With new safety regulations coming in from 1st April 2019, all bikes above 125cc have to be equipped with ABS while those in the sub 125 cc segment should have CBS. The updated bikes from Bajaj Auto Limited, with new prices and photos, have either already been launched, or have leaked online.
All these updated Bajaj motorcycles have been fitted with ABS / CBS depending on the category, except for the V15. Bikewale reports that this could very well mean that the company has decided to discontinue this model which pays tribute to the INS Vikrant, the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier.
The Bajaj V Series pays homage to the INS Vikrant and is built from old scrap metal discarded from the aircraft carrier. This special touch is what garnered some initial attention, when it was launched in March 2016. Bajaj V15 received huge response with monthly sales crossing the 25k mark. In the first 8 months of launch, Bajaj sold more than 2 lakh units of V15 across India. This resulted in the launch of V12.
But, against all expectations, V12 did not meet a similar fate. Sales of V12 failed to reach expected levels and thus was discontinued in July 2018. Bajaj V15 too is heading for a similar fate, if the new report is to be believed.
Bajaj V15, a premium commuter motorcycle, had noted sales of just 30,238 units in 2018. In 2019, sales have dipped even further. The main reason for its poor performance in terms of sales could be the fact that it is priced close to that of the Pulsar 150 Classic/Neon edition, which is better both in looks and performance. The Bajaj V15 is priced at Rs.65,178 while the Pulsar 150 Neon carries a price tag of Rs.64,998 and this negligible price difference is what makes buyers opt for the more popular Pulsar.
The Bajaj V15 is powered by a 149.5cc, air cooled DTS-i engine offering 14 bhp power and 12.7 Nm torque mated to a 5 speed gearbox. The Bajaj Pulsar 150 on the other hand gets a BS VI ready 150cc, single cylinder engine offering 14 PS power at 8,000 rpm and 13.4 Nm torque at 6,000 rpm and offers 50 kmpl mileage. It receives better fit and finish and the latest in features including a single-channel ABS setup.