The Malaysian two-wheeler market has been long dominated by the kapchais, mopeds and scooters. However, things are rapidly changing and the market is opening up for touring bikes and street bikes as well. Keeping that in mind, last year Modenas introduced the rebadged V15 in Malaysia.

Modenas teamed up with the Indian automaker Bajaj to bring the V15 into Malaysia along with two other Pulsar models. So what is there to like about the Modenas V15 which is sold in almost 75 other countries? Here are a few features which distinguish it from other bikes in the same segment and make it a good buy.

1. Classic retro design

While a lot of two-wheeler manufacturers these days are experimenting extensively with designs, the V15 flaunts a sober yet very elegant and classy design. Designed on the lines of a cafe racer it features a compact design with a massive fuel tank. At the front, there’s a bulging out headlight with a small windscreen. The seating is flat and the pillion portion is covered by a classy removable cowl with a small back pad to add to its racy looks. On the tank, you can spot an inscription claiming that the steel used to make the bike was from the legendary retired Indian aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

Overall, the design is very neat with minimum badging and is equally supported by two classic colour schemes- white and black. Simplicity has its own charm and it is evident from the Modenas V15.

2. Highly frugal engine

The entire idea behind the V15 is to cruise along the roads flaunting its design while still being economical. Powering the bike is a 150 cc, DTS-I, twin spark, twin valve, single-cylinder engine that churns out a max power of 12 PS at 7,500 rpm and 13 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 rpm. Normally a mill with this kind of output is high on fuel consumption but that’s not the case with the V15. According to company claims, it returns a generous fuel-efficiency of 57 kmpl and has a massive 13 litre fuel tank. If we go by these figures, it has the best-in-class fuel-efficiency and long cruising capabilities without frequent fuel-filling stops.

3. Good quality built

As we mentioned earlier, the steel which is used to build the V15 is from an Indian retired aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Therefore, the build quality is extremely solid and superior. The bike is 2,044mm long, 780mm wide and stands 1,070mm tall. Majority of the body is built from this steel. That said, the bike doesn't gain additional weight due to the steel used and has a kerb weight of 136 kg.

4. Great riding experience

The V15 is built on a double down-tube frame and comes fitted with a comfortable seat placed at a height of 780 mm. That's decent enough to support a good riding posture. Suspension is handled by telescopic front forks and dual shock at the rear which can very well absorb the road bumps. To add to that, it comes fitted with an 18-inch alloy wheel wrapped in 90/90 tubeless tyre up front and a 16-inch alloy wheel with 120/80 tubeless tyre at the rear which aids a stable riding experience. The V15 can be easily be brought to a still without much efforts owing to a 240 mm disc at the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear.

5. Competitive price

We saved the best one for the last. All the aforementioned features attract a handsome price tag but this cafe racer street bike is available at just RM5,989 (excluding road tax and insurance). That’s really a great deal considering the attractive looks and impressive fuel-efficiency that the bike offers. Moreover, if you buy it before 1st September you can enjoy an additional 6 percent discount as the Malaysian government scrapped the Goods and Services Tax (GST) a few weeks earlier.

With a market that’s largely dominated by identical kapchais and mopeds, it’s refreshing to see a distinctively designed bike like the V15. We anticipate that it will continue its big buzz in the Malaysian two-wheeler market.