INR 1,80,000. That’s how much Bajaj Auto paid for INS Vikrant’s scrap metal to build their new V15 premium commuter motorcycle. According to a recent report, Bajaj purchased 1 metric tonne of aluminium, along with 2 metric tonnes of iron and steel generated from the decommissioned and dismantled aircraft carrier from I B Commercials, the sole dealer of the warship’s scrap metal. While the recycled metal has only been used in the V’s fuel tank, Bajaj reckons that it’ll only last for a couple of year’s of production, which amounts to a few million motorcycles.
The Bajaj V15 was unveiled earlier this month, ahead of the 2016 Auto Expo. The premium commuter is powered by a 150cc DTS-i engine that delivers maximum torque of 13 Nm at 5500 RPM, and a peak power of 12 PS power at 7500 rpm. Other highlights include a 55/60W trapezoidal headlamp, 33 mm diameter front fork and rear shock absorbers – the largest in its class, a removable rear seat cowl, an instrument cluster with a dual colour LED fuel level indicator, LED tail lamp, aluminium die-cast wheels with a double spoke design, a 240 mm front disc brake and a 120 section rear tire.
But the principal highlight of the Bajaj V is the late INS Vikrant’s metallic contribution. Dismantled in 2014 and decommissioned by the Indian government in 1997, the INS Vikrant was Indian Navy’s first ever aircraft carrier. It played its bit as a war hero, having owned its crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Back to Bajaj and its V, the company plans to produce 20,000 bikes every month. An official launch is expected next month, with prices ranging from INR 60,000-70,000.
Bajaj V15 Specifications:
| Parameter | V15 |
| Engine | |
| Type | Single cylinder, 4 stroke, SOHC 2 valve, Air cooled, DTS-i |
| Displacement(cc) | 149.5 |
| Max power(PS @ RPM) | 12 @ 7500 |
| Max torque(Nm @RPM) | 13 @ 5500 |
| Suspension | |
| Front | Telescopic |
| Front fork dia. (mm) | 33 |
| Rear | Twin-Spring loaded hydraulic type- with gas filled |
| Brakes | |
| Front | 240 dia disc |
| Rear | 130 dia drum |
| Tyres | |
| Front | 90/90 – 18 51P |
| Rear | 120/80 -16 60P |
| Fuel tank | |
| Total litres | 13 |
| Reserve | 1.7 |
| Electricals | |
| System | 12 V, 4 Ah VRLA |
| Headlamp | 55/60 W |
| Dimensions | |
| Length(mm) | 2044 |
| Width(mm) | 780 |
| Height(mm) | 1070 |
| Ground clearance(mm) | 165 |
| Wheelbase(mm) | 1315 |
| Kerb weight(kg) | 135.5 |
| Saddle height(mm) | 780 |
