Bajaj has unveiled a new commuter in the market by the brand name “V”, implementing a unique idea of utilizing the scrap metal of the erstwhile aircraft carrier- INS Vikrant. Bajaj had acquired a substantial part of the decommissioned warship from the Indian Navy in 2014 when it was auctioned as scrap. Using the metal of the Vikrant in manufacturing a whole new brand of motorcycle is certainly a very thoughtful act by Bajaj.Bajaj has not only successfully treasured the part of our history in a very surprising manner but also managed to grab the attention of a huge market through the sentimental approach. The marketing of the new “V” seems bang on target and Bajaj has seemingly tried hard to put the end product worthwhile associating with the pride of the entire nation. Let’s see the inside out of the new Bajaj V, which is called as invincible by the company:
Style & DesignThe New Bajaj V has been designed from the scratch by the design team of Bajaj; the entire bike is built around a stiff double cradle frame. Bajaj had tried to give the new “V” as a larger than life image to complement the association of the Vikrant in its making.
The bulbous fuel tank is the center of attraction and it reminds the curves of the Pulsar Classic series bikes launched in back 2001. As a matter of fact, the tall stance of the Bajaj-V15 is called as “Neo Classic” look by the company. To build a motorbike which has an element of history in it, the company had to stick to both durability and aesthetic factors. On one hand Bajaj has used the tried and tested 150cc Dtsi mill for that reliability and on the other hand they have given a retro look to the bike by including café racer like rear seat cowl and upswept exhaust.
Although, the rear seat cowl is designed aesthetically and it does look as an integrated part of the motorbike but the practicality of it is questionable and it is also suspected to give the unwanted rattle while riding. The cowl is removable and one can do so with the help of the main ignition key of the bike, there is virtually no need for any sort of tool to remove the seat cowl at all.
Coming to the trapezoidal headlamp of the new Bajaj V, it looks debatable and if you ask me I would rather like a simple round headlight to be featured on the bike. Anyway, Bajaj has equipped the headlight with 60W lamp for better illumination and the headlamp is also featured with cool looking pilot lamps. The rear taillight of the new “V” is nicely integrated to the rear panel fixed on the sub frame of the bike; Bajaj has given the LED lights for the tail-lamp.
Instrument Console & SwitchgearThe new Bajaj V is featured with analog meter cluster with bold speedometer on left side and there is prominent fuel gauge given on the right alongside the neutral indicator. The Fuel Gauge is equipped with LED lights and the color of the LED gets changed as the level of fuel varies (it gets Red when the fuel level drops drastically).
The switchgear is been borrowed from the other family members and there is nothing new to the Bajaj-V15 as far as switchgear is concerned. The company has given the rubber boots on the foot pegs instead of using the aluminum ones. There is weight balancers used on the short and upright fixed handlebar.
Engine & PerformanceBajaj has plonked the same old 150cc Dtsi engine to the new “V”, the mill is equipped with 2- valve setup and it is tuned for better torque figures. The heart of the new Bajaj V gets its peak torque of 13 Nm at 5500 Rpm and it simply means that one can get the maximum torque as early as 5500 rpm and one does not wait to get the maximum from the bike till its engine reaches to the more rpm.
Bajaj has tuned the engine of the new V15 in such a way that it not only delivers the peak torque at early 5500 rpm but also delivers as much as 12 Nm of torque at as low as 3000 Rpm. This trait of the engine makes the new Bajaj-V a very pleasant riding machine especially in neck to neck traffic condition.
However, the power figure on the papers is not encouraging at all and the 150cc engine peaks its Power at 7500 Rpm with only 12 Ps. The limited power delivery of the engine restricts the bike to a limited top speed and it is expected that with these figures the new Bajaj –V would get a top whack of 115-120 Kmph only.
Tyres, Brakes and SuspensionThe Bajaj-V is featured with front 90/90 - 18 51P and 120/80 -16 60P rear tyre. Unfortunately Bajaj has chosen “Eurogrip” tyres with distinct treads. It would have been much better if Bajaj would have chosen at least MRF tyres for the newcomer.
As far as Brakes are concerned, the bike is equipped with 130mm drum brake at the rear wheel and there is 240mm petal disc brake featured on the front wheel. The new Bajaj V comes with meaty 33mm front telescopic suspension while Nitrox gas filled twin suspensions are doing duty at the rear.
Price & ColorThe new Bajaj-V comes in two color options- Ebony Black and Pearl White. The price of the motorcycle is not been disclosed yet and as per company’s official statement it is going to be somewhere in between Rs 60,000 to 70,000 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi). It is also given as a hint from the officials that the price is going to be closer to Rs 60K rather than 70K. The new Bajaj-V will be available at the Bajaj showrooms across the country by early or mid of March’16.
By: Sharjeel Khan
