?Bajaj Xcd Vs TVS Flame one of the most expected battle.
Engine and Powertrain:
Both the manufacturers have claimed these machines are fitted with superior engines. Bajaj’s DTS – SI (Digital Twin Spark Swirl Induction) Bajaj finds an area where it can even improve the combustion characteristics of its popular DTS-i engine especially at light loads. By creating swirl motion inside the combustion chamber, it creates turbulence thereby it burns even the lean mixtures which results in higher fuel efficiency of the mill. Similar to Bajaj, TVS bets on swirl motion and twin spark plugs to improve the efficiency. TVS CCVTi (Controlled Combustion Variable Timing intelligent) features three ports while the swirl port creates a swirl motion of the intake air-fuel mixture to burn the lean mixtures, the powerport opens at higher rpm to allow more fuel and increases the performance.
Let’s dig out how these technologies reflects on the road
XCD’s engine develops a peak power of 9.53PS @7000rpm while the peak torque is 10.85Nm@5000rpm. Bajaj targets the 100cc customers with the XCD and it can be felt once you screw the throttle. XCD’s DTS-SI is not peppy but it truly serves the purpose. You can chug along even at 14kmph in fourth gear. Gear ratios ensures enough torque at the low end.
Flame’s CCVTi mill produces 10.5bhp at 8250rpm and 10Nm at 6250 rpm at the maximum. Unlike the XCD you cannot chug along with the flame at low speed but you can reach the 60kmph mark faster than the former . The engine is more responsive and we don’t find any issue with the gearbox at the time of testing. It also beats good. Also since the vibration is minimal v rooming with the flame will be a pleasant one.
Styling and Engineering:
XCD draws inspiration from the popular discover and Bajaj has carried the same front forward design for these commuter bike. XCD stylish character is reflected through its low mounted headlamp and the large black visor. Dynamic lines which flows from the tank to the rear cowl are inviting and makes the XCD to seem like it moves even at standstill. Bajaj has taken care that XCD should preserve the look, even while moving through its new flexible number plate mechanism which moves up and down parallel to the forks. Body coloured grab rail and sleek graphics makes the xcd more elegant. If XCD is beauty peagent with a thin waist, then flame is a fighter jet with a sharp nose. Flame’s bikini fairing scores low when compared to XCD’s. But that’s the onlysore point in Flame’s styling, besides that stylish front fenders, leaf shaped wing mirrors and 1320mm larger wheelbase gives the flame a rock solid look. But i am going tell you aobut the most important part of the bike i.e the shrouds. Sculpted shrouds makes the flame one of the best designed bike in its class. Also, unlike the XCD where shrouds are more like a protrusion, the Flame’s one blends well with the bike nature. Flame also scores over the XCD at the back, twin tail lamps and the attractive exhaust mouth of the flame is a treat to the followers.
Looking at these bikes you can understand a nature of the Indian two wheeler market i.e features leads the sales. Nowdays it has become quite often to find customers demanding alloy wheels and electric(button) start in two wheeler showrooms. For creating this much awareness on features , credit must be given to Bajaj and TVS, while market leader Hero Honda still bets on quality, these two manufacturers lure the customers with innovative features at the same time improving on quality. XCD and flame hosts some usable features like digital console and electric start. While Bajaj find a area near the saree guard to keep the documents, TVS spots a coke holder in the tank but this reduces Flame’s tank holding capacity.
Ride and handling:
Both the XCD and Flame may be styled to look alike a sport bike but the message is clear be stylish but not at the price of the comfort. In both the bikes, commuter type seating position is provided with horizontal footpegs and straight handler bar position.
XCD’s slim nature along with responsive engine helps to negotiate the traffic signal and tight corners at ease. This is because the long stroke front forks gives the rider feedback, but only necessary! Rectangular swingarm suspension (finally bajaj adapts) which combines with Bajaj’s proven SNS suspension ensures us an ache free ride even on tougher road conditions. Seats are long as well as wider. Disc brakes are inevitable, especially on slippery indian roads but manufacturers continues to launch products barring dic. While there is even no option to have disc brake in XCD, in case of flame you can shell out additional 3000 rupees and pick a disc fitted flame. Unlike apache, flame is more stable which is evident from its longer wheelbase but that’s not without comprise in handling. Along with the larger wheelbase, Flame height tells us that even tall riders can ride the flame without any discomfort. Ride is supple with twin tube shock absorbers. In ride and handling both the bikes are on par with each other.
Verdict:
Both the XCD and Flame scores well above class average and will deliver what you need. But that’s not what we are assigned to find, our task is more precise i.e to find out the winner!
Seems like these two bikes are targetting different set of customers but satisfy the expectations of the buyer. XCD is an attractive option considering the features, price and most importantly the mileage. It even outsmarts the popular 100cc bikes in efficiency dept. But XCD lacks in styling atleast to flame. Flame with neat proportions is eye catching and is sure to set a million heart aflame. Hi –tech CVTi engine makes the flame to lead in performance over XCD.
If you are looking for a commuter bike with fair performance but solid mileage and at low price then XCD must be your obvious choice. But if you don’t mind shelling out another 8000 bucks and wanna a stylish and youthful machine, then its the right time to book a flame.