Bajaj has unveiled its new commuter motorcycle brand, called V, in the Indian market. The first model in this range, christened Bajaj V15, will be positioned between the Discover and the Pulsar range, strengthening the company’s commuter motorcycle line-up.
The biggest highlight of the Bajaj V15 is its connection to the INS Vikrant - our country's first aircraft carrier. The INS Vikrant had played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. After it was decommissioned and eventually dismantled, Bajaj purchased the metal of the INS Vikrant. In an attempt to preserve the legacy of this icon, Bajaj has recycled this and used it to make the fuel tank of the V15.
When it comes to styling, Bajaj has taken a completely new approach with the V15. Though it is underpinned by a revised version of the Avenger’s double cradle type frame, the aesthetics draw inspiration from the cafe racer genre. The sculpted fuel tank, side panels, chrome-rimmed headlamp and tail lamp attempt to give the motorcycle a neo retro look. The frame and fork bottles are painted in black, while the engine and rear panels gets a brushed silver finish. One of the unique features of the V15 is the removable rear cowl, which can convert the bike into a trendy single seater in less than a minute. However, the handlebar and the neutral set footpegs hint at a more commuter-oriented approach. The instrument cluster, which comprises of a speedometer and fuel gauge, gets a very basic and minimalistic design.
At the heart of the Bajaj V15 is a 150cc single-cylinder engine, based on the same DTS-i mill from the Avenger. Delivering 12bhp and 13Nm of torque, the engine is mated to a five-speed transmission. The gearbox gets a heel and toe shifter, with a one down four up shift pattern. The 18-inch front wheel rides on conventional 33mm telescopic front forks while the 16-inch rear wheel rides on dual springs. The brake setup is made of a disc brake at the front and a drum unit in the rear.
The Bajaj V15 is offered in two dual-tone paint schemes - ebony black and pearl white. Initially, Bajaj will roll out around 20,000 units of the V15 every month. It will compete with executive commuter motorcycles like the Hero Hunk and the Yamaha SZ-RR. Bajaj will commence deliveries of the motorcycle by March, with a price tag between Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000.
