What is it?
So the Bajaj V15, where do we begin. First off, lets clarify what this bike really is. Bajaj have categorically stated that this bike is a commuter — a simple 150cc motorcycle designed for pottering around in the city and is not to be confused with a café racer or a cruiser (though borrows styling cues from both). The bike is essentially a premium 150cc bike, with bold styling to set it apart from the hordes of other motorcycles in the segment.
All new?
The V15 is a completely new motorcycle from the ground up and shares no parts (“not even a pin”, if I were to quote Bajaj) with any other motorcycle from Bajaj’s current range. It sits on and all new platform and 149.5cc engine is new as well. However the tank isn’t entirely new. In a brilliant marketing ploy, Bajaj have added a small percentage of the INS Vikrant’s metal to the tank. Now the Vikrant is an aircraft carrier that used to be a part of the Indian Navy’s fleet. It was built way back in way back in 1943 and fought in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965. The V15 is a completely new bike for Bajaj, but it certainly can’t be called ‘all-new’.
What else?
Well the design of the bike is interesting. Its got a massive headlamp surrounded by chrome and though it may not appeal to everyone, this gives it some serious road presence. There are definite styling cues — especially in the tank— from Moto Guzzi. And though it is a commuter, it gets an stylish paint scheme with red stripes. The bike also gets a detachable rear-seat cowl, adding to its stylish persona.
Fun to ride?
Well its a commuter. And for a commuter, it is pretty fun. The riding position is upright and unlike other entry level motorcycles which tend sport narrow handle bars and spindly tanks, the V15 makes you sit with a rather wide stance. It isn’t as laid back as an Avenger, and it feels more nimble. It gets telescopic forks up front and like the Pulsar 150, twin gas-charged shocks. With a kerb weight of 135.5kg, it is just 3.5kg more than the Discover 150 and is considerably lighter than the Pulsar 150 and the recently launched Avenger 150. And for a 150cc motorcycle, it sounds great. However, surprisingly, Bajaj have given this bike a 5-speed gearbox and instead of the traditional 1-down, 5-up layout, all five gears are up.
Powerful?
The new DTS-i twin spark motor has been tuned to give more low end grunt than power at higher rpm. The bike makes 13Nm of torque, thats 0.5Nm more than the Pulsar and Avenger, and all that torque is available as low as 5,500rpm. This makes it great for use in traffic and in the city limits. Instead of trying to wring everything you can out of the throttle, you get the most out of this engine when you short-shift and keep the revs low. This just shows how clear Bajaj are about this bike being a commuter. With just 12bhp, the looks are where the sportiness of this bike ends.
Efficient?
Bajaj haven’t released their ARAI figures yet and we didn’t have enough time with the bike to test its efficiency. However, if company sources are to be believed, the V15 will return between 50 to 55km to the litre, in real-world conditions.
Value for money?
The V15 officially costs Rs. 61,000 but Bajaj are selling it with a standard accessory pack worth 1k, bringing the price up to Rs. 62,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). This accessory pack gives you the rear seat cowl, a grab rail, church guard and saree guard. Now for Rs. 62,000, you are getting a decently performing motorcycle which will undoubtedly stand out from the crowd. And you’re taking home a little bit of history as well, with the metal in the fuel tank. Is that a good enough bang-for-your-buck? We certainly think so.