Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si launched- First of the 6 launches from Bajaj in 2009

Its crisis time and Bajaj is the worst hit of all motorcycle makers in India. A glance at the figures shows the state which Bajaj is in. At one point in the past, it almost overtook Hero Honda as India's largest bike maker but from then on things have not gone all that well.

A few months back, Honda dethroned Bajaj to third spot. Disaster continued as TVS Motorcycles overtook them to gain the 3rd spot. Bajaj is slowly but surely making it's way to the bottom of that list.

Could this have happened after Bajaj announced it will concentrate on higher capacity bikes rather than the bread and butter 100cc's? Has that statement hampered Bajaj's brand image? Do people requiring commuter bikes look beyond Bajaj for their needs?

To climb their way to the crest, they seem to have a big lineup of launches with the XCD 135 DTS-Si being the first of the five to come during the course of year 2009. Two more bikes in the economy with three in the 150cc+ segment will be launches in the coming months.

The XCD never struck a chord as it was puny and lacked the much needed sportiness and the dose of style. The new model addresses all that with an all new body and engine. The engine, borrowed from the Discover 135 DTS-i has been converted to DTS-Si technology.

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si Features

• new 5-speed gearbox

• Auto Choke during start

• NITROX shock absorbers

• Digital instruments

• LED tail lamps.

• DU bush front suspension

The 135cc engine makes 10.2 ps of maximum power at 7500 RPM and 11.58 Nm of twist from 5000 RPM. The new 5 speed gearbox should take care of the transmission. Note that the XCD came with a normal 4 speed gearbox. Bajaj claims a fuel efficiency figure of 65-70 Kmpl. The wheelbase has been increased to 1275mm to aid stability and handling, especially with youngsters expecting some sportiness from their bikes.

The talking point about the new XCD is its styling. It has dropped the slightly conservative looks of the normal model and taken a more aggressive approach that would be received well by the masses. The new bike is more muscular and the puny tail lamps have been changed to a much better looking unit.

The bike has what it takes to challenge the likes of the Honda CBF Stunner, Yamaha Gladiator, and Hero Honda's Glamour. The bike will retail for approximately Rs 45,000 Ex-showroom Pune. This makes it a very sweet deal for a bike that offers so much for the rider.

Mr. Amit Nandi, GM (Mktg), said, ''Bajaj Auto has a very strong position in the entry segment and the premium segment of the motorcycle market. With the launch of the Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si and 2 more new products in April and July 09, we aim to garner a strong position in the Value segment ''

The Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si will be manufactured in Waluj. Production for the fist month will be 8000 units and will be increased thereafter.