We at BikeWale have caught Bajaj Auto's new commuter motorcycle on test. Though the bike is a heavily camouflaged one, it is clear from the overall silhouette of the test motorcycle that this isn't your everyday, textbook commuter. The new Bajaj commuter which will be sold under an all-new brand but will co-exist with the current Discover in the executive class, will try to offer a stylish, desirable and easy to ride option to the likes of the Honda Shine.
Now, in terms of design, the Bajaj commuter will follow the Avenger series, making it the most affordable cruiser one can buy. The telling signs are the chassis, the rear suspension, wheel size and the rear end design, all of which mirror that of the Bajaj Avenger 150 very closely. As a result, this new commuter will have a low seat height for both rider and pillion and because it must appeal to a wider audience, Bajaj has chosen to go in for neutrally positioned footpegs instead of forward biased ones seen on the Avenger.
The front however, is significantly different. The new Bajaj commuter runs a much sharper rake along with a flat handlebar compared to the Avenger's raked out front and lazier bar. This change clearly reflects the new Bajaj's intent of being a city bike. Additionally, it gets a bulbous fuel tank, fat rear tyre and a big looking exhaust, all in a bid to make the motorcycle standout and appeal to younger audiences. As for that Pulsar headlamp and clocks, these are a dummy, a distraction. This means either the new Bajaj commuter will come with twin exposed clocks and a naked headlamp or a bikini fairing that will define the new brand's identity and Bajaj doesn't want to risk running it just yet.
As for the motorcycle's mechanicals, the new commuter gets regular telescopic forks, a 17inch alloy wheel and what looks like a 240mm single disc to handle braking duties at the front. While at the rear, the swingarm is new and it holds a 16 inch rear wheel (like the Avenger) with a 130mm drum brake and is suspended on gas charged twin shocks.
The engine meanwhile looks like a new unit or a heavily revised one. This one in all probability is a 150cc, single cylinder unit which should pump out around 14bhp-15bhp and should come mated to a 5-speed 'box. But, as we have seen with the Discover brand, there could be lesser capacity options on the new Bajaj commuter as well.
This new Bajaj commuter will hit showrooms in the first half of the new year. Stay tuned to BikeWale as we get you more information on this new Bajaj bike.
