I have an XCD bought in Jan.2008. The bike was delivering an average of 60kmpl in city and 85 kmpl on highway. I got the first service at a good mechanic under my strict supervision keeping
the owners manual in the hand. The mechanic has got all the gadgets found in showroom to effect any kind of repairs. I visit the showroom only for purchasing genuine spare parts. If any bike owner goes to authorized center for service, no justice would be done, becasue the no. of incoming vehicles per day always crosses the saturation limit. Principles of Scientific Management proposed by FW Taylor should be applied in all service centers for effective service. F.W Taylor would get heart attack, if he had a glimpse of the quality of service at authorized service centers.
Similarly, service personnel at bajaj showrooms were unable to do 100% justice to each and every vehicle arriving for service. Added to this, 99% of the bikers drive the vehicles with out smoothness in acceleration, braking and clutch management wiz ., Speedy or Sudden acceleration, opening clutch while in driving.
XCD would be an excellent bike provided, the size of rear brake drums is increased for more effective sudden braking. Also, the rear danger light should increase in size for better safety during nights.
Poor Service and Rash Driving are the real causes for bikes not delivering the mileage near to the promised ones like 109kmpl. Since I get my XCD serviced at specified intervals as given in manual and drive very smoothly, Iam getting 85 kmpl on highway and 60kmpl in city.