Bajaj V15 Launched in India; To be priced under Rs. 65,000

Bajaj Auto on Monday sounded the launch season alarm by taking the wraps of its latest segment creator, the V15. With just two days before the biggest motoring show in the country, the Auto Expo 2016, the company announced that the motorcycle would have a 150cc engine, but still compete with commuters. The V15 is set to target the sweet spot between the 125cc commuters priced under Rs. 60,000 and 150cc premium bikes priced above Rs. 70,000, and is likely to be priced under Rs. 65,000. The motorcycle brings in a unique patriotism flavour, having been built from metal salvaged from India's first aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which was dismantled in 2014. The company intends to produce 20,000 V15 models each month, beginning from February 5. The bike will reach dealerships by March, and will be produced for about 2 years. With pricing under Rs. 65,000, the V15 would become the least expensive 150cc motorcycle available in the country.

The V15 borrows its engine from the Pulsar 150, which is powered by a 149.5cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled DTS-i engine that is coupled to a 5-speed transmission. Its engine produces maximum power of 11.76bhp at 7,500rpm with peak torque of 13Nm at 5,500rpm.

Rajiv Bajaj, MD of Bajaj Auto, while speaking about the V15 said that the company firmly believes in the adage: 'There is no replacement for displacement'. He recounted the launch of the original Pulsar 180, which was the first bike of its kind with a 180cc engine, at a time when competitors only offered 150cc engines. Bajaj mentioned in as many words that he intends to "crack the impenetrable hold that Hero MotoCorp has over the commuter motorcycles market", and that the V15 is a step in this direction.

Speaking about the INS Vikrant angle, he went on to say that the company had procured the metal from the carrier and processed it into ingots, after due testing and certification for manufacture. These ingots are supplied to their parts manufacturers, who will in turn use these ingots in manufacturing the fuel tank assembly. However, he did not reveal how much per cent of  the metal in this assembly is from the ingot.  

While teasing the bike, Mr. Eric Vas, President (Motorcycle Business), Bajaj Auto Ltd said, “For decades, the INS Vikrant has been celebrated as the pride of our country and is synonymous with Indian military capabilities and power projection. We are proud that Bajaj Auto is playing a role in keeping the legacy of India’s first aircraft carrier alive.” He added, “For the warship, the name Vikrant was taken from the Sanskrit word Vikr?nta meaning "stepping beyond", i.e. "courageous" or "bold". These qualities also form the essence of our new brand. We are confident that the bike will carry the spirit and legacy of INS Vikrant forward and become one of the most path-breaking motorcycles, that customers will witness this year.”

Earlier the company had launched the most affordable motorcycle of the country, the Bajaj CT100B with the starting price of Rs. 31,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The bike will be available in two colours namely - Ebony Black and Pearl White with an INS Vikrant insignia on the fuel tank.

Watch Launch Video of Bajaj V