I have completed overall 3 and half years on the avenger, first on 180 DTSi then upgraded to 200 DTSi. I am writing this review to make the users aware of the reality of riding this charming machine from Bajaj.
I am a B Tech, MBA and working as a consultant.Though I am in love with my black baby elephant, I have written this review as a impartial man.
Though I have also used Rajdoot, Bullet std, Yamaha, Bajaj chetak, Vespa select, CBZ, Unicorn, Karizma at some point of time, I can ensure you one thing that you would not get this level of comfort from other bikes. Myths Busted: Avenger 200 DTSi
Myth 1 : Difficult to maneuver in the traffic:
Reality : For people who have just upgraded from general commuters and so called sport bikes, It is a bit awkward initially, because of the upright seating, length and weight of the bike. But just after one week of drive, great stability, powerful low end torque makes you pass the traffic like a breeze. At low speeds of 5-20, you will feel more stable than all other bikes, sometime so much it seems that bike can stand on road.
Myth 2 : Less comfortable on bad roads:
Reality : Drive it in a sensible manner on bad roads, be a little slow, and you would not feel any sting. Always be in rider’s seat, (That is the recommended driving position by experts) , don’t slide back towards pillion seat . The rear suspension being adjustable can be adjusted for different ride and load conditions.If you want to drive it like a sports bike on bad roads, go for a increase in spring preload in rear suspension, which leads to increase in ride height due to decrease in "Sag". Contact a good mechanic for that and learn how to do it yourself. I do the same.
Really useful articles for finding correct riding position for new riders and improving their overall comfort and driving skills for experienced lot:
Myth 3 :Pillion seat is not comfortable:
Reality : I have ridden with my family members and friends so many time through city, without any complaints from them. (My father really likes the backrest and space provided by the long seat of Avenger).Only two of my friends (both have weight more than 90 kg) have complained that too after a long continuous travel of 80-90 kms.
But every one of them appreciated the comfort provided by the backrest.Other than this, it has a proper sari guard and comfortable foot rest for ladies donning saris and other ethnic dresses and sitting one sided. Some more details about myself, I am person of 5’10’’ height , 82 kgs of weight.Hence most of the time my bike carries weight of 82+50=132 kg due to a pillion.But still performs very well.
Now, Coming to other aspect. Mileage wise: -42+ city, 47+ Highway. (Most of the time(90%) I drive with a Pillion). Engine performance wise: - High revving engine with awesome power and torque. Oil cooled engine gives great response through all gears due to very good low end as well higher end torques.
Steadiness at high speeds: - (Avenger is the best)
Headlight: - Really one of the best in Indian bikes.
Value for money: - No bike comes closer to avenger (200 cc, 18 Ps at nearly 72000)
Looks wise: - Beautiful, just beautiful, enchanting.