Finally, Finally And Yes Finally... After spending hours on Mouthshut.com, reading reviews and digging the net about Bajaj Avenger 200cc and after waiting for 20 Days for the delivery, I have my Avenger. Man, It was worth the wait......
I used to dream to own this bike when I was in college and now I own it. I still pinch myself to make sure that the bike I am staring at is My Own And Near me. My first ride on it was a nervous one as I am not used to motorcycles much, though I used to ride a Hamara Bajaj Chetak...
Well, My baby is too new that I start righting a full fledged review about it, but still want to speak out...
Have just done 220Kms for now. Superb Handling and road grip due to thicker tires and low center of gravity. Turns heads like none esp. with the windshield and the superb Red color. The pickup on the bike is pretty impressive though not a race model and the best thing is it stays lazy if you want, or race it when you need it. No unwanted revving up or revving down. Responds to the throttle quick as a lightening. Its still in Running-In period (40Kmph till the first 1000kms) . Checked the mileage and it is returning me approx 38-40kmpl in the dreaded Bangalore traffic. I am using premium petrol.
The gears are bit notchy and false neutrals is a Bajaj Legacy. But I did not face that issue much as I used to think it might be, The engine is heating up a bit too much also but Bajaj guys told that will be there till the first service.
Handling the bike in traffic earlier was a pain, esp. due to the big handle and long length, but now, I am perfect and am surprised by the ease with which it responds to the command. Parking is bit tuf, if you are looking to park it in itsy-bitsy places. Some pain for the longest bike in India :)
A masterpiece by Bajaj, I’ll say. Beauty with power. I am Loving it and not to mention. Surely Feel Like God!!
Will write more as I grow older with the bike... PEACE OUT!!!!
FIRST SERVICE DONE::::
Alright, The first service is done to the bike. It have become smooth as a butter now. The engine is no longer heating up as it used to earlier.
You know one more thing that I am liking nowadays. It is its SUSPENSION. Yes, Yes.. I know some reviews state them as bad, but I did not find them so. I hit a pot on the road at 65KMPH a.k.a the avenger ad style and all I did was forgive the government. I felt bad for my bike, but it did not make me feel the BAD road. It just sails on the road. 3 of my friends are waiting to buy Avenger after riding my bike... Seriously, Am impressed.:)
The position of the ignition key is total brainless work... You may burn ur fingers if not careful when getting it off.
SECOND SERVICE DONE :
The Second service of the bike was done at the Khivraj Pro-Biking Center..
BTW forgot to update that I had a skid on the bike... Nothing happened to me though but my handle got bent a lil at the left side... No other scratch on the bike.. So also had to get that fixed that at Khivraj.. Now those guys just removed the bend a bit but I can still make out the slight difference. The best part of the bike is that, after that horrible skid and fall, The bike still rode in a straight line with the hands off.
PS : About the skid, All thanks to dim Bangalore streets, gravel from metro rail construction and the dogs... :(
*CURRENT BIKE STATS AFTER 2 SERVICES AND 3600KMS ON THE ODO:
Mileage **: 40-42KMPL
Problems : Rusting... Yes, Seriously reflects Bajaj’s pity qualities.. Nothing else.... And Yeah... Pillion rider needs more cushion as the seat is very uncomfortable during longer rides...
*For the people who are planning to purchase this bike:
*Am a commuter on Avenger in Bangalore and Bangalore traffic is not at all merciful.
To tell you the truth, everyone faces initial problem on the bike in heavy and slow traffic due to the long and far bike handle, but I bet you, It just takes a few weeks to get used to it and u’ll be amazed to notice that this bike will stay steady even at 10kmph speed. Again it depends on how well one can balance the bike.. Its not the case with pulsars and karizmas, who are very difficult to handle at these speeds. Also Due to high torque and a bit low pick up, this bike (Avenger), even at 3rd gear will pull you slowly in traffic at 10~20kmph... I’ve observed this personally many times.. Bangalore has a very cold climate esp during the end of year time (Oct-Dec).. The bike have started up in one push of the button in chilled up mornings (when the temperature outside is atleast 14 deg.. seriously)... I haven’t faced a problem with the starter so far... Its been 8 months and am at times a bit harsh rider... I’ve topped 100kmph on the bike on a good stretch and the bike feels like butter.. Now the mileage part.. The bike will give you a mileage of 35~40 in traffic.. Again depends on how to ride it.. harsh or smooth.. On long stretches, My baby gives me around 42~43 of mileage (tested). Very imp factor after owning this bike is to change the oil once every two months, though its not time for service..
*BUT ALL OVER, I STILL FEEL LIKE GOD!!!!!!!!!!
YEAH BABY!!!! ONE YEAR DONE........
Touchwood!!** No problem with the bike so far... None, it had it got wading through the muddy and rain clogged roads of Bangalore... Absolute no trouble with respect to engine, starting up, electrical... None... Bike have done 6000kms (Yeah! I know its too less for an year but I don’t get much time to ride it around thanks to my job!!)... Unfortunately, I have only used 3 free services and the other 2 have unfortunately expired (I believe). I dint contact bajaj.
Anyways.... Anyone asking me again, SHOULD I GO FOR THIS BIKE??!!! I would say yes.. If you like cruiser bikes, if you don’t mind bit of a tough handling in very slow and thick traffic, if you don’t mind all the attention you get on the road, if you don’t mind a bit of 45+ mileage, if you don’t mind FEELING LIKE GOD!!!