Bajaj Avenger 160 launched: India’s cheapest cruiser with ABS

Bajaj Auto has just launched the Avenger 160 – India’s cheapest cruiser motorcycle with ABS. The Bajaj Avenger 160 gets a single channel ABS as standard, and is priced at Rs. 82,253, ex-showroom Delhi. At its price point, the Bajaj Avenger 160 does not have any competition although the Suzuki Intruder 150 is a similarly powered, albeit much more expensive motorcycle. The new motorcycle replaces the Avenger 150 in Bajaj Auto’s cruiser line up. Bajaj also offers a bigger engined version of the bike – called the Avenger 220, which is also much pricier. The Avenger 160 gets two colours: Ebony Black and Spicy Red. The motorcycle gets a bunch of changes: LED DRLs, new decals, black alloy wheels and a rubberized rear grab handle.

Mr. Narayan Sundararaman, Vice President (Marketing) – Motorcycles, Bajaj Auto Ltd said,

As the segment leader, Bajaj Auto believes in the strategy of differentiation and category expansion. Avenger Street 160 with ABS provides contemporary styling whilst retaining its classical roadster design. The discerning customer gets a definite step-up into the world of classic biking. This will open up choices to the entry-level sports customers.

The Avenger 160 is powered by a 160cc, four stroke air cooled, single cylinder engine that puts out 15 PS of peak power and 13.5 Nm of peak torque. A five speed manual gearbox is standard. The power and torque figures compare favourably with the Avenger 160’s chief rival – the Suzuki Intruder – whose 155cc motor makes 14.6 Bhp-14 Nm. The Bajaj Avenger 160 weighs 150 kilograms, and has a ground clearance of 177 mm, which should be ample for Indian conditions despite the motorcycle’s long wheelbase. The Avenger 160 is aimed primarily at commuter motorcycle buyers who want an easy riding bike for everyday riding on city streets. The bike’s relaxed riding position and cruiser looks are its biggest selling points.

Bajaj, along with Royal Enfield, made cruiser motorcycles popular in the Indian market. The former first brought in the Kawasaki Eliminator 175 to the Indian market. The Eliminator, during its time, was the most expensive Bajaj motorcycle on sale in India. The Eliminator had a high level of import content, which Bajaj reduced by localizing the motorcycle significantly, and relaunching it as the Avenger 180. The Avenger 180 borrowed its engine from the Pulsar 180 DTSi. Ever since, there have been multiple editions of the Bajaj Avenger, including the range topping 220cc variant. Bajaj Auto is said to be working on the next generation Avenger, which could have a 250cc, liquid cooled engine.