LOOKS :
On the first glance, you realize that this bike is special. It looks well sorted and the design seems to gel together rather than feeling like a mindless assembly of various parts like the previous XCD. Looking closely, the front scoops are nicely designed and the front indicators mounted right beside the handlebar are innovative. The front is also good enough and the headlight mounting does not give the impression of a low bike like XCD 125.
The most noticable feature is at the rear in form of the rear taillight cluster. It is way better than earlier and is surely eyecatching.
Tidbits like plastic inserts on fuel tank, flush fitting fuel filler cap, low set front registration plate and a toe heel shifter complete the package which feels lively with nicely done decals and good attention to details.
The console gets an analog tacho with digital speedo, odo, tripmeter and fuel guage. The design of console will certainly win it some brownie points.
RIDE :
The ride felt plush for the small test drive that was performed. The seats felt a bit soft as compared to other bikes giving an indication of the path this bike want to trod. On astride it, you immediately get a feeling that this is supposed to be a commuter bike rather than a performance junkie. This feeling is strengthened by the positioning of handle bar. It is high and though seating position felt comfortable, it somehow never felt sporty enough.
PERFORMANCE :
Press the electric start button and all your thoughts of this being a boring bike fade away into a sweet, assuring exhaust note. Its not too loud but sufficient to make you want to twist the throttle. Shift into 1st of an all-down five speed gearbox and slight wringing of throttle takes you off the block. And just when you start flying on cloud Nine, things come crashing when you realise that gearbox is all-down. The standard 1-down 4-up would have been great but then.....Meanwhile the gear shift is well sorted out, gears falling to place with assuring click.
Now, whatever the stats may say about this bike, it never felt underpowered on that short run, easily getting above 60 in a somewhat dense traffic and providing enough grunt to take on the fellow commuters effortlessly. But the handlebar always felt awkward whenever spirits went sporty. The braking was adequate with the drum brakes and the optional discs should improve braking performance considerably.
SUMMING IT UP :
To sum it up, XCD 135 is well laid out bike in the commuter class category with enough sporty intent to win many traffic signal battles. It not a dull bike by any stretch but isn't a full blown speedster as well. At around 48,000/- OTR for the electric start, drum brake version, its a steal given the features it offers and hence should be able to perform better than its predecessor, XCD 125.
