XCEEDINGLY GOOD (first impressions). Review on Bajaj XCD 125

It is always a joy to share my experiences with my fellow bikers.  Yesterday (24-9-07) I was determined to have a feel of the new BAJAJ XCD 125cc and so after a phone call to the nearby dealer Sai Service, Andheri, Mumbai, I set off for a visit after getting off from my office.

I was greeted courteously by their executive on the 1st floor and there after I was led down to the parking lot where the brand new XCD was waiting to be test ridden.

The representative started the bike easily with the push of a button, (even though it was cold and drizzling outside) this I thought would be a good beginning.  An engine which starts easily.  He handed me the controls and willingly took a pilion seat before we set off on a small ride to judge the vehicle.

The pick-up was most instantaneous.  There was no hesitation, no time lag before it would warm up.  This was impressive.  Then the gear shifting pattern.  Yes! it was similar to many other entry level vehicles; meaning 4 gears, all down.  Then I tackled an incline sloping section.  To my surprise, it managed beautifully even in second gear with next to no stumbling.  The microprocessor ignition was obviously doing its job well.  The acceleration was rapid and I had to come to a halt at the next corner.  However this vehicle dosn't have a front disc and the drum provided was not adjusted, so I felt quite out of place.  The rear brake came to the resque and hauled down the vehicle sufficiently.  But I did miss my front disc brake for sure.  Then I wasn't sure which gear I was in.  Yes! I sorely missed the gear indicator as well.  Bajaj could surely have incorporated a big 1, 2, 3, 4 on the simple but effective digital speedometer !   There was no tacho (rpm meter) but the controls were all well laid out.

The handle was nice and wide and low and the overall stance reminded me of my ride on the Honda Shine.  The seat was very comfortable and both my feel could easily touch the ground, FLAT.  This was a big plus for my short friends out there who would certainly appreciate it.  The overall stance and grip was quite reassuring.   The extra long damping on the front fork, has out of necessity brought about a new invention.  The tilting front number plate.  Surely a new feather in the Bajaj cap.

The square shaped speedo display came on momentarily only  when it was switched on.  Then just displayed a " 0 "  (obviously this vehicle was new and was not connected).  I took a couple of rounds in the premises and was pleased at the flickability of the vehicle; a sure plus point in the traffic situations.  Then it was time to put the vehicle back where it belonged.  The stand is also a good one step and press operation; which put the vehicle back on the centre stand.

Then I did a close scrutiny of the front headlamp.  This unit was a definate improvement compared to the unit on the Discover, which somehow did not appeal to me with its broader than required stance.  This headlamp on the XCD was the right shape despite being wide and looked quite macho.  So that was another point in its favour.

I stooped down to get a feel of the engine.  Running my fingers all over the cylinder block, I noticed it was a different shape altogether.  Shinny black and no oil pipes to be seen.  Another plus.   Somehow I could not notice where the twin spark plugs were located !  The representative then showed it to me.  One was located at 11 o'clock on the top of the cylinder and other one at 3 o'clock (surprise, surprise).  The Bajaj boffins sure have done their homework on this one.  A radical placement of the spark plugs told me that function was clearly given precedence over form.  What is the point of giving a symetrically appearing openly placed spark plug, if it did not serve the purpose of giving the best ignition possible?  Full marks once again to Bajaj for doing the right thing.  Function before form.

The finish on the engine casings was a fine dark grey with sparkling freckles (like a new non-stick fry pan).  This was getting better and better.  Then I knocked on the side panels and here,  what appeared to be frame spars were just a fibre dummy which looked like a portion of the frame from afar.   That was a little let down.

The other dummies I encountered were the triangulated matching pieces which were mounted in front and at the bottom of the fuel tank.  These I was told had only one function, to enhance the looks and also to accomodate the graphics.  I will let the owner decided how they look.

I then turned my attention to the rear mudguard.  I tried to shake it sideways but it stood quite firm.  I did this because one other best selling product has a mudguard which sways from side to side when the bike is in motion and that really puts me off.  Hopefully this will not happen with the XCD.

Another point worth mentioning here is the tough fibre guard covering the rear wheel near the swingarm pivot.  It is a good shape and ends in a fine point.  This is a fine design feature which also serves to keep the insides clean.

The wheels were a matt black finish and they did their job but did not attract any attention.

The tail lamp, in the photos did not look impressive but in reality is much better than the photos.  It appears to have a smooth glass finish and when lit-up they really form nice clusters of red lights which do get the attention of the riders behind.  A  nice and unique touch and certainly better than the pointy  and pointless jobs on the other models.

So all in all the XCD did impress me with its down to earth compact stance and simple good looks.  Here is a product from Bajaj which does not scream for your attention but is quiet about what it is and confident about what it can achieve.  Surely that's the way to go Bajaj.  I wish you and would-be buyers of the XCD every success and a long and happy association.

Regards to all.

Now a NEW UPDATE :  Bajaj has shown a new model of the XCD called the XCD Sprint which has a front disc brake, new tail lamp, new speedo with rpm meter and revised (broader) tyres and overall styling which has also been enhanced.  The new model promises to be something even more tempting; with a 4 valve head which helps the engine breathe better and give a total of 12 PS.power.  Now this looks like a really improved model.  All the feedback given by the owners has NOT been in vain.  So those who have not bought it yet . . . may decide to take the plunge now !