There have been so many reviews about the Avenger ever since the speculation about its launch and after. I don’t want to reinvent the wheel as much has been said already.
Thanks to the Pulsars & Karizmas, Touring and Biker Brotherhood are not restricted to the age-old Brit classic clones alone. Forget the Enfields - they are a different league altogether and are meant for people that have, besides passion, time and money to get them up and running, time and again.
There’s no point modifying your Bullets (Thunderbird, Machismo et al) to make them look like Cruisers - it will never be one unless done by really skilled professionals. I, for one, believe that Bullets lose their charm and character if modified.
Here’s a package that’s irresistible
The tried and tested 180 DTS-i engine rigged into an elegant cruiser frame. A cruiser that inherits the Eliminator’s legacy with an extended wheelbase and grabs attention for being the (arguably) longest motorcycle in India. All this at an on-road price of Rs.67, 500/- (Khivraj Motors, Bangalore). Now, isn’t that irresistible?
Coming of age
Bajaj Auto has come a long way since the Chetak days and deserves much credit and encouragement for bringing out such amazing technology even on commuter bikes - TRICS, ExhausTEC, DTSi, SNS and what not. Affordability has been the foremost concern among the Indian mindset and Avenger is your answer if you want the best of both worlds, if you know what I mean.
Well, does it live up to its name?
Not quite but not bad either! I test-rode the Avenger a couple of times and I felt like I needed some more time on those plush saddles. Though not as nimble as the Pulsar 180, this little devil has amazing torque on tap as it chugs along the city roads with ease, requiring less-frequent shifts. A caveat though; Speaking to a ’’Popular’’ mechanic reveals that Bajaj has squeezed the maximum performance out of this modest single-pot motor and that no performance mods would make it any better. So, tuning is out of the question, folks!
The up-swept handlebars and easy-rider footpegs are very comfortable though I felt the overall usability could be better. Braking is just spot on which is better suited on this bike than the Pulsar. There is plenty of chrome to keep you busy on weekends - those days when you’re not touring. Don’t forget to add those Waxpols and Caranaubas to your paraphernalia.
As an aside, here’s a request to Sports bike enthusiasts - Don’t try to fool yourselves that you don’t like chrome. I am tired of this Rossi-Wannabe cliche. If you have money to blow, get yourself an R1, Busa or the Ninja but please leave these bikes (and bikers) alone and save the comments for your pal’s track day.
The only accessory you’ll need are a pair of saddlebags and a tankbag to satiate your mile munching craves. Cramster is by far the best bike luggage available in India.
The shortcomings
a) Less said the better about the gearbox as it inherits the same niggles that has been plaguing the Pulsars.
b) Feels a tad rough when riding on low gears - not as smooth as the Pulsar which makes me wonder if the gearing has changed.
c) The absence of an engine kill switch and awkward positioning of the ignition key calls for some tantric yoga skills.
d) A fuel gauge or tach or both would have been worthy additions to the tank console.
e) The headlamps appear bright but doesn’t deserve so much hype as I found the Fiero’s headlamps to be brighter and have better spread.
f) Lacks refinement.
That said, I wish Bajaj comes out with a ’’service patch’’ (for a reasonable fee of course!) to weed out these bugs.
...but, all these are forgiven and forgotten once you hit the open roads. Looks like the Avenger can go on and on until you give up.
So, what’s my take?
Avenger is a very desirable bike for long distance tourers.
What are you waiting for? Go, get yourself one and you can rest assured that you feel like Pope, if not God!