajaj to cease Discover 110/125 cc models

The 125 cc is the Next big thing...!!

No, I am not merely repeating what most of the industry experts are saying about the future of Indian Two Wheeler Industry. I am actually saying this with more conviction since I have myself seen some tangible proof of it..!!

Mr. Rajiv Bajaj on 125 cc Bajaj XCD

Pic: From Rearset's Blog

Why am I saying so..??

I keep a regular tab of the number of daily page views of TBCI (The Bike Chronicles of India) by an online service called "Statcounter". This month has been a raise in the number of page views thanks to the new releases by TVS Motors and Bajaj Auto. The daily average has been around 6,000-7,000 page views. But on 10’th September 2007 (yesterday), the number of page views of TBCI shot to an unprecedented high of 17,012..!! Even today (a day after) the number of page views has been more than regular days (at 20:27 hrs).

Page View Stats of the Bike Chronicles of India

It goes to show how Bajaj Auto has been successful in creating hype over the 125 cc XCD

This sudden spike was due to maximum traffic coming from Google Search, majority of which were searching for the new launch of the 125 cc Bajaj XCD with the DTS-Si engine.

Till now I was of the opinion that majority of the search in the internet was limited to the premium segment (150 cc of above) models only. Now this incident has shown that the consumer is definitely getting interested in the 125 cc segment and searching about it on the internet too.



Bajaj XCD has generated more public interest than the TVS Flame (at least so far):

Also it shows that the TV Commercial/Teaser of the 125 cc Bajaj XCD has been a success since it has generated the interest among the consumer. Even the launch of the 125 CC Flame from TVS hasn’t generated such spikes in the number of page views of TBCI.

But this may well be the reason because unlike the Bajaj XCD, there hasn’t been any TV Commercial of the Flame so far. That means not many must have been informed about the TVS Flame so far. It goes to show how Bajaj Auto has been successful in creating hype over the 125 cc XCD.

Nevertheless the unprecedented spike in the number of page views of TBCI also goes to show that the common public is starting to take more interest in the 125 cc segment.



Bajaj Auto to discontinue the Discover 112 and the Discover DTSi 125:

Following with the launch of the XCD comes the news that Bajaj Auto is ceasing the production of the Discover 112 and the Discover DTSi 125. The Discover hadn’t been selling that well. As admitted by Mr. Rajiv Bajaj himself, Bajaj Auto was selling less than 5,000 Discover 112 per month (read about it here..). This leaves only the Discover DTSi 135 as the production model holding the Discover brand name. Read about it here..

With the decision to discontinue the 112 and 125 cc models of the Discover, Bajaj Auto has made it clear that it will target the entry level 125 cc segment with its XCD, priced attractively at Rs. 41-42K (Ex-Showroom Pune) which is close to the price tag of the 100 cc Hero Honda Splendor.

The Discover DTS-i 135 must have been successful for Bajaj since they are planning to continue with this particular model. At least in Bangalore City I have witnessed quite a few Discover DTS-I 135 cc models pottering around.


Note:

Don't be fooled by the above photo of the Bajaj XCD in thinkng that the XCD is dimunitive in size. Mr. Rajiv Bajaj actually happens to be quite a tall and well built guy. Shown below is a screen shot which clearly shows his tall stature.

Mr. Rajiv Bajaj at an Award Function

Related Posts:

• XCD, The new 125 cc from Bajaj [Pics/Tech Specs]



• Video of the HOT 125 CC TVS Flame..!! [Videos]



• 125 CC TVS FLAME (With CCV-Ti Engine) HOT..!! HOT..!! HOT..!! [Wallpapers & Tech Specs]



• New 125 C.C Bajaj "Exceed" with "DTS-Si" Engine launched



• Honda India has 100/125 C.C plans. Can we please have the CBR 150R too..??



• New 2007 Honda Shine (125 C.C) [Pics/Images/Tech specs]



• Bajaj Discover DTSi 135 C.C on Bajaj's Website now



• Global Auto rolls out its first Indo-China Bike from West Bengal



• Suzuki India launches 3 Variants of its 125 C.C motorcycle range



• New Yamaha Gladiator "Type J.A" 125 c.c with Alloys (Pics/Images)

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 XCD, The new 125 cc from Bajaj [Pics/Tech Specs]

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.



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.

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.

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:

Quality of the photos of the Bajaj XCD were not as impressive as the quality of the photos/wallpapers of the TVS Flame.

The website design of the Flame is far more exciting than the website for the Bajaj XCD

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.


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:

• 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

Related Posts:

• Video of the HOT 125 CC TVS Flame..!! [Videos]



• 125 CC TVS FLAME (With CCV-Ti Engine) HOT..!! HOT..!! HOT..!! [Wallpapers & Tech Specs]



• New 125 C.C Bajaj "Exceed" with "DTS-Si" Engine launched



• Honda India has 100/125 C.C plans. Can we please have the CBR 150R too..??



• New 2007 Honda Shine (125 C.C) [Pics/Images/Tech specs]



• Bajaj Discover DTSi 135 C.C on Bajaj's Website now



• Suzuki India launches 3 Variants of its 125 C.C motorcycle range



• New Yamaha Gladiator "Type J.A" 125 c.c with Alloys (Pics/Images)

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.

15 Is the following "Comment" authentic..??

A Pulsar 200 owner has left a comment in "The Bike Chronicles of India".. it is it a Genuine one..??

Guys,

i own a P200 (Bajaj Pulsar 200) well maintained,

the bike has let me down in terms of performance, to start with it doesnt cross 110kmph, secondly mileage 29 -30 kmpl (i expected 40, BAL guys said it gives 40 kmpl after all it is not a super bike)

then last of all the bike doesnt start when raining it is realy worse...and thanks to BAL there is no kick (i know SBKS dont come with kick) but can we realy trust BAL technology to go ahead without kick.....

i would never recommend any UG3 version BAL bikes...i am planing to go for a new bike...

-- Sumit

This was a comment left by a guy supposedly called "Sumit" in this blog. But a voice in the back of my mind told me that something is wrong with this comment.

• To start with, the comment was left in the post about a Drag Race between the Pulsar 220 and the Karizma. So why this unrelated comment about the Pulsar 200 in this particular post..?





• Second: It sounds more like a "Public Service" message rather than an earnest grievance of a frustrated owner.





• Third: I have seen a few Jerks in action in a few auto related internet forums whose sole purpose in life is to despise any Indian made two wheeler.

Just because I have an access to the internet and I have my freedom of speech does not not imply that I can say anything I want.

Voicing one's opinion is fine but posting false allegations is definitely a no no.

There is already a lot of "Noise" on the internet in the form of wrong information and baseless rumours. The "Bike Chronicles of India" gets above of 1,00,000 page views in a month. It is therefor my responsibility to check to the best of my ability that whatever information is published here is authentic. "The Bike Chronicles of India" shouldn't add to this "Noise".

Since there wasn't any proof accompanying the above comment, I decided not to publish it.


For the record even I can say: "I bought a Hero Honda CBZ for Rs. 66,000 in 1999. The bike couldn't cross 105 Km/hr. At around 100 Km/hr the bike used to wobble uncontrollably. The bike never gave me above 35 km/l. At high rpms the engine was very harsh and sounded as if it would sieze anytime. The handling of the bike suffered from understeer, one of my friend even crashed the bike since he couldn't finish a turn and due to which I hit a concrete slab on my chest since I was at the pillion seat.

But then where do I have the proof to justify whatever I have said above..? I could very well be telling lies just because I might want to tarnish the reputation of Hero Honda for some inexplicable reasons.

Just because I have an access to the internet and I have my freedom of speech does not not imply that I can say anything I want. Voicing one's opinion is fine but posting false allegations is definitely a no no.


Let me make it public for anyone who wants to leave a comment at "TBCI", either furnish proof along with such comments or please shut up..!!

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.

3 Bajaj Auto Vs. TVS Motors: "Yeh Patent Ka Mamla Hai..!!"

Bajaj Auto and TVS are engaged in a blame game.. which is a good sign for the Indian Two Wheeler Industry..!!

Bajaj Auto Ko Gussa Kyun aata hai..?? (Why is Bajaj auto getting upset..??)

I remember a comic scene from the Hindi Comedy movie “Hungama”, in which the two male protagonists get into a verbal scuffle over.. well, a girl of course. In that particular scene the two characters try to size up each other. So instead of the usual Bollywood fare of blood and gore the scene ultimately culminates into nothing but a war of words without even a single blow being landed.

This incident might just mark the beginning of a long battle between the two two-wheeler giants of India.

Should such a situation arise then let me tell you that would be the best thing to happen to the Indian Two wheeler industry

The last few days have witnessed an almost similar spectacle between Bajaj Auto and TVS Motors. The only difference between the movie and this corporate duel is that instead of a pretty damsel, the bone of contention in this case has been a technology which Bajaj has christened as “DTS-I”. According to Bajaj Auto, TVS Motors has violated the Intellectual Property (IP) rights with its soon to be launched “CCV-Ti” range of engines, which like the Bajaj “DTS-I” engines also happen to sport two spark plugs for the single cylinder engine.

Read about this incident here, here, here and here..

So far both the two auto makers have made public that they would take each other to court. Bajaj Auto says that they will file against TVS if they go ahead with the CCV-Ti engine. On the other hand TVS retorts by stating that they’ll sue Bajaj Auto for their “malicious remarks” against TVS Motors. It remains to be seen whether this episode actually results in either of the parties dragging the other to court.


Bike Wars ahead

Mark my words; this incident might just mark the beginning of a long battle between the two two-wheeler giants of India. Should such a situation arise then let me tell you that would be the best thing to happen to the Indian Two wheeler industry since the opening up of the Indian economy in 1991.


Why is this good for the Indian Two Wheeler Industry..?

Both TVS and Bajaj Auto have survived the post liberalization phase and have been successful to ward off threats from the Japanese Competitors. It’s no more a question of survival for these two bike makers. Now they are gunning for supremacy here. Regardless of whosoever wins the verdict (if they ever happen to go to the court) both these companies stand to gain in the long run.

This particular controversy between Bajaj Auto and TVS Motors might be a small step for either of the two wheeler manufacturer but it can act as a catalyst responsible for a giant leap for the Indian two wheeler industry

After the Second World War there was a race for military and technological supremacy between the USA and the erstwhile USSR. If USSR took the honors of putting Yuri Gagarin as the first man in the space, USA managed to land Neil Armstrong on the lunar surface. This mad race for military and technological supremancy resulted in tremendous advancement in science and technology. Come to think of it, even the internet was born due to this cold war.

Similarly this particular controversy between Bajaj Auto and TVS Motors might be a small step for either of the two wheeler manufacturer but it can act as a catalyst responsible for a giant leap for the Indian two wheeler industry.

From now on both TVS and Bajaj Auto will try to outdo the other with each new launch. The styling and the designs are only going to get better; the engines are only going to get more powerful; and if this isn’t enough the prices are also going to remain competitive.


Hey..!! It’s not just Bajaj and TVS who make up the Indian Two Wheeler Industry

Oh, I am sorry I almost forgot Hero Honda, the number one two wheeler manufacturer of the world; plus the global giants Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. I understand they are in India too.

But I also understand that Hero Honda doesn’t have an R&D of its own and has to depend on Honda for even minor modifications. On the other hand Honda is a Goliath of the global two wheeler industry. Its international R&D has to be busy to satisfy the rich “videsi” clientele. How can it possibly devote so much attention for designing bikes for a poor “desi” biker like me? So like THEY HAVE DONE IN THE PAST, they’ll probably AGAIN have to rummage through whatever is available in their present lineup of products from other developing countries and hope to make the best use of it. Ditto for Suzuki and Yamaha.

Dare I expect more from them..? By the way Honda does intend to release 3-4 models in the next 3 years, including a 100 cc model. Read about it here.. Yaaawwn...

But one has to compliment on the quality of the products of these Japanese bike makers. In fact their quiet (pun intended) presence has made sure that both Bajaj and TVS cannot err too much on the quality of their products. But they have also set standards on how Bajaj and TVS shouldn’t style their bikes. Thank you very much for your contribution. Please do stick around though. If possible please prove me wrong at the Auto Expo 2008. I’ll be more than happy to eat my own words.


Amen..

I sincerely hope that this Bajaj Vs. TVS battle is a long one. Just can’t wait for the curtains to be lifted from Auto Expo 2008, New Delhi.





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.

0 Video of the HOT 125 CC TVS Flame..!! [Videos]

Video of the TVS Flame..

Happened to stumble upon this video of the new 125 cc TVS Flame on You Tube. The intro of the video says "Confidential Not for Public Viewing".

That's actually hillarious considering the same video is available on the website for the TVS Flame. Probably someone intend's to use negative psychology and make sure that everyone has to WATCH the video of the TVS Flame. I doubt if the video of the TVS Flame has been uploaded by someone from Hosur..






Looking at the sexy design of the TVS Flame, one needn't worry that anyone is going to resist having a look at the bike. Kudos to TVS for desiging such a stunner. But I personally would have been more happy to see the Apache RTR in this guise actually.

Now please, sit back and enjoy the video..

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.