First launched in the year of 2005, the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 draws inspiration from the famed Kawasaki Eliminator series. Widely known for its mild-mannered performance, impeccable seating posture, and highly convenient seat height, the Avenger series was gladly accepted by throngs of grateful Indians who swear by the Bajaj brand.
The Avenger series that once offered various models ranging from 150-220cc, now, has just two models on offer, the Bajaj Avenger Street 160 and the Avenger Cruise 220. The dedicated cruisers were arguably the most affordable, practical, and in one word, elegantly designed. How does this motorcycle fare against the cruisers of today? Does it still hold its charm? Can it be used as a cross-country tourer? Find out all about the above and much more in this detailed research analysis on Bajaj’s first cruiser motorcycle, the Avenger Cruise 220.
Pros: Affordable, Outshines The Competition, Refined Engine, Comfortable Posture, Impressive Fuel Efficiency
Cons: Uncertain Gearbox, Tube Tyres, Misses Out On Dual-Channel ABS
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Design
The Avenger series, since its launch, has been a beautiful sight to behold. The Avenger Cruise 220 is all that and much more. At the front, we have a sophisticated area consisting of the spoked wheel, front-wheel fender, neat front telescopic suspension, elegantly shaped handlebar, circular headlight, functional visor and a pair of rearview mirrors. The keyword among these is ‘chrome’, an abundance of chrome. The fuel tank is smartly sculpted in a circular fashion. The secondary instrument cluster and the chromed-out fuel cap also adds aesthetic appeal.
As we proceed to the rear, the side panels below the seat and at the rear surrounding the pillion grabrail look quite splendid. What stands out as an eyecatcher is the chromed out, side-mounted exhaust against the backdrop of the chrome dual shock-absorbers, spoked wheel at the rear, and the blacked-out engine area. The seat is one piece, meaning it’s not split between the rider and the pillion. The pillion backrest also comes as a unique feature that further amplifies the cruiser look of this motorcycle.
The stickering details along the length of the motorcycle paired with the chromed-out crash guard, oil-cooler unit, horn cap, and the front and rear indicators go a long way in completing the awesome appearance of the Avenger Cruise 220.
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Features
For a motorcycle that looks as poised as this does, the Avenger Cruise 220 falls short on a few features. The primary instrument cluster is circular and also fully digital, it contains a host of information that lets the rider make informed decisions on the road or at a stop. The lack of the tachometer makes it impossible for the rider to ascertain which RPM he/she is currently at – making it fairly inconvenient. There is also a secondary display panel bearing the tell-tale lights (indicators, high beam, neutral, ABS, and low battery warning). But, the functionality is compromised due to its disarranged placement on the fuel tank.
On the mechanical side of things, the Avenger Cruise 220 gets a fuel-injected, oil-cooled engine promising a five-speed gearbox. The inclusion of single-channel ABS on the front wheel is a reassuring feature to possess. The rearview mirrors also provide a good line of sight and look quite fancy with the chrome treatment.
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Engine Performance
The highly capable engine on the Avenger Cruise 220 is directly derived from the awesome Bajaj Pulsar 220F. But, unlike its sporty counterpart, the Avenger Cruise 220 has been tuned to offer linear and refined engine performance that makes it ever so suited in the city and also outside it. This motorcycle is equipped with a 219.9cc, single-Cylinder, oil-Cooled, twin-spark, SOHC, fuel-injected engine mated to a five-speed gearbox producing 19.03 BHP at 8500 RPM and 17.55 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM.
Is the Avenger Cruise 220 really a cruiser? Like the Pulsar 220F, this motorcycle, too, has a strong low and mid-range. But, the top end tends to fizz out rather soon and you will find your motorcycle making more sound than speed. The top speed is recorded at 120 km/h which is satisfactory. The ideal speed to cruise is at 70-90 km/h on the fifth gear. The motorcycle retains most of its refinement, smoothness, and handling abilities at this speed.
Although the inclusion of fuel injection has taken the ride quality to new heights over the carburettor system of the past, the addition of a six-speed gearbox would have gone a long way in improving the cruising capabilities of this motorcycle. But, we honestly cannot complain about what is already on offer.
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Mileage (or Fuel Efficiency)
Further assisting the popularity of this motorcycle is the excellent fuel-efficiency figures on offer. In the city, one can expect close to 35-38 km/l under economic riding conditions. On the highway, you can expect around 38-40 km/l. The 13-litre fuel tank offers a riding range of around 480-550 km on one full tank of petrol.
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Handling (or Dynamics)
The Avenger Cruise 220 is everything its name suggests and much more, a proper cruiser. While the handling standards are not on par with its performance-oriented counterparts such as the Pulsar and Dominar series, The Avenger Cruise 220 is not sluggish and slow to respond at all. Aiding the same are front telescopic forks and rear twin shock absorbers. The suspension setup is on the softer side and fine-tuned to offer a highly comfortable setting that is superb on Indian road conditions. Another important aspect that determines handling is the type of chassis frame, and in the case of this motorcycle, it’s a double-cradle frame that’s similar to what you see on the Pulsar series motorcycles.
Unfortunately, not all the aspects are in favour of this motorcycle as the turning radius, traffic manoeuvring capabilities, and rapid turns are not well received by the Avenger Cruise 220, mostly due to the rear swept handlebar and low seating posture. Factoring in the kerb weight of 163 kgs, this is not ideal. On the bright side, the spoke wheels provide sufficient road grip and ensure good confidence, but, are tubed in nature.
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Comfort (or Ergonomics)
A lot does not need to be said about the comfort of sitting behind this motorcycle. What makes the Avenger Cruise 220 so comfortable? The long-wheelbase accompanied by the low-slung seat complement comfort to a great extent. The rear swept handlebar is positioned quite high while the front-set footpegs provide for a highly relaxed seating position.
Unlike most motorcycles, the pillion may look forward to accompanying the rider on this motorcycle thanks to the laid-back seating posture and a boon in the form of a cushioned pillion backrest that does wonders to their experience. The seat itself is at a perfect balance between soft and stiff and placed highly conveniently at the height of 737 mm, a height that is supremely practical for riders of all heights and builds in our country.
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Safety (or Brakes)
The Avenger 220 is an efficient stopper on the road, the braking setup is tuned to boost confidence in city commute and also provide ample braking room on the highway. This motorcycle is equipped with a 280 mm front disc brake and a 130 mm rear drum brake. The highly comfortable seating posture and the kerb weight of 163 kgs also make aid braking on this motorcycle. While these numbers may sound impressive, the overall ability of this motorcycle could have been improved with dual-channel ABS over the single-channel ABS available and a rear disc brake in place of the drum brake.
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Service
Bajaj being a well-established motorcycle brand has stood the test of time and proved resilient in all its endeavours. They offer a wide range of authorised service centres and showrooms across the country where people can buy their motorcycles and get them promptly serviced, at an affordable cost. The average service interval for the Avenger Cruise 220 is anywhere between 6000 to 8000 km, this particular two-wheeler should cost you somewhere between Rs. 800/- to Rs. 2000/- for its service.
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Price
Following is the price of the Avenger Cruise 220 (on-road, Mumbai) –
- Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 – Rs. 1,52,091/-
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Resale Value
Bajaj is a brand that promises motorcycles that are easy to maintain, sturdy, and have a respectable build quality. The Avenger Cruise 220 should have a fairly adequate resale value depending on the mileage on the odometer, accidents (if any), and overall maintenance.
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Colours
The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 is available in the following colours.
- Auburn Black
- Moon White
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Specs
- Engine: 219.9cc, Single-Cylinder, Oil-Cooled, Twin-Spark, SOHC
- Power: 19.03 BHP at 8500 RPM
- Torque: 17.55 Nm at 7000 RPM
- Transmission: 5-speed
- 0 – 100 km/hr: 12.91 seconds
- Top Speed: 120 km/hr
- Fuel Consumption: 35-40 km/l
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Frame: Tubular Double Cradle Type
- Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), Twin Shocks (Rear)
- Tyres: 90/90/17 (Front), 130/90/15 (Rear)
- Brakes: 280 mm disc (Front), 130 mm drum (Rear)
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Dimensions
- Length x Width x Height: 2210 mm x 806 mm x 1321 mm
- Wheelbase: 1490 mm
- Ground Clearance: 169 mm
- Seat Height: 737 mm
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13-litres
- Kerb weight: 163 kgs
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 Rating
We give the Avenger Cruise 220 a 4/5 rating.
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 vs Suzuki Intruder 150
The Avenger series, for a long time, was the sole option for a buyer interested in a cruiser motorcycle. That changed with the introduction of the Suzuki Intruder 150 in 2017. The Intruder 150 is a direct descendent of the formidable Suzuki Intruder 1800. This motorcycle showcases a fuel-injected, air-cooled, 155cc engine mated to a five-speed gearbox producing, frankly unsatisfactory power figures.
On the design front, the Intruder may not be to everyone’s liking, at certain angles, this motorcycle does look awkward and out of place. The claimed mileage figures are also not reassuring at 32-36 km/l. The Intruder does offer single-channel ABS, similar to the Avenger, but, gets tubeless tyres over tubed tyres on offer with the Bajaj motorcycle. The Avenger Cruise 220 also undercuts the Suzuki motorcycle in terms of pricing by close to Rs. 4000/-. Which one of these are you leaning towards?
Final Verdict
The Avenger Cruise 220 is the perfect motorcycle for a daily city commuter who, occasionally, feels adventurous on the weekend and hits the highway. In the city, however, this motorcycle is not the easiest to manoeuvre in tricky situations, but, the comfort it provides more than makes up for this fact. The Avenger Cruise 220 is also an able family-friendly motorcycle that enables superb pillion comfort. The cheap service and easy-maintenance factors further aid the practicality of investing in this motorcycle. The generously slathered chrome and the impressive fit and finish across this motorcycle give it a premium look that’s bound to draw attention wherever you go.
The inclusion of dual-channel ABS and tubeless tyres would have sealed the deal for us. But, we honestly cannot complain! We hope this article has helped provide some clarity and hopefully aided you before your big purchase. Thank you for reading and ride safely. Cheers!
