Dislike: High speeds and initial throttle response
As you can tell from the previous point I made, the V15 isn’t too happy to handle even short 70-80kmph highway runs. It’ll manage but you know it’s the disgruntled worker rather than a busy bee. This isn’t an issue for hardcore urban commuters at all. But if you’ve got a highway stretch you’ve to cover regularly, pay attention to higher speed feel during the test ride.
Also pay attention to the initial throttle response. I’ll confirm this at the road test but our test bike consistently jumped forward from low revs. It’s a tendency that carbureted bikes don’t often display and it makes low speed work hard to do clutch-free.
Dislike: Small bump absorption
While the Bajaj V15 will swallow bigger bumps whole and make light work of really bad roads, it does have a stiff-edged feel over smaller irregularities. Now this isn’t severe enough to be a discomfort issue. But perhaps a more supple ride would have given the V15 a more luxurious feel that would have made the experience a lot more special. As is, the V15 is comfortable but I think the ride quality can be improved.
Dislike: Mandatory accessories
This is just asking for trouble. Bajaj list a price for the V15 and then tack on another small price for ‘compulsory accessories.’ These include a grab rail, the rear seat cowl and a couple of other bits. I have to question the clarity of logic in this policy. As the comments from our previous V15 story already show, the two prices cause confusion and many think the Bajaj dealer is trying to make a little extra money.
I’ve no problem with Bajaj bundling the bits with the bike. Product packaging is Bajaj’s prerogative. I do think however, that a single price – including all those bits if need be – would create far less confusion and apprehension. Since the V15 is anyway hard to classify, a price tag Rs 2, 000 higher shouldn’t deter the target customers the least bit.
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