The Bajaj XCD 125 DTS-Si was a motorcycle manufactured in India by Bajaj Auto. It was launched in September 2007, sold 18,000 units in its first month and settled at around 28,000 units a month. A 135 cc version arrived in January 2009, and the 125 was discontinued that November as sales fell.
Bajaj XCD at a glance
| Maker | Bajaj Auto, India |
|---|---|
| Class | Commuter motorcycle |
| Launched | September 2007, 125 cc |
| First-month sales | 18,000 units |
| Typical sales | about 28,000 units a month |
| 135 cc version | January 2009 |
| 125 discontinued | November 2009 |
| Claimed mileage | up to 109 km/l |
| Independent highway mileage | about 82 km/l |
| Top speed | about 90 km/h |
| 0–60 km/h | 8 seconds |
| Instruments | first LCD console in an Indian 125 |
Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the XCD.
History of the Bajaj XCD
Launch
The XCD 125 DTS-Si went on sale in September 2007. It clocked up 18,000 sales in its first month and went on to sell around 28,000 units a month, making it one of Bajaj’s stronger commuter models. Its name referred to the DTS-Si engine, a development of the company’s twin-spark ignition technology.
Design and equipment
The XCD was the first 125 cc bike in India to feature LCD instruments. It also had a spring-loaded foldable number plate, designed to prevent damage to the low-mounted fairing if the front fork was suddenly compressed. The 135 cc variant used the same analogue tachometer and digital speedometer as the Bajaj Discover.
Ride and handling
The XCD offered ergonomics suited to the average Indian rider, with an upright stance, a short wheelbase and a tall handlebar for city riding. Taller riders found it less comfortable. Reviews of the period contrasted its city-friendly layout with its limitations on longer journeys.
Performance and economy
Bajaj claimed that the digital twin spark swirl induction technology could return 109 km per litre. At least one independent review recorded about 82 km/l on the highway and 68 km/l in the city. The bike had a top speed of around 90 km/h and reached 60 km/h from rest in 8 seconds.
The 135 and the end
In January 2009 Bajaj added a 135 cc XCD and reported more than 20,000 sales in its first month. Sales then fell, and the 125 cc version was discontinued in November 2009, followed by the 135.
Design and features
- LCD instruments: a first for a 125 cc motorcycle in India.
- Foldable number plate: spring-loaded to protect the low fairing.
- DTS-Si engine: Bajaj’s digital twin spark swirl induction technology.
- City ergonomics: upright stance, short wheelbase and tall handlebar.
- Award winner: three Indian bike-of-the-year titles in 2008.
Bajaj XCD versions
- XCD 125 DTS-Si (2007): the original model with LCD instruments.
- XCD 135 (2009): larger engine with the Discover’s analogue tachometer and digital speedometer.
The XCD’s 125 cc engine was shared with the Bajaj Platina 125 DTS-Si, and the Bajaj Discover donated its instruments to the 135. More models are in the Bajaj collection.
Video: Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si First Ride
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Bajaj XCD, English Wikipedia: launch, sales, equipment, performance
