The Bajaj Avenger has been the highest selling cruiser motorcycle available in India since quite a while now. The original Avenger was loosely based on the Bajaj Kawasaki Eliminator but came with a re-tuned version of the then Pulsar 180’s DTSi motor.
A decade later, in 2015, Bajaj introduced the second-generation of the Avenger, which brought in 150cc and 220cc variants. Again, in 2018, Bajaj has decided to bring back the 180cc variant and hence, has come up with the new Bajaj Avenger 180 to replace the earlier, 150cc, model.
The new Avenger 180 continues the tradition of being the cheapest cruiser motorcycle of the country. On sale at an ex-showroom price of Rs 83,475, the new motorcycle is much cheaper than the Intruder 150. Yet, it offers a bigger, more powerful engine. But is the new motorcycle the perfect buy for those looking for their first-ever cruiser? Let’s try to answer this through our 2018 Bajaj Avenger 180 review here.
Design and Styling
The new Avenger 180 is available only in the Street trim. The company feels that the Cruise variant is best reserved for the more premium, 220cc, variant. Basically, in terms of design, the new Avenger 180 offers a mix-and-match of the new 220 Street and the erstwhile Avenger 150. So, basically, you get the new shape headlamp with LED DRL.
The new headlamp is flanked by a new visor that just about covers the instrument console from the front. Unlike the 220cc variant, the Avenger 180 doesn’t get an all-digital speedo console. It continues to offer a semi-digital setup that comprises of an analogue speedo and a digital odometer. The fuel gauge is positioned on the fuel tank and is totally out of the rider’s line-of-sight.
There is a back rest, which makes the ride comfortable for pillion. The seat gets a new cover with a carbon-fibre-like pattern, which is something that comes from the refreshed 220 Street. Even the grab rail and head lamp are borrowed from 220cc sibling. Overall, the Avenger 180 continues to offer the typical cruiser design that finds its roots at the Eliminator. However, Bajaj has done enough to spruce up the things a fair bit. Latest updates help this motorcycle look sufficiently modern whilst maintaining its classic look.
Engine and Performance
Much like the first-ever Avenger 180, the latest model borrows its powertrain from the Pulsar 180 DTSi. That said, the motor has been retuned to suit the cruiser characteristics of the new motorcycle. For the Avenger 180, the engine pumps out a maximum power of 15.3 bhp @ 8,500 RPM and a peak torque of 13.7 Nm at 6,500 RPM.
While this is lower than what the P180 offers, you get more relaxed and more refined performance that complements the cruiser body form of this motorcycle. The torque, while lower by 0.5 Nm, is better spread and is available in abundance at much lower engine speeds. Hence, you have a more relaxed riding experience as you can simply ride the torque curve and build speeds without frequent gearshifts.
The engine comes mated to a slick shifting 5-speed manual transmission that offers a positive shift action. Compared to the Avenger 150, the new motorcycle feels a lot more energetic and definitely more relaxed at high speeds. Also, it feels just a tad bit more refined than its predecessor. Some vibrations do creep in on revving the engine really hard, but they never get too pronounced or bothersome. We could manage to hit a speedo-indicated 118 kmph on a long open stretch of road. See video below.
Ride and Handling
The new Bajaj Avenger 180 Street is a lot more comfortable than the erstwhile 150cc variant. The suspension of the new Avenger 180 is the same as the one that the 220cc model uses. While the only cruiser motorcycle from Bajaj continues to use the same diamond frame that was used in the Eliminator, the latest iteration gets 10 mm of extra travel for its rear suspension.
This has enhanced the ride quality a great deal, which is saying a lot if you consider that the Avenger 150 was already a very comfortable motorcycle. While the suspension is set slightly towards the firmer side, you can still pretty much glide over the rough surfaces without any discomfort.
The new Bajaj Avenger 180, like other cruiser motorcycles of its kind, isn’t meant to go too fast in a corner. However, thanks to sufficiently grippy tires and an even weight distribution, it gets pretty easy to make your way through congested city streets. Also, the motorcycle feels very planted at high speeds.
Unfortunately, however, there’s no rear disc brake or ABS on offer. The braking setup is adequate and the front disc brake, in a typical Bajaj fashion, offers a sharp bite. However, an ABS and a rear disc brake would have made this motorcycle considerably safer on long rides.
Verdict
Available at an ex-showroom price of Rs 83,475, the new Bajaj Avenger 180 is a lot of motorcycle for your money. Firstly, you get a the classic, true-blue cruiser looks, which have now become even better due to the introduction of new elements such as the LED DRLs and the semi-digital instrumentation.
Moreover, thanks to a 180cc heart, the new motorcycle has a clear displacement advantage over its nearest rival, the Suzuki Intruder 150. The advantages don’t end here. You also get a very comfortable ride and sufficient nimbleness. Finally, Bajaj is known for its affordable spares and an extensive after-sales service network, which makes living with one of these so much easier.
Sure, we would have loved a rear disc brake and ABS. Also, there are some vibrations that can be felt at really high speeds. Even the quality level, although higher than before, isn’t close to what the Japanese offer. However, we are really nit-picking here as the aforementioned positives far outnumber these small niggles. The new Bajaj Avenger 180 offers a lot of bang for your buck and makes for a really good entry-level cruiser motorcycle.
So, what are your views on our new 2018 Bajaj Avenger review? Is there some other angle you want us to include in our new 2018 Bajaj Avenger review here? You can let us know simply by leaving a comment below.
[wp-review id=”265540″]
