Bajaj Auto teases V range; to be made from INS Vikrant metal

Bajaj V to be Launched on February 1, 2016

Bajaj Auto

's next major brand has been in the offing for quite some time now and the Indian auto giant has finally given us the glimpse of the all new 150cc motorcycle that will be called the 'V', ahead of the official launch scheduled on February 1, 2016. The bike maker launched a teaser video on the 67th Republic Day teasing the scrambler styled motorcycle, but making it special is its build with the metal sourced from the decommissioned INR Vikrant aircraft carrier.

The 2016 Bajaj V also carries a special badge that reads "Made with the invincible metal of the INS Vikrant", which is enough to invoke the valour and lineage that the warship stands for. To be positioned between the Pulsar and Discover 150 models, the new V 150 is the highly speculated motorcycle that was spotted testing late last year. Unlike the conventional commuters on sale today, Bajaj has attempted to offer something unique with the V as the teaser reveals a retro designed motorcycle sporting a round headlamp with a bikini fairing, single seat, alloy wheels and a neatly sculpted fuel tank.

The slightly raised handlebars, twin rear shocks and centre set foot pegs give away the commuter status on the motorcycle. Also, expect to see the new V 3D emblem on the fuel tank seated with pride. Bajaj Auto hasn't specified anything about engine options yet, but a 150cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine is expected to power the V, churning out around 14.3bhp and develop 12.75Nm of torque with a 5-speed gearbox. A lot of the other components will be shared with the Discover and Pulsar models in a bid to keep the costs in check, but pricing can be expected to be at a marginal premium over the Discover 150 S and F models. 

An extremely interesting move by Bajaj, the automaker has emphasized on keeping the legacy of the INS Vikrant alive and has promises that the V will be one of the most path breaking motorcycles, the customers will witness this year. The bike is also certain to make for an extremely appreciated collectible and should be quite popular with the armed forces.

Doing a quick reminder on India's first aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant started life as the HMS Hercules in 1943 for the British Royal Navy commissioned during World War II. But the war ended sooner than expected and the construction could not be completed. Instead, India purchased the ship back in 1957 from the British and the warship was officially inducted into the Indian Navy in 1961.
Having played important roles in the 1961 Goa liberation as well as the Indo-Pak war of 1971, the aircraft carrier was eventually decommissioned in 1997 and was preserved as a museum from thereon. When dismantled last year, Bajaj purchased the Vikrant metal and processed it to be a part of its new motorcycle, thereby preserving a significant part of the military history.