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Cruising along
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Looking for a cruiser bike? Bajaj Avenger 200 cc is the best available
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In 2001, Bajaj Auto entered the niche segment of cruiser motorcycles with the Eliminator, which was, in mid-2005, upgraded to the Avenger with a 180cc DTS-i heart transplant carried out. Bajaj belong to a rare breed of Indian motorcycle manufacturers that make cruiser motorcycles. In fact, the Avenger faced competition only from Royal Enfield’s legendary classic thumpers. Now, the new Avenger 200 DTS-i has arrived and we test it to see just how good this new Bajaj offering is…
Design and engineering
Chrome has always been used generously on the Avenger that makes it sparkle on a sunny day and look quite retro in appearance. The paint-job, fit and finish of the new Bajaj are all of high standards, which is obvious when you take one look at the bike. A new addition to the bike is the option of a large windscreen that protects riders from wind blast when they are cruising at very high speeds. For its small size, the headlight on the Avenger is quite powerful. Alloy is also used liberally on the bike and is visible on its steering column, brake and clutch levers.
A downside though is the fact that the position of its ignition key slot is far out in front, under the fuel tank and this makes it difficult to access. The rider’s seat is wide and a narrow pillion saddle has been positioned a step above it.
The engine on the Avenger is quite similar to the one used on the Pulsar 200 DTS-i. It uses a larger bore 198.8cc, four-stroke engine. It’s a twin-valve unit, with primary air-cooling, and an oil-cooler bolted on to provide additional cooling. As its DTS-i name suggests, the Avenger 200 offers now-proven Bajaj twin spark-plug technology that helps boost engine performance, while still safeguarding fuel economy interests. Air and fuel are mixed in a CV-type carburettor, while the bike also provides regulars, common across Bajaj models, such as bearings for the rocker arms and an exhaust TEC resonance chamber mounted on the exhaust to help boost low-end engine performance.
Gearbox
The five-speed gearbox on the new Avenger is smooth to use and easy shifting, while its clutch imparts a pleasant feel as well. Performance on this bike is crisp with good throttle response always close at hand. Peak power achieved is 17.5bhp at 8000rpm and maximum torque is 1.71kgm at 6000rpm. When you ride it in regular conditions, the Avenger 200 feels quite smooth and vibration free. The new 200 from Bajaj recorded a top speed of 110kph and is capable enough to cross 60kph from rest in 5.08 seconds.
Fuel efficiency
Faithful to the cruiser segment, this bike pampers riders with its broad riding saddle and splayed out riding stance. The Avenger uses standard telescopic front suspension and twin hydraulic units as rear suspenders. The frame is a twin down-tube affair in front, with an elliptical section steel swingarm connecting to its rear wheel. Ride quality is decent, with rock-steady stability at any speed being a way of life. The bike will deliver 33.8kpl in the city riding conditions and 35.7kpl when cruising out on the highways.
Verdict
The new Avenger retains all the qualities and charm of the outgoing model, yet other than its larger capacity engine, huge windscreen and a conveniently located fuel gauge, not much else is new. It is the best bike in the segment and provides great value-for-money given the changes and modifications that come into the picture, that too without customers requiring to shell out much.
If it’s a cruiser motorcycle you’re on the market for, the Avenger 200cc is the best available.
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Technical data
Bajaj Avenger 200 DTS-i
Price Rs 62.620 (ex-showroom Pune)
Type: Single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled, four-stroke
No of cylinders: One
Engine displacement: 198.8cc
Maximum power: 17.5bhp at 8000rpm
Maximum torque: 1.71kgm at 6000rpm
Starting: Self-start
Transmissions: 5-speed, 1-down, 4-up
Tyres (f-r)90/90 x 17 – 130/90 x 15inches
Fuel tank capacity: 14litres
Fuel efficiency: 34.7kpl
Length: 2195mm
Width: 750mm
Height: 1070mm
Wheel base: 1475mm
Ground clearance: 169mm
Vehicle kerb weight: 154kg
Max speed: 110kph
RISHAD COOPER
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