Bajaj’s V Is a Not-so-Impressive Attempt to Honour the INS Vikrant

The 150cc Bajaj V has been made from the metal used in INS Vikrant, which will hit the showrooms in March.

The 150cc Bajaj V (Photo Courtesy: Bajaj)

There was plenty of buzz when Bajaj announced that their new bike ‘V’ has been made using the metal from INV Vikrant, Indian first aircraft carrier, that shot into prominence during the 1970 Indo-Pak War.

Honestly, we were excited about this bike which pays tribute to the Indian army warship and carries with it a piece of history.

Unfortunately it turned out to be just another commuter bike.

What’s even worse is that Bajaj didn’t announce the price and instead, gave us a price range – the Bajaj V will cost somewhere between Rs 60,000-70,000, and will hit the showrooms in March 2016.

The ‘invincible’ V, as Bajaj calls it, is powered by a four-stroke 149.5cc DTS-i engine that churns out 12 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 13 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. To stop the V, Bajaj has provided a 240mm disc brake at the front, but the back gets a simple 130mm drum brake.

It comes with a 13-litre tank capacity and weighs 135 kilos (kerb).

The tribute by Bajaj to India’s first aircraft carrier, could have certainly used a bigger engine, something like a 220cc or a 200cc at least.

Bajaj V from the back. (Photo Courtesy: Bajaj)

The bike looks utterly dull from the front. The headlamps could be the deal breaker for many, as it goes against the aggressive build of the bike. Perhaps a simple round headlamp would have done the trick.

The V is not completely ugly though, as the cafe-racer inspired stance and the rear end looks great, and are complimented by a muscular tank and chrome touches here and there.

What’s unique is the removable seat cowl which can turn the V into a two-seater whenever you want, as there is seating underneath it.

The removable seat cowl on Bajaj V. (Photo Courtesy: Bajaj)

Although this bike will be marketed as ‘made from INS Vikrant’, it is only the fuel tank that is made out of it.

We just hope that the company has a proper tribute lined up for the future, something that is big, loud and aggressive. It is okay if it is a few thousand units only, as a bike with such heritage has the scope of becoming the country’s first bike that lands up on every kid’s bedroom wall as a poster.

As for this one, it will end up being a regular, everyday commuter bike.

Bajaj V Features

• Engine: 149.5 cc, single cylinder, 4 stroke, air-cooled, SOHC, DTS-i

• Power: 12 hp @ 7500 rpm
• Torque: 13 Nm @ 5500 rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 13 litres
• Weight: 135 kg (kerb)