Bajaj Avenger - All versions

[somen1984]

I am planning to buy a new avenger. I presently own Apache RTR 180 which i bought 1 and half years back. I am planning to change it as the riding position is giving me back ache. I have following questions:

1. My height is 5 feet 2 inches, would it be comfortable for me?
2. I have read that it skids a lot, is it true?
3. When will be the new Avenger launched?
4. Does a heavy pillion make it difficult to ride?

Thanks in advance.

No problem would be faced dude. bike is superb in crusing style.

As far as skid issue is concern...awenger if ridden properly then it never skids.

Bike has it's technique to be ridden.

Awenger is a different style bike low gorund clearance, more lenghty, crusier style.

Don't you think with that thin front tyre you will skid if you try to stop suddenly at some higher speed???

Awenger is not at all made to judge braking or speeding.

It's a superb crusier with good amount of power, it can be used in open road but as every bike has limits so we should know what can't be done with Awenger and take care of that and one skidding and any riding issues.

There are many people using it and only few are repeorting of skidding as skidding occurs on cornering or high speed to be handled, wet roads etc.

[koolbluez]

The Avy220 is my first geared bike. Had a Kinetic Blaze b4.
The Avy's more than a year old.
I get only 30-32kmpl mileage on the bike when I hear ppl get close to 35-38kmpl on this model. To top it, my bike's performance is not top-notch either. Rarely grazes 80kmph.
I complained the service centres @ b'lore (both Domlur & Museum Road) of speed & low mileage issues but they asked me wait for the third free service. However, neither of the service centres were able to rectify the issue after more than a year & 2nd paid service!
Can any1 guide me to the solution? What could have gone wrong? Low-end pickup(1st gear/2nd gear) is ok.. but the bike struggles to attain high speeds... takes a while to go to 80kmph. Never reached "supposed" top speed of 120kmph!!!

[Newrider88]

The Avy220 is my first geared bike. Had a Kinetic Blaze b4.
The Avy's more than a year old.
I get only 30-32kmpl mileage on the bike when I hear ppl get close to 35-38kmpl on this model. To top it, my bike's performance is not top-notch either. Rarely grazes 100kmph.
I complained the service centres @ b'lore (both Domlur & Museum Road) of speed & low mileage issues but they asked me wait for the third free service. However, neither of the service centres were able to rectify the issue after more than a year & 2nd paid service!
Can any1 guide me to the solution? What could have gone wrong? Low-end pickup(1st gear/2nd gear) is ok.. but the bike struggles to attain high speeds... takes a while to go to 80-100kmph. Never reached "supposed" top speed of 120kmph!!!

Hello, 30-32 is fair enough for avy 220. Avenger is a cruiser bike and is not designed to do high speeds so i think 100 km/h is enough. I don't think there is an issue with your bike as i once owned avy 200 and my bike behaved in the same way as you explained. Try to run it at 70-80 km/h max and enjoy your ride. If you are a top speed lover then pulsar 220 is the way to go.

[koolbluez]

What I am saying is that if others are getting better speed & better mileage... something might be wrong & we are not tapping the full potential of the bike. It's 220cc going waste....

[Newrider88]

What I am saying is that if others are getting better speed & better mileage... something might be wrong & we are not tapping the full potential of the bike. It's 220cc going waste....

(1) Mileage depends on your many factors like your riding style, road conditions(highway or city) and quality of fuel. Consider these factors and then try to decide.
(2) 120 km/h is only claimed top speed. It is not necessary that you will be able to get there.
(3) Regarding slow pickup from 80-100 km/h. I experienced the same on avy 200.
Try to take your friend's bike on a ride and then compare its performance with yours. I am sure you won't find much difference.

[experimentalhead]

The Avy220 is my first geared bike. Had a Kinetic Blaze b4.
The Avy's more than a year old.
I get only 30-32kmpl mileage on the bike when I hear ppl get close to 35-38kmpl on this model. To top it, my bike's performance is not top-notch either. Rarely grazes 80kmph.
I complained the service centres @ b'lore (both Domlur & Museum Road) of speed & low mileage issues but they asked me wait for the third free service. However, neither of the service centres were able to rectify the issue after more than a year & 2nd paid service!
Can any1 guide me to the solution? What could have gone wrong? Low-end pickup(1st gear/2nd gear) is ok.. but the bike struggles to attain high speeds... takes a while to go to 80kmph. Never reached "supposed" top speed of 120kmph!!!

Some problem u have my friend.

First lets take bike's performance. If you feel bike's pick up is a problem, take the service center guy for a ride. Many factors could affect bike's performance like if oil level is below minimum level, Chain slack issues, clutch plate issues, timer chain issues, being the main. So, notice if you hear any weird noises when bike is idle. My Avenger is an year old. I recently did a saddle sore. On superb road between Kolhapur and Belgaum, my Avenger touched 125 kms for the first ever time on odometer. It had touched 120 many a time before. So, i guess chain sprockets and clutch plates could be a problem along with oil, and fuel.

Get them checked immediately. All the best

[koolbluez]

First lets take bike's performance. If you feel bike's pick up is a problem, take the service center guy for a ride. Many factors could affect bike's performance like if oil level is below minimum level, Chain slack issues, clutch plate issues, timer chain issues, being the main. So, i guess chain sprockets and clutch plates could be a problem along with oil, and fuel.
Get them checked immediately. All the best

Maybe clutch plate issue as I use the clutch most of the time.
whenever I brake, the clutch is pressed habitually(whatever the speed) as I learnt driving on this bike!!!
Chain was tightened in recent servicing & reloosened a bit as it was too tight.
Noticed another thing, these bikes the chain tightens on heavier loads (not like the FZ or Apache, where the distance between engine & rear wheel is maintained same). This affects performance again!!! Should not be too tight.. nor too loose (for my weight).

Some problem u have my friend.
First lets take bike's performance. If you feel bike's pick up is a problem, take the service center guy for a ride.

About service, I was not satisfied by either the Domlur or Museum Road guyz. Where do u go?

[experimentalhead]

Maybe clutch plate issue as I use the clutch most of the time.
whenever I brake, the clutch is pressed habitually(whatever the speed) as I learnt driving on this bike!!!
Chain was tightened in recent servicing & reloosened a bit as it was too tight.
Noticed another thing, these bikes the chain tightens on heavier loads (not like the FZ or Apache, where the distance between engine & rear wheel is maintained same). This affects performance again!!! Should not be too tight.. nor too loose (for my weight).


About service, I was not satisfied by either the Domlur or Museum Road guyz. Where do u go?

Chain issues are well known with Bajaj bikes especially Avenger...You need to keep adjusting the chain, at least every 800 kms approximately.

My bike is always serviced at the service center on kasturba road. I have noticed that service quality has not been up to the mark of late. But definitely better than Domlur one.

[Dezire_ Unlimited]

I recently got my Avenger 220..




1) Need one gud cruiser helmet
2) Need to get some luggage carrier /document carrier
3) Is there any way we can get the foot rest done on the bike..like we used to have on Enticer?
4) About the extra cushioning of the pillion seat..as my gal kind a feel uncomfortable on long rides.

[vibbs]

1) Need one gud cruiser helmet
2) Need to get some luggage carrier /document carrier
3) Is there any way we can get the foot rest done on the bike..like we used to have on Enticer?
4) About the extra cushioning of the pillion seat..as my gal kind a feel uncomfortable on long rides.

Friends, I too have a similar query, difference being that I am yet to buy the bike. In all probabilities, I would be buying it by month end. So I was searching for appropriate riding gears. If somebody could point me where to look for, it would be wonderful. Also suggestions on what type of helmets luggage/ carrier etc.
Thanx in advance

[Dezire_ Unlimited]

Friends, I too have a similar query, difference being that I am yet to buy the bike. In all probabilities, I would be buying it by month end. So I was searching for appropriate riding gears. If somebody could point me where to look for, it would be wonderful. Also suggestions on what type of helmets luggage/ carrier etc.
Thanx in advance

Our Freind Samarth was able to Answer few of the querries... Here are they...
1) Cruiser helmet? The 2 big factors while choosing a touring helmet are: wind noise levels and safety. From my experience I suggest you go for Non-Modular Full Face helmets.

Modular(Chin up) helmets are terribly noisy, can cause a headache at even 60+ and are not durable! (I used a Vega Boolean on a 570 kms trip, it s*cks!)

My LONG TERM's suggestion for comfort and safety, would be SOL Helmets. (solhelmetindia.com). They may be expensive at 5000+ but their quality (by international standards) is very good.

2) Search Cramster on internet, you should get tank bags, etc. Local stores in your city can provide many cheap solutions too.

4) You can get a good seat cover from any good store. No such Premium brand for it.
But I suggest Mesh Seat Cover, which has a mesh net which holds up, even after sitting for many hours on it. Yamaha service centre sells such cover for R15 v1 but if won't fit your bike

[vibbs]

Thanks Dezire unlimited and thanks samarth

That gives me a starting point to start my search.

[vibbs]

Bajaj Avenger 220 DTSI .. Feel like GOD!!

A brief recap

I was not much of a bike guy, after my very disappointing experience with Kinetic GF170 Laser. The initial joys of owning a bike had quickly evaporated when I started facing service issues and spare parts availability problems. Our Swift which came home after some years transformed me fully into a Car Person and my love for two wheeled things disappearing almost completely. The probability of going back to two wheels seemed very slim.

That was until very recently when one of my colleagues was scouting for a bike which made me take a look at the current biking scene in India. Soon the love rekindled towards things on two wheels but was not sufficient enough to push me into buying one. A push, which came much later bundled with necessity. The reason for looking into buying a new bike has been mentioned in this thread (http://www.xbhp.com/talkies/what-bik...-new-bike.html) in 'what bike' section. Also how I reached to a conclusion on buying the Avenger has been mentioned there so wont be touching all that here.

Test ride and dealership experience


"Bajaj Probiking showrooms which used to sell the P220 and Avenger earlier have now been converted to KTM stores and will be selling only Dukes and Ninjas", said a news report. Bajaj website though still listed them as Probiking stores and still said P220 and Avy are available there. I shot a few mails at the email addresses of the Probiking outlets given in the website. All of them bounced back. I called up Bajaj customer care and the most disinterested customer care executive ever, answered the call.

"Sir all outlets sell avengers now." She said/
I said "I know that, what I wanted to know was that do the probiking stores still sell them?"
"Yes sir they still sell"

Off I went to Vasant Lok Probiking to check out the Avy. A KTM South delhi board welcomed me at the outlet and I could see only the Dukes. On enquiry, I came to know the news article was indeed correct. Pro biking outlets are now KTM Stores and sell only Dukes and Ninjas. Dont know what the customer care Exec was thinking?

Next, I called up Dewan Bajaj Dwarka and asked if they have a bike for test ride. The lady at the store said, "Sir, we dont have the bike now, but if you make a booking and pay the booking amount, we can arrange one in two days."

I was surprised and asked, how they expected me to make a booking without a test ride? At that she said, she ll get back to me in half n hour. But that call never came.

Come on Bajaj don't make me hate you even before purchasing your bike.

Couple of more calls and a day later, I finally recieved a call from them to come to the showroom and check out the Avenger.

Off we went to check it out. The test ride would have to wait as somebody else had taken the vehicle apparently.They had a red one on their upper floors which we checked out in the meanwhile. I took it off the stands and sat on the riders seat. First impression was ''extremely comfortable''. Next got my wife to sit on the Pillion seat, which according to her was quite comfortable even after considering its lesser width. The back rest helped matters further, as the height seemed just perfect for her.

The ride comfort however could only be confirmed by the test ride which was getting further delayed. As we had other appointments to take care, we decided to leave the place as the test ride could be taken the next day too.
Our choice of colour was blue and the showroom did nt have the colour in stock. But they expected fresh stock to arrive at night so the possibility of getting my hands on one the next day were pretty bright.

Next day I was pleasantly surprised by a call from the dealer saying the bikes have arrived and there were two blue bikes available. As there were quite a few people who had asked for the avenger, if I hurry only then I could lay my hands on it.
"Fine enough" I thought and hurried off. They indeed had recieved stocks and many new fully covered bikes were kept outside the showroom. The showstopper was not surprisingly the latest Bajaj rockstar, the 200NS.

My eyes however were fixed on a covered Blue Beauty parked outside. Was it possible, I am looking at my next bike here?

Without wasting time, I asked for a test ride. My main aim was to check ride quality and the ease of maneuverability in traffic. From the first impressions there seemed to be sufficient power on tap though I really did nt push the bike to its limits. The ride seemed a bit stiff, but not bothersome. Did nt really feel too clumsy in the traffic either. Nothing that could be termed a deal breaker.

So the Avenger it is then.

Rest of the buying experience was uneventful and I was just going through the motions dreaming about my beauty.

I got a helmet and a bike cover for free with the bike. Helmet as expected does nt seem to be of any use, would be buying a DOT certified one soon.

Initial Ownership impressions

Initial rides indicate there is sufficient grunt to take off from standstill. Although I have not yet put through the paces, a little flip of the throttle launches the bike pretty well. The 220 cc motor is the same one that does duty on Pulsar 220 albeit in a different state of tune. In the Avenger, it reportedly produces lesser power and torque as compared to the P220. Yet there is enough bite in the engine to satisfy atleast me.
The issue with the engine in my opinion is that it always sounds as if its in a hurry. It does nt seem laid back enough to be doing duty on a wannabe cruiser. Seems it likes to be revved, pity that I ll have to wait till I finish the running in.
There is quite a bit of vibrations on the handle bar, though not too much to be an issue. Will have to see how they shape up at higher revvs. But yes the engine does nt seem very refined as of now. No vibrations are felt in the feet and through the seat though.

The ride is noticeable stiff specially for the pillion rider. Tackle bad roads with speed and your Pillion rider may turn into your enemy in no time. Reduce the speed though and the Avy takes bad roads in its stride. The rider however is in a comparably better position.
Note: I ve not been in the Pillion seat as yet and these are impressions from my wife. Comparatively I felt my experience at the rider seat was much more comfortable. Not that she felt an discomfort, but yes bad roads at high speeds do get felt badly.

I thought the Avy might be cumbersome in traffic. But I was surprised at the ease of maneuverability specially because its been some time since I rode a bike. The Low stance gives you good control over the bike unless you try to do something with it which it is not designed for.

Biking in my opinion requires a kind of connect between the rider and the bike. The rider should be very well aware of the bikes capabilities and its limitations. I have heard a lot being said about the Avy skidding during braking in surfaces without optimum grip. I have not ridden it extensively enough nor have I experienced a panic braking situation on such surfaces. But I do feel with proper braking technique one can go around the issue. More importantly acknowledge the dangers of biking on slippery surfaces and ensure the bike does nt get out of its comfort zone during such situations.

These impressions are from the very limited time the bike has been with me. Will update the thread as time goes on hopefully with full details of problems and issues faced and solutions found.
Though I have tried to be true to what I felt riding the bike and present an unbiased picture, I acknowledge the possiblity of my initial impressions being completely wrong and off target, mainly because of the short duration it has been based upon and also my own lack of experience as far as biking is concerned. As time moves, these impressions themselves may change and I will make it a point to update the same here.


Will Sign off leaving you all to savour some images.

Does look imposing head on



The Bike is a looker. No Doubt about it.






The fuel level indicator in on the fuel tank. No Tachometer though. Would ve loved one.



The ignition key hole is not in the traditional place near the speedo console, but near the engine. Take care, one may burn his hand by mistake.




The pillion seat gets quite narrow. Check out if you ll have heavily built pillion riders accompanying you often.





The Handle Lock. Notice how weld marks are visible. Could be masked I guess. Makes the bike look having poor finish




Cheers

Ride Safe

[Samarth 619]

Topic Approved and merged here...

Congrats Vibbs... All the best for a happy ownership experience!


As for the braking technique, you have to use more of the rear brake and less of the front one, compared to other Indian performance street bikes. That is primarily because of the cruiser like High Rake angle of the Avenger.
So, in most cases you can't stop as fast as P220 does, for example. If you ride with this fact in mind, you should do good.

[vibbs]

Topic Approved and merged here...

Congrats Vibbs... All the best for a happy ownership experience!


As for the braking technique, you have to use more of the rear brake and less of the front one, compared to other Indian performance street bikes. That is primarily because of the cruiser like High Rake angle of the Avenger.
So, in most cases you can't stop as fast as P220 does, for example. If you ride with this fact in mind, you should do good.

Thanks Samarth for approving the post.

Yes I was also thinking on same lines with regard to the braking technique. Will keep in mind though. After all the key to successful and safe biking is to understand your bike well and act accordingly.

BTW why are the pics so small? :O