On 1st February 2016, Bajaj unveiled a totally new breed of motorcycle. The motorcycle was very special to them, not just them but for the whole nation. It had something that no other motorcycle had in it. Some of the parts of the motorcycle were built from the metal of the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. Bajaj calls it a part-motorbike, part-war hero.
The History:On 12th November 1943, a majestic-class aircraft carrier's construction began. Initially named as "Hercules", it was being built for the British Royal Navy to help them during the World War II. The construction of the aircraft carrier could not be completed before the World War II ended and hence the construction was stopped. In 1957, India purchased the unfinished carrier and began to complete the construction. In 1961, the carrier was finally completed. It was commissioned as INS Vikrant, India's first aircraft carrier the same year and the Prime Minister of India inducted it to the Naval Services on 3rd November 1961. In 1971, the INS Vikrant played a major role in the Indo-Pak war. After years of service, it was time for it to retire and it was decommissioned in January 1997.
From 1997 to 2012, it was preserved in Cuffe Parade, Mumbai as a museum ship. At the end of January 2014, Vikrant was decided to be sold since it was hard to maintain it as a museum and was thus decided to be broken up into pieces. Finally, the Supreme Court gave its final approval on 12th November 2014 for the carrier to be scrapped. After hearing the news of the dismantling, Bajaj decided to do something about it, to preserve the Vikrant somehow and keep the legacy forever and hence bought some of the scrap metals from the INS Vikrant and decided to make a motorcycle with it and prevent the legacy of the India's first aircraft carrier from fading away.
First Impressions:This motorcycle may not be for everyone's liking. We have heard from many who loved the motorcycle for its looks, many more going for it just because it is being built from the metal of INS Vikrant and few complaining about its looks. Overall, the motorcycle looks very good, it definitely looks better from the side as well as the rear profile. This looks nothing like any of the Bajaj motorcycles that is there now.
The distinctive headlights, the different speedometer, the easy to remove rear seat cowl (you can use it as a single/double seater), the unique allen key integrated key (you can use it to remove the seat cowl with it), the sporty exhaust, the unique sound and most importantly, the INS Vikrant Badge on the tank cap makes it a truly unique motorcycle.
The Ride and Feel:First of all, this is just a short test ride that we got. Stay tuned as we will bring you a complete road test review very soon. Switch on the motorcycle and you are greeted with a totally unique sound. On the move, the engine feels smooth and the power seems adequate for city riding. The power delivery is linear. The bike is powered by a 149.5cc single cylinder 4-stroke SOHC 2 valve air cooled DTS-i engine that produces a maximum power of 12PS at 7500rpm and a maximum torque of 13NM at 5500rpm.
Coming to the ergonomics, you sit in a straight comfortable stance. The handlebars are definitely suited for comfortable riding and the mirrors offer excellent view of what is happening behind. The suspension too were good, though we cannot comment much as it was just a short ride. Finally, the riding dynamics (again cannot comment much), the bike felt easy to maneuver and changing directions was easy.
Verdict:Our verdict from this short ride is that Bajaj have done an exceptionally great job in making a totally new class of motorcycle. Everything on this bike looks good. The unique features on this motorcycle is like something we have not seen before, like the easy to remove seat cowl, the allen key integrated key, the unique sound (in Bajaj motorcycles).
At a price of Rs 61,999 (Ex-showroom, Delhi) and the INS Vikrant's metal used in this motorcycle, definitely makes it a great deal. Finally let us know as to what makes you to love the Bajaj V15? Tell us in the comments section below and stay tuned as we will bring you a complete road test review soon.
By: Rakesh Gowda
