Bajaj scooter update 1

Bajaj scooter update 1

I have now pulled the motor out of the Bajaj to get the kick start shaft replaced. Finding some information on the scooter has been interesting to say the least, apparently the Indian manufacturer Bajaj made some scooters out of parts from various Italian model machines.

This explains why a lot of scooterists think they are dodgy asian scooters made out of spare bits and pieces. This also explains why this one has a Trapezioid SS180 headlight, looks like a stock 150 Super 4 speed with 8″ wheels but has the clam shell speedo in it. It also has the classic teal blue paint these were originally painted in where the spray can hasn’t touched.

Initially I thought it was a bit of a  “mongrel” but as it turns out its the way it was built and in my opinion looks better than a stock 150 Super.

I found this on the internet for a similar Bajaj with an engine serial number:

07  B  8009 001194

The chassis number: 07 C  8011 001320

07 means it was built for the U.S. market.

C stands for “chassis”

80 represents the year is was made.

The next two numbers indicate manufacturing location and the last 5 digits are the serial number.

 

And from Wikipedia:

The Bajaj Super was a two-stroke 150 cc motor scooter produced in India by Bajaj Auto between 1976 and 2006.

Early models were a licensed reproduction of the Italian-made eight-inch-wheeled Vespa Super. Production continued even after the license agreement with Vespa expired in 1977. In response, Vespa’s parent company Piaggio filed patent infringement suits to block Bajaj scooter sales in the United States, United Kingdom, West Germany, and Hong Kong.

Later model Bajaj Supers appear to have incorporated various features of the Vespas: VNA, VNB, VBB, Super and Sprint. For instance, the 1981 model Bajaj Super has near-identical components: Vespa Super body, VNA/VNB/VBB 8-inch wheels, and Vespa SS180 headlight.

In its early days, there used to be a booking period of at least one year, until it was replaced by Bajaj Chetak.

The Bajaj Super was widely used as a form of dowry in Indian marriages. Rated as a status icon, it had a market share of more than 90%. It has a 150cc 12 BHP at 8500RPM of engine, with excellent pick up and a top speed of 100 km/h in standerd testing conditions.

 

Bajaj Model Identification

Serial numbers are prefix **C ( Chassis ) and **E ( Engine ) the first two digits is the model variant. Vehicles produced at the Waluj Plant will have an extra ‘W’ mark for distinct identification.

  • 03 Variant – Bajaj 150 ( from April 1971-1973 )

The first model for bajaj once the piaggio agreement ended, they were the same as the Vespa 150 previously made under licence for the past 10 years. The horncast was wide and rounded like the vba/vba but had a hex horncast badge. The headset was a rounded type like the vba/vbb but raised volcano style mount with a round speedo. Very early production models were badged Vespa 150, eventually to display the bajaj 150 badge. Engine was 2port 3speed 150cc CBI (contact breaker ignition).

  • 04 Variant – Bajaj Priya ( from 1975 build by Maharashtra Scooters Limited under licence by Bajaj Auto )

Priya name meaning = beloved one
Bajaj sold the Bajaj 150 toolings to Maharashtra Scooters Ltd who manufactured the Priya under licence from Bajaj. Had the new horncast style as seen on the early 1970s vespa models like sprint, super, probably already tooling in place just before the piaggio/bajaj agreement ended. This has shaper edges and tapered to the top to the horncast badge. The headset was similar to the vespa super with a 150mm headlamp with a volcano style speedo mount and round speedo as used in the bajaj150. Side panels were same as previous bajaj150 and Vespa150. The forks had 8″ wheels but the stering lock was the same as the sprint, a push in type. 3port 150cc 3 speed engine.

  • 05 Variant – Super / Super excel (Chassis nb. 05… / 145,45 cc) – 1976 Super Introduced

Early had 8″ wheels, super headset with round raised speedo holder. Mudguard and side panels same as vespa sprint/super. 05 variant engines early had 2 port CBI (super), from Aug95 3 port CBI (points) badged super, tail light was as on vespa super.
Later the model was called Super Excel, engines had 3 port EIS (Electronic), plastic headset top, large headlamp with chrome rim, destinctive T-Nose, vespas super panels with no indicators, Indicators were build into rear light. They had solid 8″ wheels.

  • 06 Variant – Bajaj Chetak (Chassis nb. 06… / 145,45 cc)

Chetak meaning = was the Horse of hindu king ” Chhatrapati Shivaji ”
Badged Bajaj Chetak, with 10″ wheels. Had a rally type headset with oval speedo large headlight

  • 07 Variant – US Chetak ( approx 1980 )

This model was exported to the US in the early 1980’s, unsure if it was made just for the US market as have seen none anywhere else worldwide the 07 variant for the US has a large rear light. 2 types were made, square headlamp and rounded ( same as priya )

  • 08 Variant – Bajaj 125 (Chassis nb. 08… / 123,39 cc)

Early models had 8″ wheels, 150 Super style frame at the front and a curved No.Plate area at the back.The panels are 150 Super style and a ‘Volcano’? headset with round speedo.The badge under the headset is hexagon shaped. Has same headset as the 04 and 05 variants. The chassis number had the variant and then serial number but no middle digits.
Later models were badged Super, they had T-Nose horn cast with small square indicator lenses, rear indicators on side panels small square also, mudguard same as vespa super. They had solid 8″ wheels.

  • 10 Variant – Bajaj Cub Electronic (Chassis nb. 10… / 98,17 cc) Cub electronic from 1984 – 1987

Had a small 100cc engine, 8″ solid wheels, 3 speed and round speedo. Early models had CB ignition, later examples were ES Electronic ignition both were 6v later models had AC indicators. 50/50 bore cylinder 10:1 compression ratio.

  • 20 Variant – Bajaj Chetak Retro Chetak Classic Introduced from 1993 for the UK market

Basically the same as the standard Chetak, this version has more authentic 60’s Vespa look thanks to Bajaj putting the indicators unobtrusively on the headset. There is even the option of a 50s style saddle seats. Enormous Glove box. Ceased production in 2000. Price in 2000 was £1339 OTR
Tech Info : 125cc – 4 Speed – 2 Stroke – Electric Start ( Optional ) – Drum Brakes – Colours White/Blue/Green – 5.8 bhp Max Speed 55mph

  • 23 Variant – Bajaj Chetak DE Classic

This model was exported only to Germany, unsure if it was made just for the German market as have seen none anywhere else worldwide

  • 31 Variant – Bajaj Champion 4Stroke
  • 35 Variant – Bajaj Classic SL With anti-dive introduced from 1997

With electric start and anti-dive front fork set up which was an improvement from the older bajaj scooters which had 1960’s fork design. Same engine design to the 1960s vespas, but had electric start and 12v electronic ignition thanks to the collaboration with Kawasaki. Most vespa parts will fit but has a twin stub exhause manifold which made exhaust options difficult unless you use a conversion stub. A must was to upgrade the main jet ( giving 6.5 bhp ) and to change the tyres. Because it had a very different crank so aftermarket tuning was difficult. But can be done with the use of a 6mm packing plate between the cylinder and casing which will allow the use of vespa type cylinder kits which use a 57mm stroke, see scootering edition 172 July 2000. There was talk of a 200cc version and auto lube but the model was ceased in 2004 before these options became available. Price in 2000 was £1339 OTR
Tech Info : 125cc – 4 Speed – 2 Stroke – 3 port – Electric Start – Drum Brakes – 20/20 Spaco Carburettor – 54mm Stroke with 110mm conrod – Colours Black/White/Red/Blue/Green – 5.8 bhp Max Speed 55mph

  • ?? variant – Bajaj Chetak/Bravo

Had a 5-port engine with Reed Valve delivering 8 HP of power with the highest torque of 1.35 kgm, making it the most powerful 2-stroke scooter in India. It had an advanced 5-port engine with Reed Valve Induction technology that results in superior combustion efficiencies. These include complete burning of fuel, therefore giving more power, more pick up, consistent mileage and low emissions.
No air grooves in engine side panel, fixed LH panel with storage door. Headset with black fan speedo
Chetak had regular suspension where as Chetak M ( metallic ) had anti-dive front suspension. Introduced a 7 sprung, 3 cork clutch plates from Dec 1999.

Ones build from march 2000 approx. Possibly had engine number starting CD

CLC & CLE ( electric start ) – Bajaj chetak Legend 145cc 4Stroke ( from 1998 )

7 thoughts on “Bajaj scooter update 1

  1. Hi – I brought a vespa this week, my first ever, it is in need of a lot of tlc. To get me started I needed to find out what it is, I was told it was a 150cc and this seems to be true but I cant figure out the rest. I can’t find a chassis number anywhere on the bike and the only engine number I can find doesn’t match anything I’ve seen online (the number is – EP126073). The horncast, handle bars and kick start has Piaggio on them, the cylinder head has Baja stamped on it, the fly wheel has Paijifa on it and the speedo has Poupt on it … I’m stumped as to what I have, does anyone have any clues?

  2. Hi Grahame,

    Sounds like a bajaj 150 bitsa.
    Either way its the equivalent of either a vespa super or VBB depending on things like the headlight shape,stator (6v or 12v), handlebar switches.
    It could be an asian restoration that has been built with multiple parts from multiple bikes or is a factory bike with some replacement parts.
    Where are you based and where did you get it from?

  3. hi admin i have just bought a bajaj classic sl or thats what log book says i am finding it almost impossible to source any spares what so ever for it i am thinking maybe should of gone for some thing i can get parts for i am trying to source the plastic worm gear for the speedo it is blue and has 15 teeth on it a metal pin runs through it for the cable to slide into it have you any ideas on where to source one from thanks
    martin

    1. No. A 15 tooth drive sounds like an odd one to me. Sounds like you have a chetak scooter so if you google some indian parts shops that might be your best bet.

  4. hi admin i bought bajaj classic sl 125 and i want to replace the piston and cylinder !!
    i ask if i can fit the piston and cylinder of vespa px !N

  5. Hello could anybody help me identify the age of my scooter by using the frame and VIN number.it is a bajaj

    1. Hello John

      It can be a bit hit and miss to identify the Bjaja’s.

      If it has a VIN number what does the VIN authority say it is ?

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