Bajaj Platina

Bajaj Platina, a new 100cc bike from Bajaj Auto to take on TVS Star City has been launched. The cheaper version will come for Rs 34,500, while the higher version of Bajaj Platina will cost
Rs 36000. Both are ex-showroom prices, Delhi. Bajaj hopes to sell about 75,000-80,000 units of Platinas a month.

Engine specifications and performance indicators of the Bajaj Platina are not available so far.

Bajaj already has entry-level bikes with the Bajaj CT-100 and Bajaj Discover 112. The entry-level segment is being strengthened by the arrival of the Bajaj Platina.

Said Bajaj Auto Vice President Marketing Two-Wheelers S Shridhar: "The launch of Bajaj Platina will redefine current standards and will further strenghten Bajaj Auto's presence in the large 100-110 cc segment." The company will use it new Pantnagar plant to build the Platina.

Will Bajaj Platina cannibalise Bajaj CT100? The company is expecting that to some extent, but maintains that it can make better margins out of the Platina.

Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi

Ever since Bajaj Pulsar 180 was first launched in its classic form on 23rd November 2001, it has been a subject of constant updates and upgrades.

In fact, less than 23 months after its launch, Bajaj Pulsar 180 was rechristened as the Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi with twin digital spark ignition and various other updated cycle parts and since then, it has witnessed two more updates, with the present model coming out in October 2006.

Going by the history and frequency of updates from Bajaj Auto, this year we should see another updated version of Pulsar 180.

An upgraded version of Pulsar 180 is all the more important this year, due to the fact that it is now not only facing threats from inside (from Pulsar family), it would also be facing stiff competition from the likes of TVS Apache 160 RTR EFI, which is expected to be launched in the middle of this year.

With a 160cc motorcycle delivering almost as much power as the current Pulsar 180, Bajaj Auto has to ensure that the Pulsar family once again is the leader in the segment, in not only power and VFM, but also in innovation and technology.

Apart from tweaking the ignition curve and working on various other engine parts, to make them lighter and more efficient, the Bajaj Auto’s R&D team would certainly be looking at making the Pulsar 180 Fuel Injected and we just might get to see the Pulsar engine being upgraded from a two valve one to a four valve one.

Review:

Engine : Awesome. Sheer delight.

It just begs to be revved, and boy, its got a good tune too! I have taken it to 8,500 rpm (redlines at 9K rpm) and there wasnt even one bad vibe (in all gears except the 4th and 5th - havent gone beyond 95kmph even at 105+ in 5th). And its deceptively smooth and silent when you’re taking it nice and easy - rev it, and it turns into the hooligan that it is! 16 horses are more than par for the course. The best part about the bike, is its seamless acceleration. Traffic lights are a delight, cos you’ll always be leading the junta. (There’s a new 200+cc engine supposedly for the bike)

Brakes:

Will stop the bike on a coin. Really. The front brake has MASSIVE bite - and the rear’s good as well. But one should really get used to the braking before you try stoppies or hard braking - the rear brake pedal isnt positioned right, so a lil slip there, and you’ll end up getting deep bruises(gravity and inertia arent always good).

Ride & Handling:

Its amongst the best in class, tackles the bad roads well and is very stable at all speeds, thanks to the new longer wheelbase and the lower ride height (because of the smaller 17″ wheels). The wind is pretty much directed at your shoulders, so there’s not much wind hitting your chest, even at 90+ speeds.

Looks and design:

Well, its a great looking thing, especially head-on, with that “I’ll chew you up for dinner” looks - that beaky fairing. The rear lamp’s good - and the new Pulsar this year will probably sport LED taillamps and ducatesque headlamps, which’s amazing. The current 180’s also come with an all black look on the mechanicals - something that I dont quite fancy, though the black wheels look cool!

Living with it:

The engine’s grunt and growl are awesome. The lights are great. The headlight beam is even and pretty well spread. The average is good too. I’m getting about 48km to a litre of unleaded - driven sanely, start revving it and expect more like 38-40kmpl. The mirrors are okay, I would’ve preferred wider ones.

The best part about the bike is that you can leave it idle for a few weeks, and then get her started on first kick, or on first thumbing of the starter. And there’s no change in the engine note either. You can take it out for a revving session, just like that.

I hate the way one has to twist their ankle towards the brake pedal, it should’ve been more straightforward, or at least, the recesses in the tank should’ve been better. The tyres are pretty grippy in the wet, and on most dry surfaces, but if there’s a bit of sand around tend to easily loose traction on sand/sandy surfaces.

Bajaj Discover 135 DTSi

After instilling performance-oriented values in the minds of several Indian buyers with the Pulsar, Bajaj Auto has once again upped the ante, this time in the executive commuter segment with its latest offering, the new Discover 135 DTS-i . The revamped model replaces the earlier Discover line-up and has sportier appeal to it along with simple but significant changes to the design.

The new 135 Discover DTS-i has new floating panels on the tank with integrated indicators and all-new two-tone graphics. The front fairing too gets a makeover with more sportily drawn lines presenting the bike with an aggressive stance when seen from the front. Similar to the company's remaining range of premium bikes, the new Discover 135 DTS-i too dumps the analog speedometer for an all-new digital display with an analogue tachometer and a reserve fuel indicator.

There are three variants of the new Discover 135 DTS-I on offer. The top-end Sports model comes equipped with a 240mm diameter front disc brake and Nitrox gas suspension on the rear. The Sports model also features a wider rear tyre and striped-decals on the wheels. Other two variants to choose from are the Electric Start version and the Kick Start version.

The new discover also gets new digital console like its bigger sister Pulsar with an anlogue tachometer flanked by a digital speedometer and odometer. The 135cc engine remains unchanged with maximum power of 13.1PS at 8500rpm and a maximum torque of 11.88Nm at 6500rpm. These are better figures than the discontinued 135cc Hero Honda’s Ambition.

Similar to Bajaj's other offerings, Discover 135cc engine features proven TRICS, DTSi and ExhausTEC technologies which make them special. Transmission continues to be through the same four-speed gearbox.

The engine delivers 57kpl in our city and highway combined test drive & it clocks a top speed of little over 100kmph. This Discover comes with Contemporary black theme from Nitro chamber to coil springs to exhaust finisher to heat shield to rear view mirrors to handle bar end weight. It also has NitroX shock absorbers borrowed from Pulsar. The ports model gets 240mm Disc brake at the front as standard.

New features added in Discover 135:

1) Racer breed tank mounted spoilers with integrated indicators
2) Striking new dual tone graphics
3) Digital speedometer with tachometer and reserve fuel indicator
4) All new aggressive front fairing
5) Nitrox Suspension & front disc brake (Sports version only)
6) Wider rear tyre and racing wheel stripes (Sports version only)

Bajaj has launched three models of Discover 135:

1. Discover Sports
2. Discover Electric Start
3. Discover Kick Start.

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	Discover 135 DTS-i
Model:	KS
Type:	Commuter
Top Speed:	103kph
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	134.21cc
Engine:	Air Cooled
Maximum Power:	13.10ps@8500rpm
Maximum Torque:	11.88nm@6500rpm
Gears:	4 Speed
Clutch:	Wet, Multi Plate Type
Bore:	NA
Stroke:	NA
Cylinder Configuration:	NA
Engine Block Material:	NA
Chassis Type:	Double Cradle Type
Cooling Type:	Air Cooling
Carburetor:	NA
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2030.00 mm
Width:	760.00 mm
Height:	1065.00 mm

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	133.00 kg
Ground Clearance:	179.00 mm
Fuel Tank:	10.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1305.00 mm
Turn Circle:	3.28 mtrs
Electrical System:	NA
Headlamp:	35/35W
Horn:	12V DC
Wheel Type:	Rim
Tubeless:
Colors:	NA
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	Telescopic
Suspension(Rear):	Trailing Arm
Brakes:	Drum
Brakes(Rear):	130mm Drum
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-1
Alloys:
Warranty:	NA
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

Bajaj Auto already has the successful XCD 125 DTS-i motorcycle in the premium 125cc market. The new Discover 135 DTS-i will offer more appeal to the style hungry buyer in this segment. The new Discover 135 DTS-i has always managed to strike a perfect balance in terms of performance and mileage with the trusty 134.21cc motor. There are no changes made to the engine or the transmission.

All the models of the new Discover 135 DTS-i are available in blue, black and red paint schemes and the price range starts at Rs 45,710 ex showroom, Pune.

Bajaj Avenger

The Bajaj Avenger is a new cruiser from the company, but the only difference really between this bike and its predecessor — the Kawasaki Eliminator — is in the engine. The Avenger has also been put through a few other changes that makes it a little different from its predecessor, especially in terms of riding position and comfort, both of which have now made it more suitable for city riding conditions.

Avenger is not meant for bikers who keep checking their fuel gauge. Bajaj has included the fuel gauge in the new avenger 200cc. Similar to its predecessor avenger 200cc DTSi instrumentation has no fuel gauge, it sits neatly in the fuel tank.

Main Classic Features of Bajaj Avenger 200 DTS-i:

1) Round headlamp
2) Simple fairing-less front profile chrome-finished single pod instrument. cluster all exuding old-world charm.
3) Multi-spoked, chrome-plated wheels.
4) Rectangular rear view mirrors.
5) Aluminium levers and shiniy handlebarweight adds more glamour to this cruiser.
6) Bullet machismo like windshield.

Though the Yamaha’s enticer is no longer in production, this time the avenger 200cc DTSi cruiser faces the heat from the cult bike maker Royal Enfield. As Royal Enfield has launched the new Thunderbird 350cc with much hyped UCE or integrated engine that means for the first time in Enfield history gearbox and engine is also integrated. Also it features the much controversial twin spark technology. Suprisingly, Bajaj has tuned down the 200cc Pulsar engine for the new Avenger.

The new avenger ’s 200cc DTSi engine produces only 17.51 at 8000rpm which is than Pulsar's. It is also is less torquey than the sporty pulsar 200cc. Avenger 200cc DTSi produces only 16.78Nm at 6000rpm. The 5-speed gear-box is smooth, offering a positive feel to the ride and a crisp performance with good throttle and wide power spread ability.

The 1475mm wheelbase, 17” front and 15”rear wheels lend the Avenger its characteristic cruiser looks and performance while the broad rider seat and splayed out riding position ensure comfort and better dynamics, even when handling corners and cutting bends of the awkward kind.

A flat handlebar, a twin down-tube frame in the front, the steel swing-arm reaching the rear wheel all make for old-fashioned bike mechanisms and heavy traffic does bring out the horrors of handling this heavy cruiser, so corner tackling is a challenge then. However, braking being incredible, the stability being rock-solid.

The new Bajaj Avenger 200 DTSi promises a cruising experience on two-wheels with low-slung rider seat design, exemplary braking , enhanced engine and gear box performance courtesy bigger 5-speed fundamentals and a neat oil-cooler to ensure lowered temperatures. Its lean, muscular frame, duo spark plugs DTS-I tech gets fuel efficiency for better mileage and ensures you get more than you bargained for – pleasantly.

Vehicle Summary:
Name:	Avenger
Model:	200 DTSi
Type:	Cruiser
Top Speed:	115kph
Engine Specification:
Displacement:	198.8cc
Engine:	4-stroke, DTS-i, Oil cooled
Maximum Power:	17.51ps@8000rpm
Maximum Torque:	16.78nm@6000rpm
Gears:	5 Speed
Clutch:	140
Bore:	NA
Stroke:	NA
Cylinder Configuration:	NA
Engine Block Material:	NA
Chassis Type:	NA
Cooling Type:	Air Cooling
Carburetor:	NA

Other Specification:
Weight:	152.00 kg
Ground Clearance:	140.00 mm
Fuel Tank:	14.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1475.00 mm
Electrical System:	NA
Headlamp:	60 / 55W (Halogen)
Horn:	12 V AC
Wheel Size:	90/90 x 17 49p Rear 130/90 x 15 66p mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	NA

Active and passive specification:
Suspension(Front):	Telescopic forks 140 mm travel
Suspension(Rear):	Triple rate spring, 5 way adjustable, hydraulic shock absorbers
Brakes:	260 mm hydraulically operated disc brake
Brakes(Rear):	Mechanically expanding 130 mm drum type
Stand Alarm:

Comfort and convenience:

Fuel Guage:	Analogue
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Analogue-1
Alloys:
Warranty:	NA
Speedometer:	Analogue
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si

Bajaj Auto today launched a 135 cc version of its CD motorcycle, the Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si.
The Bajaj XDC 135 DTS-Si will cost Rs 45,000 ex-showroom Delhi. Bajaj plans to export the new motorcycle to its oevrseas markets starting April 2009. Till then, the motorcycle will be sold only in India.

Last year, Bajaj launched the Bajaj XCD 125 which has been doing reasonably well.
The Bajaj XCD 135 will be positioned between the already available 125, and the 150cc Bajaj Pulsar which has been quite popular.

The new 5-speed motorcycle has a single cylinder air-cooled engine that produces 10.5 bhp at 7500 rpm, a maximum torque of 11.58 Nm at 5000 rpm; and comes with features such as auto choke, gas filled Nitrox absorbers, digital speedometer and LED tail lamps. Also available are electric-start and front disc-brake. Expected fuel efficiency is 60-70 kmpl.

Bajaj is the undisputed master of the capacity game. It’s either that the company wants to spoil customers for choice or it is so busy developing KTMs that Bajaj boffins only get to bore out their existing engines and pen a few lines in their spare time. It’s been quite sometime we’ve seen an all new product from Bajaj and however tall the claims of it being an all new bike, the Bajaj XCD135 is a restyled, bored out XCD125, but a good-looking one at that.

Bajaj’s second onslaught at the premium commuter market hits the styling nail right on its competitors’ foreheads. The short front fairing is dominated by a big trapezoidal reflector unit, flanked by a small bat-shaped visor. Elaborate tank extensions are meant to add a Pulsar-like bulge to the small XCD 125’s existing tank and are executed in a much better way than on any other Bajaj. The tail section too takes cues from the Pulsar’s sharp rear, my favorite bit being the flush fitted LED strips for tail lamp. The alloy footrest hangar is another design element to add up to the sporty appeal.

The bike also gets an analog tacho and digital speedo combo, lifted straight off the Discover 135 and a 100-section rear tyre to bump up its VFM quotient. The seating is upright and keeps the bike close to its commuter intentions.

The XCD 135 has no surprises to offer on the road. It feels more or less like the XCD125, torquey at the bottom but a little more eager towards the top. The 134.6cc engine produces 10.2PS of power at 7500rpm but what comes more in to play is the class leading 11.58Nm of torque available at a lowly 5000rpm. Backed by Bajaj’s swirl induction tech, the engine promises not only a performance edge over the existing bikes but also a phenomenal hike in fuel efficiency.

Throughout my time spent with the bike, I experienced a strong pull right from walking paces in the top gear. Oh yes! The new bike comes with a slick five speed ‘box that enhances the tractability of the engine. I could manage to see 100 on the speedo a couple of times. But unlike the Discover 135’s smooth, rev happy mill, this engine feels a little gruff with lots of vibration creeping in beyond 5000rpm.

While I had no qualms about the bike being easy to maneuver in jam packed city streets, I found it quite composed round the corners too. The stiff ride was a bit disappointing but got better with a pillion.

On the whole, the Bajaj XCD 135 promises to upset quite a few 125cc applecarts. But does it? Read the March 2009 to find out. The XCD is challenging the Gladiator and the Stunner...

There is no information so far about the top speed of the Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si. Initial production of the Bajaj XCD 135 will be from Aurangabad, Mahrashtra and later from Pantnagar, Uttarakhand

Its not completely a different bike than XCD 125 but consider it as an enhancement. For big changes, wait for future version. But being 135cc, it will get an edge over 125cc bikes in same segment..It will be available in 5 colors and decal option available, which the consumer can choose from.

Looks of the bike:

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si has to compete with the companies that are introducing super bikes into market and many bikers are waiting for the excellent looking Sprint but they have to wait some more for the sporty bike. Bajaj is mostly dependent on the middle level commuters for its market. Hence it introduced a low cost bike with some enhanced features as compared to 125 cc.

Some styling has been added by the bike manufacturers to make the bike look stronger. The bike has the distinctly styled twin pilot headlamp, sharp indicators and the poor looking tail lamp cluster. 135 cc has been upgraded to look better than 100 cc bikes. Some special graphics have been added to petrol tank and the back rail has been made to look slimmer. Front looks have been improved and a different kind of back light has been attached to the bike.

Engine:

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si is powered with a 4 Stroke, air cooled, DTS-Si, 135cc engine that delivers 10.2 ps of maximum power @ 7500 rpm and 11.58 nm of torque @ 5000 rpm. The bike is more powerful that 125 cc but you shouldn’t expect much from the new launch. The engine revs is 8000 rpm and even in low speed in fifth gear, you can drive without getting the bumps. In fourth gear also you don’t get the bumps in lower speeds.

The bike picks up fast and in fifth gear it can go to speed of 80 kmph in some 10 second but it takes time to go to 100 kmph and in speeds higher than 100 kmph, the bike vibrates. The bike delivers a mileage of around 62 kmpl.

Ride and comfort :

The stability of bike in high and in low speed is better than 125 cc. Handling of 135 DTS-Si is easier because of the long wheelbase of 1275mm. XCD 135 has 5 speed gear box and the ExhausTEC system has been integrated to the machine to lower the noise. The bike comes with auto choke, disc brakes and gas-filled Nitrox shock absorbers that help the bike to be in control.

The 135cc DTS-Si machine is equipped with the digital speedometer and DU bush front suspension adds to the style feature of the bike. The digital speedometer and the analog tachometer are comprehensible but the indicators don’t turn off automatically in bright light.

Some of the features of XCD 135 DTS-Si

• Electric start
• Low-friction front suspension
• Twin pilot headlamps
• Suspension at the rear: 105mm Rear wheel travel, bigger nitrox(gas filled shock absorbers )
• Suspension at the front: 130mm telescopic forks
• Lowered handle bar to improve control
• Front disc brake :200mm disc and 130mm brake at the rear
• LED tail lamps
• Tyres are bigger (100/90*17″ tyres)
• Black matt alloy wheels
• Dimensions are similar to 125cc XCD.
• Chassis is box type diamond
• Ground clearance: 165.00 mm

Advantages and Disadvantage of the bike:
Advantages of the bike

• Broad tyre than 125 cc
• Control is better than 125 cc
• Engine performance increased
• Nitrox shocks
• Improved tail light.
• Design improved
• Low cost bike with enhanced features and good mileage.

Disadvantage of the bike

• All those waiting to get the Sprint should lower their expectations from the new bike.
• There is not much difference in features between 135 cc and 125 cc.
• The style of the bike has not been improved to the expected levels.
• Even the performance of the bike that shows engine 10.2 ps of maximum power @ 7500 rpm ,is not that is expected from the increased CC bike.

Cost:

The buyers have been waiting for the launch of new bike XCD 135 DTS-Si that comes in three models:

• Kick start model = Rs. 43,000 (ex-showroom in New Delhi).
• Electric start with drum brakes model = Rs. 45,000 (ex-showroom in New Delhi)
• Disc brake model =Rs. 47,000 (ex-showroom in New Delhi).