I first went in for the New Pulsar 180 but eventually decided for a Avenger ... Its looks and grand feel made me go for it ... (Have just completed 1500kms)
First few days was fine .. I enjoyed it .. the pickup and performance is good.
Went easy till the first service. Mine is a red colour. Looks no doubt is cool. But the quality and the make is what concerns me.
The brakes (both) right after 1000kms is making noise.
Brake light is always on (Was rectified after 1st service but again...)
Gear Shifting is a Pain .. False Neutral and Gear Drops are frequent
Average is around 40 ... (Didnt impress me much .. not much difference from my CBZ)
Moving around in traffic is easy once you get the hang of the bike. Road GRip is GREAT. Headlights are good. Horn ok .. but I prefer something a little more loud..
First service was done at 750kms. 2nd will be done this week.
My usage is around 20kms a day .. mostly in mumbai traffic, I liked the comfort but again traffic the heavy weight of the machine takes time to get used to. Go for it if you like the looks and the bike suits you. (Being the only cruiser). Else I feel a Hero Honda karizma is 10k more. and a Unicorn will save you 10k.
I feel the build quality can be better. I didnt like it much.
The Tube for the back tyre was not availabel with local mechanics .. and I had a problem when it gave up late in the night.
Today I had some problems whith the battery. Its down !! Ah ... And the kick start is very rigid .. had some trouble. Will give it for servicing tomorrow.
For people planning a Avenger things to note:
Do I want a cruiser? (yeah y not try somethign different)
Its a Big heavy bike .. (Not much re ..)
Why not a Unicorn? (Yeah its 10k cheaper and quality stuff yaar)
Karizma...??? (Expensive/ Mileage/ But Style and performance)
So if you simply want to stand out and have something with power and style (economy aswell) ... go for it .. but seriously consider a unicorn.
Just one last thing .. I am not satisfied with the Bajaj Self Start.. Its very weak and troublesome ... not liek a honda or Hero honda .. which is much more swift and reliable.
Oh ho ho .. and did I mention the big big drawback .. NO ENGINE KILL .. oh man its a pain ...
The ignition is deep down the left side ... its trouble some whith out the Engine Kill and yeah the fuel gauge is also missign but its ot that much of a trouble ..
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Latest Update --
I gave it for 3rd servicve tomorrow. Completed 3263 KMS
Its running good. The gears as I indicated earlier are not that much of a trouble. But requires a little experience ... it hits neutral instead of 2nd or 1st if not done properly
I have touched around 110km/ph on Mumbai highways .. and its stable ... very stable
Average once recorded by me was 32kmpl thats it !! But I beleive a average person will get 40+ easily as I never go slow and move in traffic a lot ...
Overall I now feel this is the bike I will keep for the time being and not lookign fo ra upgrade any time soon ...
Would highly recommend it to any one gin for it ...
Regards