XCD 135 Blog

XCD 135 Review by Kamal Mishra

2009-09-27T10:31:00.010+05:30

Original link to the review- Mouthshut

A Good Bike:

What makes me eligible for writing a review on this bike is that, my bro owns one. After riding this bike several times, I have been thinking for quite some time to write a review on this sleek machine.

Let me start this review with a small trip story. I went with my bro and few of our friends to a trip to Hognekalal (348 kms overall to and fro from our place). We stopped at 4 places in between the journey. Me and bro changed our bikes at these stops. We both were with pillions. Now whenever I rode this bike after my 154 kg Avenger, I felt like riding the winds, as if I will fly with next twist of my right hand. This was not a very comfortable feeling for me on highway, when i am habitual of cruising at speeds of more than 85 kmph. But,after every kilometer passing i started liking it, because it easily marched at speeds of 80-85 for kilometers of distance. Ride was good and engine was behaving very well for its size (135 cc). As soon as we approached the city, the bike now started showing its advantage. Flickability and fast speed built up, being just 116 kgs made it the winner of the lot. On highway it was trying to match bigger Avenger, Pulsars but in city traffic every other bike rider was trying to match it.

This bike look smart in Black with green stripes. The headlight design is special and is different from other Bajaj bikes. The overall looks of the bike are sporty. All the digital bits on this bike looks dashing and fuel tank cap is also better looking. The rear tyre is wider, which provides better grip and aesthetics.

Electricals are standard and modern looking. The headlight is good but not as powerful as my Avenger. The blinkers and tail lamps are very nice. One thing is sure that if compared to bikes in the same category the digital goodies provide this bike a certain edge over others. The riding position has been made higher for better flickability on city roads. The handling is so comfortable through city that you just don’t feel any stress on yourself. It is just zoom-zaam-go!!

But the seat height can pose problem for shorter people . Bajaj could have done with lesser seat height. The handlebar position is good and ergonomically proper for comfortable city commuting and as well as for some sporty intent. The weight is very less so it flicks really fast and can do 0 to 60 within 6 sec. But On highways this less weight feel is not that comfortable. Though i might be mentally comparing with avenger, which is unjust.

But i could take it to speedo indicated 103 kmph on highway ride. Vibrations are very less and appear only after 75-80,far better than HH and Honda’s same category bikes. The power distribution is even across all the gears and bike doesn’t feel underpowered like other competitor’s bikers.

Fuel efficiency is just too good for 135 CC bike. City conditions-60-65 kmpl, Highways -70-75 kmpl. Bajaj has put the same kind of starter as on other bikes .Hence it is very reliable. The vehicle has a nice quiet sound.

The gear box is still comparable to Pulsar kind of gearboxes. Not too problematic, but not the best also. Though bajaj has improved them on higher end Avenger and Pulsars. Brakes are very effective, especially the front disc brake for this range of bikes. The nitrox gas shock absorbers have given the bike a good ride quality, though little on stiffer side, again to give bike a better handling and cornering abilities.

Overall great value for money bike, with good pick up, handling, looks and reasonably good top speed. Though i can’t recommend it for out and out highway driving, but still it is decent in that also. The sales figures for last three months have already shown its acceptance in the market. It is most successful model from Bajaj after Pulsar twins. But i still think it deserves better sales being outstanding as far as its competition is concerned.

-- Kamal Mishra

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si Wallpaper

2009-09-13T11:03:00.004+05:30

Ride Safely.

New XCD 135 DTS-Si, 'Genie' TV Ad

2009-08-03T20:47:00.003+05:30

Bajaj does it once again. The latest TV Ad of the XCD 135 DTS-Si is another gem and not to mention hillarious and fun to watch.

Pity all those guys who decide to settle for something 'Simple' and 'Ordinary'.

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si- Wallpapers

2009-04-26T13:14:00.003+05:30

XCD 135 Wallpaper source- www.bajajauto.com

XCD 135 DTS-Si Autocar India Test Ride Review

2009-04-11T11:41:00.004+05:30

One of India's premier auto publication, Autocar India has published their Road Test review of the XCD 135 DTS-Si on their website. A few portions of the road test is posted below.

Read the full test ride report at their website.

Paint quality, as well as rubber and plastic parts used are first grade, as is attention to detail and fit and finish.

The self-starter-equipped XCD also uses an automatic choke that worked flawlessly throughout our test. The exhausTEC resonance chamber boosts low end power.

The new XCD 135 is a stylish, sporty option for XCD buyers with its larger, fuel efficient 134.6cc DTS-Si engine giving it more pep, improved performance and the attraction of a fifth gear. Being a light, comfortable motorcycle with a fair price tag, the135 is perfect for city commutes.

Mileage - Fuel Efficiency of the Bajaj XCD 135 DTSi

2009-03-24T10:06:00.006+05:30

What is the mileage of the Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si?

The following are the fuel efficiency reports that auto magazines (in their March 2009 issues) have reported for the XCD 135 DTS-Si in its road tests.

[Get the magazines to read the complete test ride reports.]

Autocar India
City- 53.9 kpl, Highway- 59.1 kpl
Overall- 56.5 kpl

Bike India
City- 62 kpl, Highway- 68 kpl
Overall- 65 kpl

Business Standard Motoring
Overall- 55 kpl

Overdrive
City- 71.7 kpl, Highway- 78.7 kpl
Overall- 75.2 kpl

Zigwheels
City- 62.4 kpl, Highway- 71.5 kpl
Overall- 66.9 kpl

As seem from the figures above the auto magazines have reported fuel effciency figures in the range of 55kpl - 75 kpl. Now it is difficult to determine which fuel efficiency figure is the most accurate.

But then one has to remember that fuel efficiency of a bike depends on many factors including the riding style and riding conditions in which the test is carried out.

Anyway, anything above 55 kpl and above would definitely be considered as a good mileage figure from a 135 cc motorcycle.

XCD 135 DTS-Si gets Nitrox Shock Absorbers

2009-03-23T17:02:00.009+05:30

The rear shock absorbers on current Bajaj Pulsar bikes are also popularly known as NITROX shock absorbers. These types of shock absorbers are actually generically known as ‘Gas Filled Shock Absorbers’.

The visual differentiator between a conventional shock absorber and a gas filled shock absorber is a small canister (box) which is attached on one side of it. This canister holds a small amount of Nitrogen gas in it.

The 'Royal Enfield Electra' was the first bike in India to have this feature. The Pulsar 150/180 UG II (2’nd upgrade) then became the second model (and the first in the 150 cc and above category) to make this feature available on Indian bikes. A few other Indian bike makers have followed it as well and put this kind of shock absorbers on their 150 cc or above bikes, and giving different marketing names.

The XCD 135 DTS-Si becomes the second bike in the sub 150 cc category (after the Bajaj Discover 135 DTS-i) to sport Gas Filled Shock absorbers at its rear suspension.

Advantage of NITROX shock absorbers

Hydraulic shock absorbers have a tendency for the oil to foam (form bubbles) under heavy use. Foaming temporarily reduces the damping ability of the unit.

To solve this, a secondary cylinder is connected to the shock absorber to act as a reservoir for the oil and pressurized gas (nitrogen). This nitrogen gas helps in absorbing the road undulations and provides a smooth ride for both the rider and the pillion.

Front Disc Brake on the XCD 135 DTS-Si

2009-03-20T11:33:00.008+05:30

Front disc brakes have virtually become a compulsory feature for motorcycles in the 150 and above category in India. But in the sub 150 cc category, front disc brakes are sometimes offered as an option on some bikes.

The XCD 135 DTS-Si comes with a 200 mm Front Disc Brake as an optional feature.

Few guys might argue that the 200 mm dia. disc is comparatively smaller than the disc brakes of 150 cc plus bikes. But then these bikes (150 cc +) are also comparatively heavier than the XCD 135 DTS-Si, which is quite light weight at 116 kgs. Also a 200 mm disc brake will offer far more effective braking than a 130 mm drum brake (which is the normal size of drum brakes on Indian bikes).

What is the difference between a drum (normal) brake and a disc brake?

Drum brakes have an internal friction material called the “shoe” which is pushed up against the inside of the drum, causing friction to slow the motorcycle down. This is done by mechanically by the brake cable which is depressed by the rider.

Limitations of drum brakes are:

1. It is prone to overheating which leads to brake fade and wear outs
2. Manual effort required to apply drum brakes is more
3. Drum brakes have to be adjusted frequently for brake play adjustment

A disc brake works on the principle that a steel disc is gripped by two brake pads. These pads are "hydraulically" activated. Hydraulic means that the manual effort is applied at one point and is transmitted to another point using an incompressible fluid/liquid (brake fluid).

Benefits of disc brakes:

1. Less prone to overheating compared to drum brakes thereby leading to less brake fade
2. Manual effort required to apply a disc brake is less
3. Disc brakes require virtually no adjustment for brake play (only replacement of worn out brake pads and replacing brake fluid is needed)

Opinion against Disc Brakes:

There is a section of people who have formed the opinion that disc brakes are a hazard and often lead to accidents. Few even quote incidents where guys have fallen off their bikes due to panic braking (of bikes having disc brakes).

Actually in majority of the cases it is not the fault of the disc brake, but how it is operated by the rider, which is the cause behind those spills. One need not grab the brake lever with all his might to stop the bike.

Pressure from one or two fingers on the brake lever and a little bit of getting used to is all that is required to stop the bike (with a disc brake) safely. Disc brakes offer superior braking and are safer to operate than drum brakes. More so if one likes to ride fast and hard.

LED Tail Lights on the XCD 135 DTS-Si- Photo

2009-03-19T18:23:00.000+05:30

The Pulsar 150/180 UG III (3’rd upgrade), launched in 2006 was the first bike in India to feature LED tail lights. After that there have been a few bikes which have also included this feature on them, but all of them have been in the 150 cc or above category.

The XCD 125 DTS-Si was the first bike in the 125 cc category to feature LEDs for its tail light. The XCD 135 DTS-Si has now become the second bike (below 150 cc category) in the country to feature a gorgeous set of LEDs for its Tail Light, which is definitely one of the best looking Tail Light among current Indian bikes.

What is a LED Tail Light?

LED basically stands for “Light Emitting Diodes”. These are tiny electronic components which have started replacing conventional incandescent bulbs in various lighting applications. Just look at the pilot light of your computer case, there will be a tiny but intense light glowing. The source of that light is an LED.

But then why use LEDs for Tail Lights in bikes?

Compared to incandescent Lights, LEDs emit very less heat, have a longer life, can withstand physical abuse and due to their small size can be easily packaged into different shapes. Also the response time taken by LEDs to get activated is very less. LEDs also consume very less power.

Due to these reasons LEDs have started to become an attractive and alternative source of lighting in modern gadgets and appliances. Many hi-end car and bikes have started using LEDs for their tail lights.

Digital Speedometer Display on the XCD 135 DTS-Si - Photo

2009-03-18T11:18:00.000+05:30

The XCD 135 pampers the rider with a contemporary looking digital dash. When many current bikes in India (almost twice the engine capacity of the XCD 135) still feature analog meters on its console, the XCD 135 gets a comprehensive Digital display.

The digital display includes an accurate speedometer, odometer (total km reading), 1 trip-meter, fuel gauge and a low battery warning icon.

There are also tell-tale lights like the hi-beam, neutral, turn indicator and a low fuel warning present. The left side of the display includes a tachometer which displays the engine speed (rpm - revolutions per minute) like on sporty bikes. The only thing found wanting on the XCD 135 speedo console is a digital clock. It would be nice to have one on it.

The Digital Display apart from providing a premium and sporty feeling also has a very accurate speedometer reading.

The digital speedometers of its big brother- the Pulsars, have already been hailed (by auto magazines) to be one of the most accurate in the country. This is because the digital speedometer is connected to a “contact less” cable to the front wheel. Instead of the conventional cable with moving gears, this contact less cable works on the electromagnetic waves generated in the coil windings. The XCD 135 also has a similar contact less cable attached to the speedometer console.

Electric Start with Auto Choke

2009-03-17T11:51:00.000+05:30

Electric Start

The XCD 135 DTS-Si comes with the option of Electric Start. It comes as a boon in stop-start traffic conditions as it gives a one touch quick start and a hassle free ride experience.

Auto Choke

The XCD 135 DTS-Si also has an “Auto Choke” feature. This intelligent feature activates the choke whenever there is a need for it. There is no need for manual activation of the choke on the XCD 135 DTS-Si.

In low temperature conditions the fuel doesn’t vaporize properly, resulting in difficulty in starting the engine. To start the engine in such conditions, the Choke is usually activated. This device helps pulling in extra fuel to make the air fuel mixture richer, which is required to sustain operation at low engine temperatures.

In most other current Indian bikes the Choke has to be activated manually by the rider. But in the XCD 135 DTS-Si, there are temperature sensors which sense the low temperature and accordingly will automatically activate the “Auto Choke” for the rider.

DC Lighting and Maintenance Free Battery

2009-03-17T09:26:00.000+05:30

Most of us who have ridden a motorcycle must have noticed that in most cases, illumination intensity of the headlights depend on the engine speed. If the engine speed is low the intensity of the headlights is also low and vice versa.

This is because majority of current motorcycles, the headlights get their power from an “alternator” (or AC current generator).

In the old days, models like the Bajaj Chetak scooter used to have no batteries, the lights and even the horns used to be connected to the alternator. Hence the intensity of the lights and sound from the horns used to depend on the engine speed of the scooter.

These days motorcycles have batteries in them and the horns and turn indicators are connected to the battery. The battery gets charged every time the motorcycle is started and on the move.

But even now in most motorcycles in India, the headlights are still connected to the alternators instead of the battery. Which means that the intensity of the lights on these models depend on the engine speed of the motorcycle much like the old Chetak scooters.

What is DC lighting?

DC stands for Direct Current. In DC lighting, the lights are connected to the battery which gets the benefit of a constant intensity beam of light from the headlamps regardless of whether engine is at idle or at full throttle. The battery gets charged every time the motorcycle is started. According to Bajaj Auto website, DC lighting also seems to improve the "ignition timing" of the spark plugs.

Battery Protector

There are currently a few models in the Indian market which do have DC lighting. But the headlamps on these models work even when the engine isn’t on, which might result in unnecessary drain of the battery.

The XCD 135 DTS-Si has an intelligent DC lighting system. The battery is protected by the system which shuts off the headlights whenever the engine is not on. Thereby protecting from accidental drain of the battery.

Maintenance Free Battery

The XCD 135 DTS-Si also comes with a heavy duty battery which requires minimum maintenance (topping up of the battery electrolyte) and has a longer life.

What is ExhausTEC?

2009-03-16T13:57:00.001+05:30

There is something written as “ExhausTEC” on the silencer heat shield of certain Bajaj bikes like the Pulsar, Discover and the XCD.

This ExhausTEC is another innovation on Indian bikes from Bajaj Auto. As the name suggests, it means that it is something related to the “Exhaust” of the motorcycle. The “TEC” stands for “Torque Expansion Chamber”.

The Exhaust Pipe on these bikes have a “Torque Expansion Chamber” attached with it which can be located below the engine (as shown in the photo posted below).

What does this Torque Expansion Chamber do?

We should first have an idea of what “Torque” is and what it does to a motorcycle. Torque is the “twisting force” that rotates the wheels of a motorcycle.

It is torque which is responsible for moving/accelerating at slow speeds. More torque at slow speeds means that acceleration or pick up at slow speed will be good. (For more on “Torque” read this)

The Torque Expansion Chamber (TEC) improves the scavenging (exit process) of the exhaust gases and is also designed create a pressure difference inside the exhaust pipe. This pressure difference inside the exhaust pipe creates a vacuum which helps to pull in additional air-fuel mixture at low engine speeds and thus improves the engine torque at low revs without compromising the mid or high engine revs.

The benefit of the feature is that good pick up is available right down from slow engine speeds and therefore there is less need for changing gears in stop-go traffic conditions. No wonder Zigwheels has found the XCD 135 DTS-Si to have the best roll-on figures (time to reach a certain speed in a particular gear) in its segment.

What is DTS-i Technology, What is DTS-Si Technology?

2009-03-16T09:54:00.000+05:30

DTS-i and DTS-Si are Bajaj Auto exclusive technologies in India. DTS-i was first introduced in the Pulsar 150/180 models in 2003. The DTS-Si technology came in the XCD 125 in 2007 and currently also available on Platina 125 and XCD 135.

What is DTS-i Technology?

To understand it one first needs to be familiar with the functioning of a Conventional 4 Stroke Engine (with single Spark Plug).

DTS-i stands for Digital Twin Spark Plug Ignition. In simple words it means that there are 2 spark plugs in the single cylinder engine and the timing of sparkplugs are controlled by a digital microprocessor.

The big difference between a conventional 4 stroke engines and the DTS-i engine is the incorporation of 2 Spark Plugs. The 2 spark plug set up leads to better burning of the air fuel mixture, which results in delivering better fuel efficiency without any compromise in power.

Benefits of DTS-i Technology

With a DTS-i engine, one gets the dual benefit of good fuel coupled with good power as well.

The evidence of the effectiveness of this technology is clearly demonstrated by the eagerness of other manufacturers like Royal Enfield, which have launched a model, the Thunderbird “Twin Spark”.

What is DTS-Si Technology?

The DTS-Si stands for Digital Twin Spark Plug Swirl Induction.

Like the DTS-i engine, the DTS-Si engine also has 2 Spark Plugs, the timing of which is controlled by a Digital Microprocessor. The difference between these two engines is the offset position of the inlet and outlet ports of the DTS-Si engine. This offset position creates turbulence of the air-fuel mixture inside the engine.

Benefits of DTS-Si Technology: This enhances the fuel efficiency of the engine even further.

Explanation of DTS-i and DTS-Si technology from Bajaj Auto website.

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si TV Advertisement: Twisted Sisters (Video)

2009-03-12T21:02:00.000+05:30

Bajaj Auto is known to promote its products in style by slickly produced TV Advertisements for their bikes. Be it the "Hamara Bajaj" ad in the 1980's or the recent spectacularly mind blowing "Pulsar Mania" ad.

The latest TV ad for the XCD 135 DTS-Si is no different. It grabs your attention right from the opening sequence where two damsels are engaged in a "Matrix" styled choreographed fight sequence. The storyline of the advertisement is how two sisters are prepared to fight it out so that the winner gets to be the pillion rider on the XCD 135 DTS-Si. The second half of the Ad manages to show the features of the XCD 135 DTS-Si bike which is on full throttle on a race track (with the lucky girl as pillion of course).

Produced by O&M India (the same guys behind the smashing "Pulsar Mania" ad), it features models Jesse Randhawa and Lisa Haydon as the two sparring sisters.

Although making the same impact that the Pulsar Mania ad had managed to do would be a difficult task, the XCD 135 DTS-Si Ad comes across as a breath of fresh air compared to the stale TV ads that are dished out these days, which are meant to promote products of other Indian motorcycle makers.

Watch the XCD 135 DTS-Si TV Ad posted below:

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si Review: CNBC TV18 Video

2009-03-12T17:51:00.001+05:30

Business channel CNBC TV18 does a video review of the Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si.

Watch the video review posted below.

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si: Road Test / Review by Zigwheels

2009-03-12T10:39:00.000+05:30

Even though we gave our 2008 ZigWheels 125cc Bike of the Year award to the Honda Stunner, we're quite sure that had this bike (XCD 135 DTS-Si) arrived on the scene last year (2008), it would have really given a tough fight to the Stunner for that award.

- Zigwheels

Zigwheels is so impressed with the XCD 135 DTS-Si that it has said that the XCD 135 "sets a new standard for stylish commuter motorcycles" (in India).

"Zigwheels" is the publication from "Times Group" dedicated to covering the automotive scene in India. It is headed by non other than Adil Jal Darukhanawala (Ex-Editor, Overdrive and Bike India), one can therefore be assured of the quality of articles published by this publication.

Their website: www.zigwheels.com, is one of the best Indian site (from a reputed and wellknown publication house) which brings the fastest and uptodate automotive related news/reviews from India.

To read the complete review of the XCD 135, just click here

Posted below are a few highlights from the review:

"..at first glance, the bike really caught our fancy. Immediately, it became apparent why Bajaj refers to this bike as a "sports commuter", thanks to its "junior Pulsar" good looks inspired from its larger cousins."

...the 11.58Nm of torque its 135cc DTS-Si mill produces makes it the undisputed leader in its class. All this torque manifests itself in the bike's roll-on acceleration figures, which are significantly better than any of its competition. Even in outright acceleration, the bike managed to get from a standstill to 60km/h in 6.81seconds, which is again, among the best in its class.

The long single bench seat is perfect for two-up riding and even some of our large sized staffers (yours truly being the largest of the lot) had absolutely no problems sitting pillion for extended periods of time.

The extra fifth cog is really a blessing in the way it is tall enough to allow effortless cruising once out of stop-and-go traffic, and also a top speed of 102.03 km/h.

The Best way to find out the "PRICE" of the bike you are looking for!

2009-03-10T22:13:00.001+05:30

"What is the price of XYZ Bike?",
"XYZ bike price",
"XYZ bike on road price"..

These are a few examples of the kind searches which some guys try to find on the internet.

The objective of course is the find out how much a particular motorcycle is priced at the nearest showroom available. Walking into the showroom and getting a quotation for the bike isn't a very taxing job, but then why bother when you could have an internet connection even closer at hand.

To help such guys, every month there will be an honest attempt to update this site with the price list (of a few select cities) of the variants of the XCD 135 DTS-Si bike.

Nevertheless here is an even simpler and 100% accurate way of getting the correct price of the model you are looking for.

In 4 Easy Steps!!

Step 1: Log on to the Official Site of the manufacturer (Eg: http://www.bajajauto.com)

Step 2: Find the link to "Locate the Dealers" of the manufacturer (trust me, there will definitely be one).

Step 3: Select the State/City of your choice (You should get a list of dealers from the city of your choice along with thehir address and contact numbers).

Step 4: Just select one of the contact numbers, call them and get the latest price of the bike you are looking for!!

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si, Technical Specifications

2009-03-09T14:41:00.000+05:30

Image from "Zigwheels.Com"

Posted below are the technical specifications of the Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si.

ENGINE

Type: 4-stroke, Air cooled, DTS-Si
Displacement: 134.6cc
Bore/Stroke: 54mm x 58.8mm
Valvetrain: SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Comp Ratio: 9.8:1
Carburettor: UCAL-Mikuni VM 17
Max power: 10.2 PS@7500 rpm
Max torque: 11.58Nm@5000 rpm
Power to weight: 87.93 PS/ton
Ignition: Electronic
Starter: Electric/Kick

TRANSMISSION

Clutch: Wet Multiplate
Gears: 5-speed constant mesh
Gearshift pattern: 5-down
Primary drive: Gear
Secondary drive: Chain

CHASSIS

Type: Diamond Type Frame
Suspension (Front): Telescopic Forks
Suspension (Rear): Hydraulic, Gas-filled
Brakes (Front): 200mm, disc, 2-piston caliper
Brakes (Rear): 130 mm drum
Tyres (F/R): 2.75 x 17, 100/90 x 17

ELECTRICALS

Battery: 12V, Maintenance-free
Instrumentation: Digital speedometer, Analog tachometer, Digital fuel gauge

GENERAL DATA

Fuel tank capacity: 8 litres
Height: 1080 m
Width: 760 mm
Length: 1990 mm
Wheelbase: 165 mm
Saddle height: 810 mm
Weight: 116 Kgs

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si launched!

2009-03-09T13:38:00.000+05:30

After a rather quiet 2008, Bajaj Auto has decided that the best way to beat the current market slowdown is by launching new products and bringing back the excitement among bikers.

The XCD 135 DTS-Si was officially launched on January 21'st 2009. The XCD 135 DTS-Si happens to be the first among a string of launches promised by Bajaj Auto Ltd. in the coming months.

"Style + Performance + Fuel Efficiency" seems to be the mantra behind the latest Bajaj.

All these virtues packaged with a host of premium features currently seen only on higher "cc" Indian bikes like Digital Speedometer, 5 Gears, Nitrox Shock Absorbers, LED Tail lamps etc. make the XCD 135 DTS-Si an extremely potent offering in the sub 150 cc motorcycle segment.

Priced at around Rs. 45,000 (Ex-Showroom), the XCD 135 seems posied to shake up the executive motorcycle segment (125-135 cc) in India.

More articles on the bike to be posted soon.