It isn’t the first time that Bajaj has launched two variants of one of
their motorcycles. Even before also Bajaj has produced technically
same motorcycle in the roadster and faired avatar, like the Discover
150 and Pulsar 220 twins. But, this time Bajaj has differentiated a
single motorcycle into two different bikes- Avenger Street 220 and
Avenger Cruise. So, after the Bajaj Avenger Street, we get to ride the Avenger Cruise and we are here to tell how well it felt to ride the bike on the state
highways.
In a single word, “YES” it does look like a typical cruiser. The optimum
and desired level of chrome detailing done in a neat and clean manner.
The crucial styling and essentials that make a bike a cruiser are also
present on this bike. The ape handle-bar, wide set mirrors, comfy rear
passenger backrest are some of the cruiser essential bits.
The chrome detailing is even done on minimalistic panels too. The turn
signal indicators, crash guard, spoke wheels, mirrors, headlight
assembly, handle-bar, grab-rail and footpegs, exhaust can, pillion
backrest, the gauges on the fuel tank and last but not the least the
radiator. The Cruise version does get fibre-glass windshield but as
option. The graphics done on the Avenger Cruise are plain and would
not be of everyone’s liking. The paint-choice available on this
motorcycle is a dusky grey one and that also add to the feel of sedate
and mature ride rather bringing on an adrenaline rush to your biking
spirit like the Avenger Street does.
- Electronics and quality levels
The Bajaj Avenger Cruise has got the same level of updation on the
electronics part as that of the Avenger Street. You get new detailing on the speedometer with digital odo-tripmeter
and the headlight runs on the DC supply. The quality of the switch-
gear isn’t very fascinating, as they are those age-old units direct lift-up
from the previous generation, they aren’t even backlit though.
- Engine and technical changes* -
To be true there aren’t any technical changes brought in to the bike. It
still uses that same old mill that has been used in the Pulsar 220F and
the last generation of Avenger, churning out 19ps of max. power at
8400rpm and 17.5Nm of max. torque at 7000rpm. The mill is superb
to ride in any type of traffic scenarios, but the gearing is felt on the
shorter side.
The brakes offered on the Cruise are the 260mm Bybre disc upfront
and a drum unit at the rear. Not much of the technical changes, but it
particularly needs some.
- Does it offer comfortable ride?
Yes, the Avenger Cruise is by far the most comfortable bike I’ve ridden
in my life under one lac price tag. Plush suspension, brakes offering
generous bite & feedback, a 220cc mill provides you with all the
technical comforts. So what you are left with is the ergonomics, there,
Bajaj has done it’s job impressively well. The wide long, ape-
handlebar, and a seat where you can sink in, what else you’d need to
tour comfortably? To be true nothing.
The level of comfort for the pillion is also on the same level as that of
rider. But the only thing that irritated me on the whole ride was the
windshield, either Bajaj should increase or decrease the height of
windshield to improve the buffeting noise on the helmet and the visual
irritation.
The bike is almost same as the old Avenger except for the seat,
exhaust, brakes and the Handlebar, that makes the new Avenger Cruise
more comfortable than before. So, spending 95k on-road Delhi isn’t a
bad deal at all. You might find the review a bit short and direct, but
after all it’s our First Ride impression, stay tuned for the
comprehensive Road Test Review of both Avenger Cruise and Street
- In our first ride experience what we’ve found is the new Cruise is
way more comfortable than its Street counterpart.