I wanted to buy this bike since long time but eventually forgot about it as my priorities shifted from power/looks to mileage after I got married. However, I got this sudden urge to buy this bike again and bought a red one on March 2010. I was absolutely overjoyed riding this bike as it had everything one could dream of - looks, power and decent fuel economy (around 45 kmpl).
However, my joy was short lived after passage of one rainy season. Inspite of not taking the bike out during rains and also having been applied grease all over the chrome, the bike got rusted. It’s not only the chrome, but also the painted chasis that is rusted in some places. My friend had warned me not to buy a Bajaj as their quality is very poor and they don’t have any resale value but I argued that if I took good care of my bike, it’ll last long. I was wrong.
Now I just want to sell this bike and go for a Honda Dazzler. For the final knockout punch, when I asked the broker about how much I can get for my Avenger, he told me max 55, 000 (for the good condition I had kept the bike, else it would have been around 50, 000). So around 30, 000 goes the drain in less than a year.
My friend told me not to sell the bike and ride it for a few years. I know many would suggest me to enjoy the ride and forget the smaller issues. But I can’t do it as I simply cannot let my bike turn into a junk before my own eyes inspite of me taking good care of it (I can’t help it).
In short, if you are a passionate biker and love your bike, and would like to keep it for 5 or more years, I really wouldn’t recommend this (or any Bajaj for that matter). Because, no matter how much you take care, this bike will not last long. It’s a Bajaj.
However, if you just want to enjoy the ride (and flaunt the bike) and care a damn about the quality, or would like to dispose of the bike in 3 years, without caring a damn about the resale value, you can definitely go for it.
Pros: Good power, looks, decent fuel economy
Cons: Pathetic quality, ride is bumpy on bad roads, front disc brakes are insane (if you apply it hard enough and if it’s a muddy road, you are bound to skid and fall), difficult to maintain/clean as there’s lot of chrome
Here are the pics of my Avenger:
https://flickr.com/photos/vishalrao/sets/72157625451042468