Jul 15, 2008 04:02 PM
4783 Views
(Updated Nov 07, 2008 05:23 PM)
Come September 2008 and I will be completing three years on my silver Avenger. Avenger 180 which is a Pulsar 180 engine retuned to city and highway riding is a pleasant bike to ride, but without pillion. Avenger is not a pillion rider friendly bike because the seat is narrow at the back and has a back breaking rear suspension. For a single rider on long rides its a delight. Its a bike designed to potter around highways at 80-85 Kmph. Try revving the bike higher, the bike climbs to higher speeding unwillingly with a loud wail, which would be appreciated by some!!
The bike has so far started everyday morning with unfailing regularity and is sure footed with surprisingly good manouverability even in crowded driving conditions (although it has been designed for highway driving). It has a good head light for night driving too. It returns around 42-43 Kmpl in day to day city driving when driven with a light accelerator and 47 Kmpl on the highway at speeds around 80-85 Kmph. The service at Probiking showroom has been good and commendable, as the guys come and pick up the bike from office.
The plus points:
1) Torquey engine with good pulling power in the 3rd gear is a delight
2) Ability to potter around in 3rd gear at 20-30 Kmph
3) Smooth and slick gear shift of 180
4) Excellent disk brakes at the front
5) Good fuel economy for a bike of this size (better than honda activas and dios)
6) Excellent seating position and very neutral handle bars for fatigue free driving
7) Good service back up from Probiking showroom in Kochi - Kerala(cannot vouch for the same in other cities)
8) Reasonable cost of maintenance
9) Last but not the least - Big head turner
The drawbacks of the bike:
1) Lack of flat foot rest as in Yamah enticer
2) Frequent need to tighten the chain
3) The silencer and nuts/bolts are prone to rust
4) The chrome on the tank reflects harsh light during day time driving
5) Rear suspension does not have a gas shock absorber as in Pulsar 180 / 200 / 150 which is a big let down
6) not an ideal bike for slippery and curvy roads during monsoon
7) Rear brake drum does not have enough bite
