There is a keen sense of freedom that reflects each time one straddles a motorcycle. The joy of cruising over inviting open roads is unfathomable. And what better tool than a comfy powerful cruiser motorcycle for laidback rides on the highway? Unfortunately, Indian cruiser lovers have been left wanting as there have traditionally been very few models to choose from. Over the past decade however, the only bike to have firmly held its ground in the cruiser segment is the Bajaj Avenger, which has successfully withstood the test of time. Introduced in January 2001 as the Kawasaki-Bajaj Eliminator powered by a 175cc Kawasaki engine, back then it was one of the most expensive set of 2-wheels on sale in India. How things change though - in its latest avatar, Avenger 220 DTSi is one of the most affordable and powerful Indian motorcycles available in the market today.
The Avenger has seen a host of engine transplants through its tenure. In 2005 Bajaj Auto plonked the indigenously conceived 178cc DTSi motor from the Pulsar 180 DTSi into the Eliminator albeit in a different tune and re-badged it as the Avenger. Two years later, the 198cc DTSi engine from the Pulsar 200 also made its way onto the Avenger. These strategic developments allowed the Pune-based bike-maker to price the new Avenger competitively and bring it into the affordable price-band but without letting the Avenger brand lose its lustre. While demand for the sportier Pulsars and Karizmas sky-rocketed amongst the masses, those looking for a comfortable, stylish and laid-back motorcycle took to the Avenger without any qualms.
