Bajaj V12, 125cc bike based on V15 platform, launched at Rs 56,200

Bajaj Auto has added a new 125cc commuter motorcycle christened as V12 in its V range. The V12 will be the younger sibling of the popular V15 that Bajaj Auto launched in March. The V15 uses metal of the dismantled INS Vikrant — India's first aircraft carrier — in the fuel tank. Bajaj Auto has confirmed that the V12 will be priced at Rs 56,200, ex-showroom Delhi.

The market launch and deliveries of the V12 is expected to begin soon and details on the motorcycle are scarce at the moment. Bajaj will continue to use a small amount of metal from the dismantled INS Vikrant on the V12. The connection of V with the Majestic-class aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy is a USP for the brand. The younger sibling will also retain removable rear cowl, a unique feature of V brand that sports café racer style.

The V12 will share the engine of the Discover family. It will be powered by 124.6cc single cylinder DTS-i engine that develops 10bhp at 8000rpm and 10.8Nm of torque at 5500rpm mated to five-speed gearbox. The numbers may get tweaked for the V12.

The V12 will go up against the likes of the Honda Shine, Hero Glamour and TVS Phoenix in the Indian two-wheeler market. The bigger sibling, the V15 is priced at Rs 62,132, ex-showroom Delhi.

The V brand is one of the most successful model ranges of Bajaj Auto. The V15 has notched sales figure of 2 lakh within eight months of its launch. The company is said to have ramped up the production of the motorcycle from September owing to the skyrocketing demand. With the arrival of V12, Bajaj Auto will be eyeing a huge jump in sales in the commuter segment.