This could be the best compliment Bajaj might ever have got: According to BIKE magazine, Honda is going to equip twin-spark-plugs to all of their 100-125 cc engines worldwide. It increases power and fuel economy at the same time. Honda might go a step further but this itself is a BIG compliment and assertion that Bajaj (& not Hero Honda) is doing right things from a last few years.
After the launch of Bajaj Discover I guess there wasn’t much news in Indian bike market. I do not count launch of Super Splendor and Glamour as ’new’ launch. These are adjustment bikes at best and Hero Honda is trying to stretch the bare-bone technology given by Honda 20 years ago! However, the launch of Bajaj Avenger got me interested.
Not because it is an all new product (it is not!) or going to be a big dramatic thing in the market-place. However, it is going to be very significant for the cruiser-crazy folks. The Eliminator with Pulsar 180 DTS-i engine at a price 27, 000+ less than original is indeed a great development. I think many people previously didn’t look at this segment would give a serious thought. I myself would have been interested in one had I been in the market for a Rs. 60, 000+ bike.
Avenger is basically a renamed Eliminator with 178.xx cc engine from Pulsar. It has been re-tuned to provide same power figure albeit at lower rpms (1000 rpm sooner than the Pulsar). This engine (short stroke) in its natural form is suited for high rpm application like Pulsar and not especially cruiser that is supposed make power at lower rpms. (Bullet, Eliminator with 173cc engine from Kawasaki). However this is small price to pay for Rs 27, 000+ reduction in price. (Kawasaki engine due to import was a costly affair).
The engine makes 16.5 hp and has DTS-i (Twin Spark plugs) and ExhausTec technology that was introduced on Discover first. The DTS-i makes this big engine fuel efficient and also allows to make more power. The engine is a gem when you consider its power/fuel efficiency figures.
The gearbox is also from Pulsar but again it is tweaked for the changed engine characteristics. The ratios are different than Pulsar to suit ’cruiser’ personality. (The overall gearing is shorter than Pulsar). The gear box though A1 with smooth positive shifts can give problems once in while shifting from 1-2.
The overall design/styling of the bike remains the same. The bike looks stunning in any color but black is a natural color for any cruiser and Avenger is no exception. 70% of the Avengers sold seem to be black. Chrome pieces on the cruiser get more accentuated with black color. However, I might have preferred my all time favorite stunning Red! The classic cruiser styling/dimensions are retained and Bajaj has extended the wheel-base by 1 inch for more high speed stability.
The 17 inch front and 15 inch rear tyre add to the looks. The rear one specially looks menacing and lends lot of oomph to the bike. The fuel tank is carry over with 14 liter capacity. The tank shape and the gueses on it also add to the styling.
The seat is broad and comfortable but Yamaha Enticer’s is a tad more firm and hence more comfortable on long stretches. Avenger is a ’bit’ softer but the difference is virtually zero and we are just nitpicking here. The seating position is highly relaxed with stretched legs with ideal angle for gearbox and break operation. The front disc brakes have again been beefed up to handle more power of 180 cc engine.
The overall performance is almost 1 second faster (0-60kmph) than Eliminator and way out of league of Enticer (125cc engine). Avenger even eclipses Bullet in this regard. The cornering abilities of longer Avenger are also much better than any other cruiser. It is one fun to drive cruiser.
Whatever the segment, fuel efficiency is always imp in our markets where fuel prices are always on the up. Pulsar 180 returns 45 kmpl in mixed driving and 50+ on highways. The Avenger should be round about there. It is a little heavier than 180 Pulsar (10Kg) & expect 40 Kmpl in City and 48-50 on the highways. This is GREAT considering the level of power, fun, driving experience it provides.
The pricing is the biggest shock for Avenger as already mentioned it is 27K less than Eliminator. Expect to pay 4K more than 180 DTSI in your area. In Pune Avenger would cost around 66K on road. This reduction has made wonders to the sales figures and Avenger is almost sold out! There are quite a few Avengers out there compared to Eliminators.
Conclusion: Except for ’I have to have Bullet’ syndrome, Avenger is the clear choice for cruiser lovers. Offers better ’everything’ than other cruisers. Enticer looks seriously endangered by Avenger now. Bullet lower versions would also get some heat from Avenger. However, traditional Bullet strong points would still entice those buyers. Rest, enjoy Avenger until Bajaj launches 225cc Pulsar/Avenger in another 6-8 months! (Unconfirmed rumors!) :) How’s that??