Bajaj V12 launched with disc brake version

Bajaj has introduced the V12 with a disc brake now. The disc brake is only for the front and it costs INR 3,000 more than the drum brake version. The V12 is more like the stripped down version of the V15, which was launched in early 2016. This also gets the Vikrant metal, which is the marketing strategy of the company. Bajaj is looking at offering front disc brake for those who are looking at better safety on their bike. This is an exciting bike if you look at it from the point-of-view of Indian history.

Bajaj V12 Price in India

The Bajaj V12 is priced at INR 67,000 (on-road, Pune). This is approximately  INR 6,000 lesser than the V15.  The price will depend on the city you are based in. However, this is a very aggressive pricing for this bike.

Bajaj V12 Mileage

As this is a 125cc engine, it will return 50-55km/l depending on city and highway riding.

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Bajaj V12 Design

The Bajaj V12 looks identical to the similar to the V15. It retains the classic look of a partly a cafe racer at the rear. This is one of the strongest USPs of the bike and Bajaj continues with the same design on the 125cc version as well. There is no difference on the styling front. The V12 looks exactly like the V15. Customers have liked this look of the bike and hence Bajaj has made no changes in the styling. The cafe racer like look makes the V12 feel premium and is helping the V brand sell good numbers. Bajaj has been growing its sales and V has been a good success for the company. Bajaj had mentioned a new V will be launched with a new engine, and they have delivered the second engine pretty quick.

There are some differences though in this bike. The instrument cluster on the Bajaj V12 uses an analogue fuel gauge instead of a digital one, as on the V15. It also gets slimmer front forks. The alloy wheel design is the same, but they are made of a different grade. The headlamp is of 35W instead of 55W on the V15.  The tyres also are slimmer. The Bajaj V12 has a drum brake in the front, instead of a disc brake.

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Bajaj V12 Engine

The engine of the Bajaj V12 is is derived from the V15. It is a 124.4cc, BS-IV compliant engine and has a power of 10bhp@7500rpm and a torque of 11Nm@5500rpm. The torque figures are best-in class. The engine has more than sufficient power for daily city riding. This 125cc engine comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, which is again a highlight in this segment. The only other bike in this segment with a five-speed gearbox is Bajaj’s own Discovery 125.

The Bajaj V12 engine is tuned for comfortable and easy city riding. It is more of a comfortable cruiser around town, making it easy to ride daily in the city. The engine is responsive and the torque spread is even. The best part according to me is the ease in which the bike runs in fifth gear. You can potter around in the fifth gear at 30-40km/h and the bike also goes upto 100km/h. Most commuter riders are not very savvy about perfect gear shifts and this wide spread of torque makes the ride much easier. The engine felt more refined than the first V15 we rode. Clearly, Bajaj has worked in the refinement department. The exhaust note is also very similar to the V15, which is deep and throaty. It feels like a bigger bike just by the sound.

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Bajaj V12 Ride and Handling

The ride of the Bajaj V12 is very pliant. This is complimented by a very comfortable seat and well positioned handlebar, which is again quite broad. Short riders too will find it easy to ride. The Bajaj V12 uses 30mm dia front forks and twin gas shocks at the rear. We have always liked the way Bajaj tunes its suspensions and the Bajaj V12 is right up there. The suspension is well balance for city riding on good roads, as well as on broken tarmac or rural roads. The bike soaked up most undulations with ease. Even when you encounter a sudden pothole or ditch, it doesn’t loose composure or toss you up.

The braking is very average, due to the drum brakes. We would have preferred a disc brake. Bajaj officials indicate that they are ready with a disc brake version and it will be introduced later. The tyres do their job well and suit the purpose the V12 is built for. The tyres are a good for use on both tarmac and unpaved roads, usually found in rural areas.

Bajaj V12 Colours

The Bajaj V12 comes in black and red colour options

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Bajaj V12 Specifications