XCD debuts..
Bajaj Auto on September 9th(as announced) launched its new 125 CC, DTS-Si engine-powered ‘Xceed’, priced at Rs 41,000 (ex-showroom). Bajaj bets the new bike will deliver the fuel efficiency of a 100cc bike combined with the performance of a 150cc one. Bajaj has incorporated some of features found in the 150cc bike in this new XCD 125cc. Lets welcome the new XCD!
XCD’s styling and Engineering:
Similar to other Bajaj bikes, XCD is contemporary,stylish and is equipped with hi-fi features. Bajaj XCD the wide black visor, clear lens indicator, 5 spoke alloy wheels. Adding to this conventional sweet features is the new larger headlamp which is mounted lower than conventional setup for aggressive posing. The twin pilot lamps with unique prismatic treatment on outer lens enhances the look. Similar to the gladiator, Bajaj new XCD comes with scoops on each side which partly covers the not so wider fuel tank. From the side, the flowing lines makes the XCD 125cc DTS-SI more dynamic. XCD’s body coloured SNS spring(inner spring) instead of orange offered in other Bajaj products paves way for the flow. The lines converge at the rear to a smaller triangular tail lamp
XCD 125cc DTS-SI features:
* XCD comes with electric start but doesn’t have the disc brake
* XCD 125cc DTS-SI features larger headlamp with prismatic pilot lamps
* XCD is the first 125cc bike to be launched with digital console – a microprocessor built into the speedometer assembly processes information from the wheel speed. For night time usage, the LCD screen has an orange backlight with features in black. With this 135cc discover and platina are the only products which are barred of this Bajaj’s LCD console. Soon to be launched TVS 125cc flame has a similar console
* Another first in the XCD 125cc is the LED taillight which is only available in performance bikes. Bajaj is bringing its value added products to the 125cc segment.
* With the new XCD 125cc DTS-SI, bajaj introduces a new technology for which it has applied for patent. XCD features a flexible number plate mechanism instead of conventional rigid plate. Through this new mechanism XCD’s number plate swings to and fro which enables the bike to have a lower than conventional front fairing which will enable aggressive stance for the bike at anytime according to Bajaj
*XCD adapts the industry standard wider rear tyre at the rear
* easier maneuverability with this new XCD due to reduced wheelbase(1265mm in XCD and 1305mm in discover) but this reduction might have an impact on bike’s stability
* XCD 125cc DTS-SI features handlebar weights(black colour) to control vibrations
Bajaj phases out 110cc & 125cc Discover:
Bajaj, which stopped the production of Discover 110cc in August has now decided to phase out its Discover 125. With this discover 135cc is the only member in the discover family under production. However Bajaj will continue to produce Platina’s as long as there is a demand for it. Though, Bajaj is setting international standard(new platform in every 2 years) by phasing out one of its best selling models its rival Hero Honda is able to sell 4 models in 100cc segment and 3 models in 125cc segment. Is bajaj jumping to the gun? will it lead to loss of customer’s credibility? yes, somewhat in India on an average a bike is owned for 3-5yrs(approximately 40000km) if the company phases out the model within this period how will he/she react. Definitely not a positive move atleast in the present condition. Bajaj’s another peer TVS too phased out its 150cc apache while launching apache RTR
Betting big on XCD:
Bajaj will produce 20,000 units this month, which would be hiked to about 50,000 units a month by October.This will make the XCD the third most produced bike in India.
Bajaj which has been the victim of slumping sales and lower margin expects to derive a profit margin of about Rs 3,000 on each XCD 125cc DTS-SI.
Bajaj – Kawasaki:
Bajaj has spent almost three years to develop this XCD with design expertise from its technical partner, Kawasaki. Bajaj is in talks with Kawasaki for technology alliance. The duo is on the verge of announcing a joint mega development venture. It is believed Bajaj is working with Kawasaki to develop an innovative technology for one of its future products. Rajiv Bajaj said that a ‘unique’ technology that is a global Kawasaki patent would be used on some future products.
Bajaj which plans to develop bigger, faster and technologically advanced bikes in alliance with Kawasaki will compete with Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki not just in India but also in East Asia and other places. In recent years, Bajaj Auto has entered a number of other large foreign markets like Indonesia, Nigeria and Iran. The company has also further enhanced its presence in Sri Lanka, Egypt, Columbia and Mexico. Bajaj has been scouting for a partner in china for a long time where it sources alloy wheels for its products. “We will enter China at the right time when we find a right partner,” Bajaj said.
more products..
Bajaj will launch a few more products based on the Exceed platform and will continue focus on the ungeared scooter segment where it may launch a high-powered sporty
scooterette, Blade, by 2008. “We will now focus on bigger, faster and technologically advanced bikes,” said Rajiv Bajaj
For more pictures and technical specification visit http://www.bajajauto.com/xcd/