I bought this one in Dec 2009 in Chennai.
I went for this after lots of research in Books & Internet reviews
ALL THE DETAILS ARE BASED ON MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND PREFERENCE. INDIVIDUAL IDEAS MAY VERY.
My options are
Very good driving comfort at speeds of 40~60
Good Mileage and Low maintenance.
Easy Handling.
Long lasting and durable.
I desired to choose above 100 CC(Vibrations at good speeds) and Below 150 CC(Heavy and Cant Handle).
My options are XCD 135(125 is flop), Flame, Shine, Gladiator, Glamour Fi and Pulsar 135
Flame - This is the one I thought to buy initially. I went for test ride and found that it has a very good starting trouble. Clutch is very sensitive. Mechanic from TVS showroom said that it is giving vibrations because of its design and they don’t know as of now how to resolve that one. He told to go for city 110. But I dont like that one’s shape. I usually go for long trips, where its difficult to find mechanics around. So, if the bike fails to start, it will be very difficult for me. So, I left Flame. But flame looks are great and hot.
Shine - Doesn’t look great for me. A friend of mine using this clearly said, it vibrates at >60 speeds. I dont want to invest in this one. But I didn’t test ride.
Gladiator - Excellent bike. But I read that getting spare for yamaha is difficult. So, I cant have to for years.
Glamour Fi - I heard that its great and planned for test ride and went. Showroom(Adayar) people are worst. They said it will take 1 month after I pay amt for delivery. No test ride vehicle also available. It costs Rs: 14000/- more than XCD. Spares are very costly.
Pulsar 135 - I drove that. It is very great. Light weight. But 3 problems I face with it. 1. New kind of engine. SO no details about that. Bajaj is a bit famous for beta ones. 2. Its target is power users. SO less mileage. 3. Seat design is good only for friends and not good for family.
So I don’t want to take risk.
Finally My Bajaj XCD.
It gives very good comfort at 50 kmph.(I am not a power user).
My family members can sit happily at the back seat. Suspension is very very good. Especially when women/old people sit at the back, its very comfortable.
Gives me mileage of 73 at speeds of 40~50 on highway in the first week itself. I am expecting more after 1st service.
Handling is very good. BAck tire is very big. I feel its almost double of splendor(I dont know the exact figures.)
Cost of spares is very less than others.
Parts of XCD are a bit delicate. I can see the fuel tank of that one moving when I apply force.(But mechanic showed me that, even for pulsar it moves like that only)
If I use it single handedly with regulare service, I am sure, it will be long lasting. Instead of buying 110 CC at 45000 I went for this one for 50, 800 with disc and self, alloy wheels.
I bought in Jai Bajaj and they gave insurance free(Rs: 1200, Highest discount in chennai for cash payment. For sure). For the amount I am fully satisfied "for the way I use and I drive".
Guys. When You are interested in this, Please see Red Colour Bike(not images. just see actual bike) once when compared to others colours. Red one with yellow graphics. is very very hot. You love it and I see every one looking at this one at Signals.
Ultimately - My Idea is - Its simple to drive yet powerful, Cost Effective, Slim and Hot. Tail lamp looks great for me. Same tail lamp for Pulsar 135 too.
FINAL DECISION SHOULD BE FROM YOUR HEART BASED ON YOUR PREFERENCE. COS ITS YOU WHO IS GONNA USE IT TAKE TEST DRIVE 2 TIMES OR 3 TIMES. DECIDE WISELY
- Hope this will be useful. As I said, its based on my research / experience. Individual ideas may vary.