Bajaj Avenger 200 DTSi

That was the tag line that accompanied the advertisements of the 180 cc Bajaj Avenger when it was launched back in 2005. It has now been a few weeks since the Avenger 180 DTSi has been replaced with the new Avenger 200 DTSi, but still there has been no promotion for the Avenger 200 DTSi yet. Forget TV Ads, I have yet to come across even a print advertisement for the Avenger 200 DTSi.

Why..??

When other manufacturers go over the top to proclaim new stickers on existing bikes as all new models, has Bajaj decided to act modest..??

Positives:

+ Only bike in its segment
+ Comfortable on good roads
+ Good Brakes

Negatives:

- Pillion seat not that comfortable
- Harsh Ride on Bad roads
- Gearbox could improve

According to me it is actually "Smart Marketing". The "I Feel Like God" campaign had already created an awareness/impression about the Avenger among consumers back in 2001. To keep the interest of the customers alive, Bajaj has decided to upgrade the engine by increasing the displacement and consequently the power and torque figures.

The small cruiser is still a niche segment in India. Since there is virtually no competition for the Avenger in this segment, why bother to spend crores of moolah on promotion. After all there are Bloggers like me to bring you the test ride and review all for free..!!


Styling:

Apart from an optional windshield, it’s almost impossible to distinguish the now discontinued Avenger 180 DTSi from the new Avenger 200 DTSi. Thankfully the engine covers and the cylinders have not been doused in black color. The previous “Avenger” moniker has now been shifted from the side panels to the Tank. The side panel now sports a “200 Oil Cooled” sticker. Like the Pulsar 200 DTSi, the Avenger 200 DTSi also does away with the kick lever and goes in just with the Electric Start.


The Avenger 200 DTSi still retains the chrome-laden charm of a low-slung cruiser. It also retains the somewhat awkward ignition switch for which you have to fish under the petrol tank. The petrol tank now also houses a small fuel indicator along with the telltale lights. But with all that chrome, the sunlight does find its way to your eyes. But hey..!! That’s what you get in a cruiser.



The brand that comes to everyone’s mind when talking about “cruisers” is Harley Davidson. One of the vivid memories of my childhood is the image of Arnold Schwarzenegger on the Harley in the movie Terminator. The Avenger is the closest that our “desi” bikers can get to that kind of Americana on Indian roads and by spending Indian money.




Ride Experience:


Riding position:

For any who has ridden street bikes all his life, the low seat of the Avenger feels a little awkward. But it takes only a few minutes to get used to this comfortable riding posture. The feet are placed forward with the arms outstretched.

Clutch & Gearbox:

Press the thumb start and the Avenger immediately settles into a smooth idle. The jerky clutch that used to plague earlier versions of the Pulsars has become almost perfect now and the clutch of the Avenger also is free from any issues. The same cannot be said about the gears though. Even though the gears are smooth to operate they still could do with a little bit of more feel. Also like the Pulsars finding neutral is an art that needs to be mastered. That being said, the gearbox was thankfully free from any false neutrals.

Engine Performance:

Cruisers are supposed to be made for easy and relaxed riding. So I was a bit sceptical on how the short stroke engine of the Pulsar 200 DTSi would perform on the Avenger. But just a few minutes on the Avenger was enough to dispel any doubts. The engine pulled quite effortlessly in every gear. But to enjoy the bike the most, it is better not to stress the engine too much.

Handling:

For someone who has always ridden road bikes, the handling of the Avenger with the long wheelbase and kicked out front forks, need some time to get used to. Although the Avenger handles quite well, one cannot expect to attack the corners like one would on a Pulsar.

Ride:

The ride quality of the Avenger isn’t exactly plush. Ride quality on smooth roads remains ok, but show the Avenger some bad roads and the road irregularities will get transmitted mildly to your spine.

Braking:

I had come across about discussion in a few Internet forums about the braking of the Avenger 180 being prone to sliding under hard braking. So I decided to test it for myself. I gathered some momentum on the bike and then hit the brakes hard. I have to say that the brakes were quite impressive and the bike halted without any issue. Maybe as the tyres get old and hard, the bike might slide under hard braking, but then this is true for any bike.

Fuel Efficiency:

According to Auto Magazines you can expect a mileage figure of around 35 Kmpl from the Avenger 200 DTSi

Conclusion:

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed the ride on the Avenger, in the process I probably lost a bit of respect for the bike.

For me a bike has to evoke a feeling of respect for it. Probably even scare you with its limits..

The Avenger could have included flat footboards instead of the front foot pegs. Also the rear seat is a bit narrow and the pillion on the Avenger would definitely require more frequent butt breaks especially on long journeys.

At 5 ft 5 inches I literally have to be on my toes (Pun Intended) on almost every other bike in the country including my own Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi. So the low seat of the Avenger provided me with the rare opportunity to put both my feet flat firmly on the ground. This meant that I could play around with the Avenger with gay abandon.

I have to say that even though I thoroughly enjoyed the ride on the Avenger, in the process I probably lost a bit of respect for the bike. For me a bike has to evoke a feeling of respect for it. Probably even scare you with its limits. There should be something extra left in the bike that should challenge you to test its limits.

So instead of feeling like Arnold on his Harley-Davidson, the Avenger actually made me feel like a boy on a wannabe cruiser.

So if you happen to ride the Avenger, do wear that rider jacket, wear it in black leather if you want, also never forget to wear that helmet. But for God’s sake do not wear that “I am a tough guy attitude”.

Just put a smile on your face and enjoy the ride.

Stephen: The Probiking Showroom attendent who accompanied me during the Test Ride

Bajaj Avenger 200, DTS-I: Technical Specifications

ENGINE

Type : 4 stroke, Air and Oil cooled, SOHC, Single cylinder Displacement: 198.8 cc Maximum Power: 17.5 bhp (12.88 KW) @ 8000 rpm Maximum Torque: 16.78 Nm (1.71 Kg-m) @ 6000 rpm Bore x Stroke: 67 x 56.4 (198.8 cc) Compression Ratio: 9.5 : 1 Carburettor: UCAL Mikuni BS29 Valve train: SOHC 2 Valves Valves per cylinder: 2 Valves Power to weight ratio: 113.7 bhp/Tonne Starting: Electric Start only Idle speed: 1400 ± 100 Ignition: Digital C.D.I with Load Sensing & non-contact TPS Fuel tank capacity: 14 litres Reserve: 3.4 litres Useable reserve: 2.8 litres

TRANSMISSION

Clutch: Wet multiplate Primary reduction: 3.47 : 1 Final reduction: 2.71 : 1

CHASSIS

Type: Double cradle down tube

SUSPENSION

Front: Telescopic Forks 140 mm Stroke Rear: 5-way adjustable, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers, Wheel travel 90 mm

BRAKES

Front: 260 mm Hydraulic Disc Rear: 130 mm Drum

WHEELS AND TYRES

Rim size (Front): 1.85’’ x 17’’ Rim size (Rear): 2.75’’ X 15’’ Tyre size (Front): 90/90 X 17” Tyre size (Rear): 130/90 X 15”

ELECTRICALS

Battery: 12 V 9Ah, Magneto: AC Generator Ignition system: Digital CDI with Load sensing Spark plug: 2nos CHAMPION RG4HC Spark plug gap: 0.6 ~ 0.8 mm Head lamp: AC, 60/55 W Tail lamp: 5 W Stop lamp: 21 W Speedometer: Mechanical type Fuel Gauge: Tank mounted, Mechanical type Turn signal lamp: 21 W X 4 Fuse: 10 Amps

Tyre pressure:

Front (solo/pillion): 1.5 kgf/cm2 Rear (solo/pillion): 1.75 kgf/cm2

DIMENSIONS

Length: 2195 mm Width: 750 mm Height: 1070mm Wheelbase: 1475 mm Saddle height: 710 mm Ground clearance: 169 mm Minimum turning radius: 2540 mm

WEIGHTS

Kerb weight: 154 kg Max. payload: 130 kg

PRICE: Rs. 72,886 (On Road Bangalore)

COLOURS: Blue, Red, Silver, Black