2017 Bajaj V12 review, test ride

The 10.7hp 125cc block, as promised, delivers well on torque – 11Nm at 5,500rpm to be precise. This available from early on, and delivery is linear all throughout. The bike picks up speed better than we expected, and will cross into the 80-100kph bracket fairly easily. In fact, we even managed to clock 105kph on the speedo – not bad for a 125cc commuter. Engine vibrations are fairly well-contained until about 80kph, after which they manifest perceptibly in the seat and foot pegs. However, commuters won’t generally be riding at those speeds. On the whole, refinement is very good, making the V12 feel like a more premium bike than its price tag suggests.

The engine is mated to a five-speed, all-up gearbox. The addition of the fifth gear, which is uncommon in this segment, greatly helps cross the 80kph barrier most commuters are limited by and is likely to boost fuel efficiency on highway runs. The clutch and gear lever are easy to operate, though that won’t matter too much as the gearing and relatively-high torque minimise the need to change ratios.

Stopping power, due to cost-cutting, is provided by drums up front and round the back. While the rear brake bias was obvious, the front drum felt like it lacked adequate bite. However, this may very well be a function of the front drum not being fully worn in (our test bike had clocked only about 120km on the odometer when we got it).

The V12 rides on 30mm telescopic forks up front and twin gas shocks round the back. The suspension setup is reasonably pliant; it displays impressive composure on the highway, but makes for a slightly jarring ride on bad sections of the road.

The V12, as with its elder sibling, is an impressive effort from Bajaj. It matches its rivals, if not exceeds them, on almost all fronts, be it performance, ride comfort, fuel economy, price or build quality. But one place where it definitely exceeds its rivals is premium appeal. In terms of design, the V12 is a clear winner in its segment. While we still have some reservations about the butterfly headlight, the rest of the motorcycle looks and feels like it is from a class above. The materials, paint quality, finishing are all remarkable. So while the V12 merely meets the standard in terms of performance and ride, it exceeds them in terms of appeal and desirability. Which is precisely where its value lies: it adds a dash of much needed glamour (pun not intended!) to a segment that is otherwise looked down upon as utilitarian and drab. And we haven’t even discussed the Rs. 56, 283 (ex-showroom, Delhi) price tag.