Considering Bajaj Avenger but my height

Hello Bikers!

1. Budget : 85 to 90K
2. Age : 27
3. Height : 5"5
4. Weight : 65 Kg
5. Intended usage: Office, Weekend drive sometimes
6. Fuel Efficiency requirement: Not much of a concern
7. City & Highway percentage usage: City: 60 % Highway: 30%
8. Approximate Daily / Monthly running: Daily 8 Km/ Weekend: 50 to 60 Km
9. City / Town /Village of residence : Chennai City
10. Brand / Bike type preference: Bajaj Avenger

So I'm planning to get a new bike for daily usage and occasionally weekend drive. I used to have R15 v2 for 8 months due to personal issues had to sell it but after couple of months everything is sorted out and I'm ready to get a new bike. I thought of trying a different bike so I zeroed into Avenger 220. My main concern is my height, I don't know if this bike will suit for the person of my height or weight. I would appreciate any comments or feedback.

Thank you.

Re: Considering Bajaj Avenger but my height

Topic Approved.

Hello Shyam. I think Avenger is more suited for 5 and a half feet height, so its ok for you. I'm a 6 feet guy and Avenger felt comfortable enough to me when I tested it.

But, be aware that R15 is a proper mini-sportsbike, while Avenger is a cruiser. Some facts before you proceed with this change of riding style:-

1. R15's major braking power comes from the front brake. Avenger's brake dependency will be mostly equal for front to rear. If you squeeze the front too hard, you might lose grip due to the Rake/ Trail of Avenger.
This is not a defect. Cruisers are like that only.

2. Avenger's wheelbase is huge, which means better stability on high speeds, but this means its turning radius is also big. Plus, its weight and riding position are
Be very careful while entering corners. Avenger can't lean much safely.
So, a corner you take at 50 kmph on R15, must be taken on around 30 kmph on Avenger to be safe.
Again, not a defect of any kind. Cruisers are not meant to be leaned in corners, even though once in a while someone might do so.

3. No matter which place you're riding in, Avenger has to be ridden slower than R15, because in emergency R15 can be stopped slower than Avenger can be. Your commutes may get slower.


Riding dynamics of Cruisers are different and somewhat not so suited to riding in bumper to bumper traffic. You may get quite tired if you ride in such situations. But you know this beforehand, so decide well.

Just remember one thing: Its a long term decision, so take a TEST RIDE in any case, before finalising it. All the best, buddy.

Re: Considering Bajaj Avenger but my height

My answer is why don't you take something from the same bloodline i.e., sports/street rather than a cruiser. . ? There are lots of differences as compared between avenger and R15, as listed above by the Mod, so I think it'd be good if you get a FZ, it definitely suits short people and good for your daily city commute/weekend ride and also considering the fact that FE is not a major concern, why don't you try the FZ/Fazer out. . ? Have a test ride and decide. . . Let me just sum it up in short as to what are the changes you'll face between the two,
1. First and foremost, riding position changes, R15 has a committed riding posture whereas Avenger is more on the comfortable side. . .
2. I seriously don't think that Avengers suit short people, as much as I have seen, it's better suited for tall people, . . I and my cousin rode an avenger, me 5'8" and he 6'0", the bike looked better on him than on me. . .
3. Braking is different, you can't brake the same way as you do on your R15. . .
4. This is well suited for those who need a comfortable highway cruising and not for a day to day commute in traffic. . .
5. You definitely definitely can't lean on this, you try it, you'll be on the ground, of course very few can do it, but seriously it's not what it is made for. . .
6. No sudden braking like on R15. . .
7. No sudden U-turns due to longer wheelbase. . .
8. The list goes on so better to end it here. . .

Okay as I said you can consider the FZ/Fazer, both of which look good for short people and have good looks and will fair well with your daily commute as well as weekend ride. . . That's it said, the choice is your's, personally IMO a FZ seems better than Avenger taking your history and present needs. . .

Cheers!!!

Re: Considering Bajaj Avenger but my height

Avvy is a nice bike, I loved it, but I had to let it go as I needed something to ride seriously in city (mostly bumper to bumper). In slow moving traffic, Avenger could be pain. The foot rests are kept forward and the machine is low slung. This means you need to lift you foot off and then plant it on the ground, imagine doing this for 20+ times in a traffic signal clog. In a street bike or a commuter or a sports bike like R15 this exercise will be effortless, but in a real cruiser like Avenger you will be working out your inner thighs a lot. I don't know about shorties but tall guys will have to suffer more in Avenger in slow moving traffic. So, unless and until you are a hardcore lover of the Avenger its better you keep away from it. Apache would suit you more. Good luck.