The XCD looks quite eye-catching, especially as an upgrade from the 100-110cc bikes we're used to. The XCD has familiar lines of the present line up of Bajaj Bikes. The Headlamp, Side-Panels, Tail Lamps reminds you of the bigger Pulsars and the Discover.
Looks & Build Quality: The build quality is very good and looks and feels like a well put together motorcycle. The XCD also boasts of a Self Starter which according to be is a delightful feature to have. The XCD also features a Digital Speedometer which I thought looks plain and could have been better turned out. The switches are among the best in its segment and are pretty comprehensive. Push to cancel turn indicator switch is present along with the high beam flasher and the Ride Control switch.
A few people might complain that the XCD doesn't look different from the other Bajaj models. Inspite of its small packaging, the XCD manages to looks sharp and Handsome.
Performance: On slotting the XCD into the first gear, the gearbox felt a bit notchy. But nevertheless it felt way better than the Pulsar gearboxes. The bike pulled cleanly through the gears and is comfortable to potter around in the top gear. The engine was relatively smooth and devoid of vibrations but it in terms of smoothness Bajaj engine can still improve.
Following are the performance figures of XCD:
0-60km/h - 8s
0-80km/h - 17s
Top speed - 93km/h
City Fuel economy: 64kmpl
Highway Fuel economy: 82kmpl
Ride Quality & Handling: The ride quality of XCD is very good and leagues ahead than any current 100 cc bike in the Indian market. The XCD feels like a bigger bike on the move. The XCD rewards you with a very good ride quality. It has almost become the norm about Bajaj having the best ride quality among Indian bikes. The Pulsars already have the best ride quality in the country today followed by the Discover 135 and now the XCD.
Fuel Economy: The initial fuel efficiency of XCD is around 70 plus Km per litre in real city conditions which puts the XCD among the most fuel efficient motorcycles in India along with the Fuel Injected Glamour Fi.
Overall, I'm very impressed with the XCD as long as I can remember that it's supposed to compete with the Splendor/Platina. The XCD has everything covered from the ride quality, handling, power/pickup which is definitely better than any 100 cc bike in India today. Probably the fuel efficiency of the XCD is also going to be very good.
Here is XCD 125's comparison with other 125cc bikes in India
And a TV Commercial of XCD 125. We found it on You Tube.