So, Bajaj finally launched the XCD 135 DTS-Si on 21st, January, 2009 and no information what so ever on the Bajaj Official Site. They did the same when they launched the face lifted Bajaj Discover 135.
Well I must say, either I was expecting a bit too much from Bajaj or I misunderstood the bike I saw at the 2008 Auto Expo BIG TIME, because the bike that finally got launched after a killing loooong wait, disappointed me to the core.
The styling and specs of the concept Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-i was top notch!! A stylish bike with the proven DTS-i technology, and introducing 4-valves, single cylinder engine to the Bajaj stable.
But instead they end up giving us a 135 DTS-Si engine producing a meager 10.6 bhp @ 7500 rpm. I mean, even when Bajaj has the man behind them who gave India, the mighty Yamaha 2008 YZF R1, then also, such an under power engine, just to lure the commuter segment!!
If my calculations are correct, a 135cc DTS-i, 4-valves, single cylinder engine would have milled out performance numbers equivalent to any 150cc engine currently running, and still would have given decent mileage figures and that's exactly what was showcased in the 2008 Auto-Expo (not sure if the engine was a DOHC or SOHC.... DOHC would have been better).
Why would I be lured towards the new 135cc XCD when I have the option of the 135cc Bajaj Discover DTS-i producing 13.10 ps @ 8500 rpm (which is still more compared to the new XCD if we consider Discover's max power throughput @ 7500 rpm).
From the styling perspective too.... it's no where near the concept version and the new Bajaj Wind looks much much better!!
The bike might find it's buyers very happy from the overall mileage perspective and might even make it's presence felt in the overall sales, but it's a clear thumbs down from my side.
Your dissappointment is quite palpable dude.. but then its all what the market demands. The customer dictates the market.
ReplyDeleteLets wait and see if the customer likes the XCD 135 DTS-Si or not.
By the way, even HH haven't updated their website with its New (?) CBZ Xtreme, Passion Pro Power, Glamour (with red chassis). On the other hand deliveries the XCD 135 haven't started yet ditto for the TV/Print Ads.
Payeng Dude!!
ReplyDeleteFirst thing..... I really enjoyed that "?" along side "New" of the CBZ X... you relly hit the nail hard!! ;D
But ya.... after the long long wait last year, I was really hoping a lot from the XCD 135 and that's why the dissapointment!! But overall from a day to day commuter's point of view, the new XCD 135 is a nice package altogether, but still I thik the Wind 135 is ahead!!
And for the HH site update... I really think the web developer has been pulled into the design more stickers for the new HH bikes (owing to reccession and better staff utilization) and that he's not getting much time to update the site ;)
:-)
ReplyDeleteCost cutting seems to the mantra these days.. but nevertheless HH is still selling 100 cc bikes by the truckload.. In Jan 2009 they have around 56% marketshare in India..!!
Payeng Dude!!
ReplyDeleteYeah...."Cost Cutting"!! It's like a Bhramastra in very wrong hands!!
Well for HH that's the only segment which is keeping the mill running for the company!!
Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palladium?
ReplyDeleteHelp, please. All recommend this program to effectively advertise on the Internet, this is the best program!