BAJAJ XCD 135 DTS-Si

2008 was a quiet year for Bajaj on the launch front and also in the interim Bajaj lost its number two position in the sales charts to Honda and TVS in the months of November, December 2008.

This year, the bike manufacturer intends to launch six bikes in the next six months and expects the new bikes to propel sales and put it back in its rightful position and beyond. The first bike that starts on the grid is the new XCD 135 DTS-Si. OverDrive (Feb. ’09) takes a first look.

The XCD 1235 DTS-Si, according to Bajaj is an all-new motor-cycle. In effect, a replacement for the Discover, it is a physically larger package with a little more focus on sportiness. To give you a reference, the XCD looks like a capable, stylish commuter that is far sportier in design than say, the Hero Honda glamour or Passion even before you ride it. It would be quite safe to say that what Yamaha’s FZ represents to the 150cc right now, is what the ZCD intends to do for the 125cc commuter market, states OverDrive (Feb. ’09).

So, what’s in the mix? Bajaj has taken the frugal twin-spark DTS-Si motor (the other S standing for swirl induction) from the XCD 125 and bored it out to 133cc. it has added on a 5-speed gearbox, upgraded and modified a stack of parts and claims not only better performance but improved refinement as well. The XCD135 makes 10.2PS of power, initial acceleration is definitely stronger than other bikes in this class and the engine feels smooth and refined.
Keeping in mind the need to project the sporty and premium image, there is tons of equipment on offer. There are alloy wheels, 200mm front disc brake, electric start and gas charged shock absorbers. There’s also a new set of LED tail lamps, digital clocks and the telescopic front forks have special anti-friction bushes that no other Indian motorcycle has, according to Bajaj. Bajaj is also putting in maintanence free batteries, a ride control switch for fuel gauge watchers and more.

All of this is wrapped up in extroverted and rather fetching bodywork. While the decal scheme is clearly in line with the styling that the XCD made famous, the plastics are now swoopier. Also there’s a more swoopy evolution of the Pulsar’s faux-vented side panel with a prominent tank taking centre-stage. The sleek tail piece with its LED tail lamps rounds out a neat looking, curvaceous motorcycle. The whole package rides on the usual 150cc motorcycle tyre configuration – 2.75-17s up front and a 100/90-17 at the rear.

The 135 is a noticeably larger motorcycle with a higher and wider seat than the 125. Says Bajaj’s GM marketing Amit Nandi, ‘the size is tailored carefully to be large enough to clearly suggest the sporty intent without looking overgrown for commuting purposes.’

While the exact pricing is yet to be announced, OverDrive (Feb. ’09) estimates Rs. 45,000 for the Bajaj XCD DTS-Si, which should set a rather well-equipped cat among the two pigeons who currently rule the roost, the Hero Honda Passion which is two grand cheaper and the Glamour which is three grand pricier.