Hi there, Welcome to this review. Read on to know a simple and complete comparison review that will tell you . If you should buy a brand new Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise
Who Should Buy Bajaj Cruise 220?
If you a bike lover and just tired and bored of seeing and using regular sports bike.
If you want to own a cruiser bike but feel that you are short of cash.
If you are more in to comfort/different feel rather than regular looking bikes.
If you are not very fussy about high milage like 100 km/L!
If you want to feel like a God riding your bike and also get those " wows " from your friends & Strangers.
Why I Bought Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220?
I had been using my uncles old Bajaj Avenger 220 for past 2 years and was very happy with its performance in long rides and also the city ride. So, when the new version was released it was a natural progression for me to buy a brand new Bajaj cruiser of my own.
Driving Experience
The driving experience is just " Amazing ". I have been driving the Old Avenger for last 2 years and it was always comfortable. The New Cruise 220 is even more comfortable.
The seats have been made more shapely and comfortable.
The height of the bike has been maintained close to previous models. Its equally comfortable for average indian height to 6 fetters. Height is a very crucial factor as it provides the necessary stability. In the city drive, the rider gets a proper footing on the road, that makes the drive much more secure and stable.
The Driving Handle in the Cruise 220 are perfect cruise style and longer. If you are a 1st time rider you might feel the difference. But its nothing to worry about. You will soon get used to it. Don’t think that the long handle is a trouble. In-fact it makes your ride much more comfortable.( Specially the long rides)
The Speedo meter is digital with much more enhanced indicators and front lights. So the rides in the night are much better than the older avenger models.
Braking & Driving in Bajaj Cruise 220
Front Disk Brake - Rear Drum Brake. Be very careful during braking. It will take some time to get used to. Also remember you are not driving a racing bike like Pulsar. Avenger is a cruiser bike with a cruiser like build. So, in case of braking avoid sudden braking by pressing the front disk brake. It will give you a huge jerk. Also sudden pressing of rear drum brakes should also be avoided as the bike will skid. How to Brake - Press the rear drum brakes 1st and then press the front disk brakes slowly with more pressure on the rear brakes.
Respect the bike and the way its build. Then you will have no fear of skidding. Its a cruiser bike made for king like laid back driving. Don’t drive it like a yamaha racing bike.
Once you keep these in mind - its a smooth and safe ride.
What I Don’t Like About the Bike
I some what liked the colour of older versions. May be I got used to it. But the new models have a different feel and one can soon get used to it. But feed back from my friends is very positive. They Like the new colour patterns a lot.
Milage
Currently Milage is nearly 40 Km/Litre. From my riding experience with older avenger versions I can say that if the bike is maintained properly it will show a milage between 40 to 45 Km/Litre. Keep a track of servicing and timely change the engine oil.
Also please note that any one who buys an Avenger / Thunderbird should not think much about milage. If Milage is the only thing that you look for then buy regular light weight 125 CC bikes. Avenger/Thunderbirds are heavier bikes( 150 Kg) with 220 cc powerful engines. Thus don’t expect milage of 70 Km/Litre.
( Please Note: The 150 cc version of New Avenger Street Model does have more milage than the 220 cc models)
Price
On road price of Avenger Cruise 220cc in Bangalore is 90, 000 INR.
Its the most economical cruiser bike you can buy considering the style and looks. Any cruiser bike like thunderbird etc are going to cost you minimum 1 Lakh 30 Thousand to 2 Lakh INR
( The New 150 cc Street Model is currently the lowest priced version of Avenger or Any Cruise bike at 80, 000 INR)
CONCLUSION
If you are planning to purchase your first cruiser bike, and If you are planning to buy a cruiser bike under 1 lakh INR, then Avenger Cruise 220 cc is the best buy for you. It has the looks and feel of a perfect cruiser bike. So, go for it.
If you are an existing owner of Older Avenger 220, Should you Make an Upgrade to Newer Versions?
Well answer is you DON’t need to.
I have used the old 220 cc version for two years and currently using the Newer Avenger Cruise 220 cc. Though there is improvement in looks and few features, the over all engine performance & Milage is the same. So, there is no must have need to sell / exchange your old 220 avenger for new cruise 220.