Bajaj Auto to unveil ‘V’ 150cc premium commuter built with metal from INS Vikrant ship

Motorcyclists with a desire to possess a bit of India’s military history for themselves can now look forward to February 1^st, 2016, when Bajaj will unveil the ‘V’. A completely new brand from the Pune-based bike major, the V is a premium commuter motorcycle that is built with metal salvaged from India’s first aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant. It is still unclear if the new motorcycle – that could also possibly be called the V150 – will be a standalone model or the first of the line-up in the new brand. The ‘V’ in the name, of course, stands for ‘Vikrant’.

Originally commissioned as the HMS Hercules for the British Royal Navy for participation in World War II, the carrier was bought by the Indian government in 1957 and inducted into our naval services in 1961. After years of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in January 1997 and served as a museum till 2012. In November 2014, the INS VIkrant was dismantled and its scrap metal sold to Bajaj Auto. Bajaj Auto purchased the Vikrant metal and processed it to be a part of its new brand being unveiled on Feb 1.

That is the genesis of the upcoming V bike. From what we’ve seen in the teaser images and the accompanying video, the bike features a scrambler-like retro styling with a small bikini fairing, a long and low fuel tank, and just-so-slightly stepped pillion seat. Split five-spoke alloys with front disc brake and conventional twin shock-absorbers at the rear complete the look. There’s a special marine-themed logo embossed on the tank signifying the bike’s military origins.

Although Bajaj hasn’t revealed any powertrain details as of now, we reckon the V (or V150) will get the 150cc mill and five-speed gearbox from the Discover 150S. It is unclear just how much of the Vikrant’s scrap metal will find its way into every single unit, but Bajaj estimates that it has enough to continue production for two years. After that, it is likely that the company will introduce a slightly cheaper regular version of the bike.

Commenting on the upcoming unveil of the motorcycle, Eric Vas, President (Motorcycle Business), Bajaj Auto Ltd, said “For decades, the INS Vikrant has been celebrated as the pride of our country and is synonymous with Indian military capabilities and power projection. We are proud that Bajaj Auto is playing a role in keeping the legacy of India’s first aircraft carrier alive.”

“For the warship, the name Vikrant was taken from the Sanskrit word Vikrānta meaning "stepping beyond", i.e. "courageous" or "bold".  These qualities also form the essence of our new brand. We are confident that the bike will carry the spirit and legacy of INS Vikrant forward and become one of the most path-breaking motorcycles, that customers will witness this year.” he added.