Apr 06, 2009 02:02 PM
9931 Views
(Updated Apr 07, 2009 08:17 AM)
I purchased the XCD 135 the top end variant on March 27th 2009. After riding it for around 1500 kms I am writing this review.
Looks and features:
The new XCD comes in 5 colors, “Black with blue stripes”, “Black with green stripes”, “Black with red stripes”, “Deep Red” and a “Bright Blue”. The bike looks really cool, but the concept of it was mindblowing.
The overall looks of the bike are fairly sporty. The instrument cluster has gone a complete overhaul. All the digital speedometers by Bajaj were plagued by a slow refresh rate. This problem has been thankfully has been sorted out in this bike. Unlike the XCD 125 this comes with a tachometer, and a much better fuel tank cap
The seat is very long and the only part of the bike that looks traditional and completely messes with the looks as it is very flat. Personally I would have preferred a much lower and comfy seat. The rear tyre is nice and wide a 100/90 R17 Eurogrip, which makes cornering a breeze.
Coming to the lights and blinkers, the front fairing has been made a lot bigger than the XCD 125. The front headlamp resembles the Passion. The stock bulb is not very powerful; I am planning to put an aftermarket bulb, as I mostly ride at night on the highways. The blinkers and tail lamps are totally unique. I have to say they are the coolest ones I have seen till date. Unlike the Pulsar this doesn’t have self cancelling blinkers or LED back lit switches. Also one thing that dissapointed me was the lack of an "engine kill switch", which is a boon when you drive in the city
It comes with a rather small fuel tank which can accommodate only 8 liters of fuel, they could have given a nice 10-12 liter tank. The rear brake pedal is the ugliest thing you might have ever seen in your entire life, feels like they ripped it off a state transport bus and fitted it here.
*Engine and performance:
*The first thing you might notice about this bike when you mount it, is the high riding position, which might be a problem for short people, the bike height could have been dropped by a nice 7-8cms. The handlebar makes you feel in control of the bike, but it could have been lower just like the seat. This baby only weighs only 116 kilos, making it really light
Touch the starter, and the bike springs to life. Unlike ALL other Bajaj products for the first time in their HISTORY they have managed to put together a good starter. It doesn’t crank or make horrible noises like the others. The vehicle has a nice quiet whine. The bike is equipped with a 5 speed all down gearbox, which is a bit hard, and sometimes refuses to budge, and has a nice room for improvement.
The bike is very smooth to drive, in all gears. Just a small note, this baby refuses to budge if the engine RPMs are below the 2K mark. Due to the weight of this bike, it is extremely peppy and has a very good pick up. Till around 4500 RPM it has a nice little whine, but after that it turns into a low growl. The bike never feels underpowered like the Splendor or worse like the Passion. Due to the presence of the 5th gear, there are no vibrations even at 75-80 on the fifth gear. Since I haven’t crossed the 2000 km mark, I haven’t stressed the bike much, but the bike could touch 95 with extreme ease, didn’t push it beyond that.
Brakes are not very effective, especially the front disc brake and it seriously needs improvement but nothing that won’t get the job done.
When it comes to long drives, trust me this vehicle will end up giving you a nice backache, thanks to its seating position, which needs serious improvement. The bike is very stable, and has excellent grip even at corners. It is has a very light feeling to it, but still makes you feel in control of it
When it comes to efficiency I could test it twice, and it returned with a mileage of 75-80 kmpl which is excellent. Driving conditions compromised of 40 percent city driving and 60 percent highway. Fuel used was the premium fuel “HP Power”
Overall rating:
So would I recommend this bike, Hell yeah I would. Its value for money, has got a fantastic pick up, and the presence of the fifth gear makes it a highway bike as well, by eliminating the vibrations. I would say it’s the best bike in its price range, so go for it.
At the same time, it has some minor flaws, like the seating position, the brake lever(by god it looks horrible). This bike will not be able to flood the market, as it is not perfect. But there are no fatal flaws here. I am glad Bajaj fixed the starter. But it needs small improvements on this bike to make it flood the market, like the Pulsar twins.
Conclusion:
The bike costs around 52500 in Pune, and 53500 in Raigad district, and I would surely recommend it over the splendor, passion or the shine.
I do plan to edit this review after covering a few more kilometeres.
