Bajaj XCD-125

What is in it?

Bajaj XCD-125 is the latest 125 CC offering from Bajaj Auto Limited. The media has created much hype about this bike. Bajaj claims a mileage of 109 KMPL. This is the first 125 CC bike to give you such a good mileage combined with a considerable amount of power.

This certainly is a WOW factor and that holds the key for the hype. Bajaj is well known for bringing in latest technology to the two wheeler segment and they have done that again on XCD. Now they have introduced DTS-SI (Digital Twin Spark Swirl Induction), Folding number plate, SNS shock absorbers (Spring-N-Spring), Auto Choke, miniscule plastic side carrier, Digital speedometer and LED (Light Emitting Diode) tail lamp on a 125CC bike besides the other goodies.

Catch it straight in a showroom.

I was eager to know the facts and I was attracted by the KLN Bajaj showroom at Annanagar in Chennai. I was given a very warm welcome by the people at KLN Bajaj. Most of the executives know me and they took me to the display area. It was a catchy blue XCD-125 shining on the lights was on display. It definitely caught everyone’s eyes.

It took almost 20–30 minutes for me to go around, study the bike and take a few snaps. The bike has a very good paint job and stylish graphics as expected out of Bajaj. The design looked pretty impressive with an all black theme and a smoothie finished LED tail lamp. This bike has been gifted with lot of technologies along with the other goodies like 17 inch five spoke Black alloy wheels, Digitally timed twin spark plugs, ride control switch, Exhaust TEC and Spring-N-Spring.

I was offered a short test drive. Now, I would like to share my findings and experience with you.

Performance:

Bajaj offers an electric start as a standard with an option of kick start too. The press of the electric start button on the RH side of the handle bar brings the engine to life. The engine sounds really impressive with a clean, crisp and a very smooth sound. One can feel the rev from the throttle though not very impressive. Remember! The vehicle is designed for mileage and not for absolute power. Still the power is really good and much ahead of competitors like Hero Honda, Honda, TVS, Yamaha and Suzuki. The power is sufficient enough to handle the traffic. The gears are smooth. Bajaj has stuck to their old four down gearshift pattern. The RH side is also provided with a ride control switch which, one can select if he requires a mileage conscious ride. The power is sufficient enough to handle the traffic.

In addition to all these features the engine delivers a mileage of 109 KMPL at standard test conditions. The dealers and representatives say that the bike should give 75-80 KMPL comfortably. According to me this bike must give 80-90 KMPL if it is properly looked after (maintained?)

Brake efficiency:

Both the front and rear wheels are equipped with mechanical expanding type, asbestos free brakes. The braking is good. The 17 inch wheels, the tyres 3.00 – 17 on the rear and the 2.75 – 17 on the front do their job quite effectively.

Comfort:

The bike is very comfortable. Thanks to the well designed seat and the SNS suspension on the rear. Bajaj design team has really squeezed their brains; they have even come up with different colours for the inner spring of the rear suspension to match with the body colour. ie, blue coloured inner spring for blue body coloured XCD-125 and similarly for red, grey and black. This really adds to the look.

So, what does this SNS really mean and what it really does?
SNS stands for Spring-N-Spring. These types of shock absorbers are provided with two springs, one with clockwise twist and the other with a counter-clockwise twist. The vibration of one spring in clockwise direction is dampened by the other spring in the counter-clockwise direction because both the springs vibrate in opposite directions. Thereby, reduces the vibrations considerably. This is in addition to the hydraulic or oil dampening provided in this shock absorber.

Technology:

Bajaj Auto Limited is the first to launch Swirl Induction technology to the market, though TVS had announced the launch of FLAME. This technology uses a variable geometry intake and exhaust, and thereby creates a swirl of the air-fuel mixture or charge. This swirl created is useful in distribution and to form a homogenous air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber which in-turn ignites without knocking and supports complete combustion, thus increasing efficiency. It also helps in maintaining leaner fuel mixture (less fuel and more air). This considerably increases the mileage.

Foldable Number Plate:

As the name implies the front number plate is foldable. It uses a mechanical linkage to accomplish this. The company says it is very useful though I think the other way.

The front suspension’s full travel (compression) at times may hit the number plate and could damage the mud guard or the head light assembly. This could happen rarely and at a very sharp front brake usage. It also helps to have a little more travel of the suspension than the usual length. Instead Bajaj could have thought of a different position for the number plate and avoided another Linkage Mechanism and leading to additional maintenance. But it’s a very good try….

Auto Choke:

XCD-125 is provided with an automatic choke. It will prove its worth during the cold weather conditions and rainy seasons. The choke comes automatically on if the temperature falls below the preset temperature. So, starting the engine during cold weather conditions and rainy seasons is made easier. This automatic mechanism also cuts off the choke once the engine starts.

The speedometer is a totally new approach with LCD display and the front wheels are provided with speed sensors and this has led to the elimination of a mechanical cable linkage. It has become error free and shows exact readings of speed. It is also provided with a trip meter.

LED Tail lamp is also a feature of XCD-125.

A Miniscule Plastic side Carrier is added to the rear left side of the vehicle and this will be helpful to keep or store small objects.

Verdict:

Bajaj has tried reducing considerable weight in the engine and only time can say its worth. This bike is a very good choice if economy and efficiency is on top of your mind. Try the new Bajaj XCD-125. It is worth the try.

Technical specifications: