After successfully launching the Bajaj V15 in India in March, 2016, the automaker has now launched the new 125cc Bajaj V12 at a price tag of Rs. 56,283, ex-showroom, Delhi. Bajaj V12 is a second addition to its line up of motorcycles that have metal from the decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
The V12 looks similar to its elder sibling the V15, except some cost saving cosmetic changes. The Bajaj V15 quickly gained popularity, primarily due to its connect with the erstwhile Indian Naval Carrier INS Vikrant and has sold more than 1.6 lakh units till date.
It is powered by a 124.5cc single cylinder, air cooled, DTS-i engine that produces 10.7 PS of maximum power at 7,500 rpm and 10.98 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm. It is perhaps an engine borrowed from Bajaj Discover 125.
Although both the models look similar, Bajaj has offered the V12 with different features and has also changed the dimensions of the Bajaj V12. The Bajaj V12 is shorter than the V15 by 4mm which is now 1,066 mm.
The V12 has a 130 mm drum setup front and back. An optional disc brake variant is not available. The headlight is a 35 watt DC unit instead of the 55 watt bulb seen in the V15. 2.75-18 tyre at the front and 100/90-16 at the rear. The Bajaj V12 also gets twin shocks, Nitrox (Gas filled) suspension instead of the twin-spring loaded hydraulic type with gas filled suspension on the V15.
Currently dealers have the bike only in two color options Wine Red and Ebony Black. The bike gets the same instrument cluster, body graphics, chrome-tipped matte black exhaust pipe, saree guard and grab rails. V12 gets the same removable cowl for the rear seats as the V15. All of this keep the production costs low. That said the smaller capacity engine has aided in a bit of weight reduction as the new bike tips the scale at 133kg.