Bajaj Teases Premium Commuter V150, Made From the Metal of INS VIkrant

Bajaj Auto has teased its new premium commuter motorcycle that will be revealed on February 1 and is made from the metal of the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier.

By Sameer Contractor

1 mins read

Published on January 27, 2016

Highlights

Bajaj Auto couldn't have selected a better day to tease its upcoming premium commuter motorcycle with a new video, which will be officially unveiled on February 1. While the new model, which is likely to be christened V150, will be bringing in something unique to the segment, what makes really special is the fact that the bike has been built using the metal of the INS Vikrant, India's first aircraft carrier that was dismantled back in 2014. The Bajaj V150 (where V stands for Vikrant) is the much talked about commuter motorcycle that was spotted testing for the first time late last year. The unconventional design raised a few eyebrows and the teaser video the reveals the bike's silhouette only adds more curiosity. On the outset, the low-slung scrambler styled motorcycle sports a retro design language with the contoured fuel tank, bikini fairing and a single-piece curved seat that gets a rear cowl. You can also make out the multi-spoke alloy wheels sourced from the Pulsar RS 200 with fatter tyres. While the bike gets telescopic front forks and rear twin-shock absorbers. The motorcycle will also get the V badge on the fuel tank, similar to the new Avenger range. In terms of power, the Bajaj V150 is expected to use a 150cc single-cylinder, air-cooled motor expected to produce around 14bhp of power and develop 12.75Nm of torque, whilst paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The new Bajaj V150 also carries a special marine badge that reads, "Made with the invincible metal of INS Vikrant". This not only adds more credibility to the motorcycle but will surely invoke nostalgia amidst our brothers in uniform. It is believed that Bajaj has sourced enough metal from the aircraft carrier to manufacture the bike for a good two years. That said, the volumes for the premium commuter bike have not been revealed yet. Complete information regarding the new model will be available on February 1 and pricing is expected to be at a slight premium compared to the Discover 150 in the automaker's lineup. Talking India's first aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant was initially called the HMS Hercules in 1943 and was commissioned in the British Royal Navy during World War II. Evidently, the ship never served in the war as it ended before the construction could be completed. India purchased the ship in 1957 and the carrier was officially inducted into the Indian Navy in 1961. The INS Vikrant played pivotal roles during the Liberation of Goa in 1961 as well as the India-Pakistan war in 1971. The carrier was officially decommissioned in 1997 with plans to be preserved as a heritage but was subsequently sold for dismantling to the highest bidder.