Dressing like a Cruiser, does not a cruiser make.. Review on Bajaj Avenger

'Feel like God' sounds like an overtly pompous and exaggerated statement for a bike which churns out measly 16 horse powers from a sports-bike borrowed, 180cc mill. Certainly the Bajaj Avenger ad could do with a better punchline for which is otherwise one of the most brilliantly done ads in recent times.

Bajaj has attempted to bring a cheap, robust ‘cruiser’ on Indian roads. But have they succeeded? Let’s analyze.

The bike can be analysed from 2 standpoints:

1. Indian standards:

   
   




2. International standards:

   
   




3. Indian standards: The bike no doubt is tailored for the Indian conditions. What better than get the bike to appeal to the classes and some selective masses who desire class!

   
   

Sure, Bajaj has played smart by launching a bike which is first and foremost sturdy having decent power which does not produce mind-numbing torque, but which doesn't make the bike drag either. Cruisers are supposed to be a separate herd of bikes wherein the comfort gets the topmost priority and not the engine displacement and step low-end power curves. A good sustained power at the max speed is what is desired of them. So given this criteria, on Indian roads, we all know that one can rarely go above 100 with enough confidence. So the makers decide on keeping in that way, which explains the 180cc mill straight from the Pulsar dtsi. Makes their task much easier.

Second thing which really went in favour of Bajaj was the growing number of bikers wanting to adopt the American style cruising at an affordable price tag. The Tunderbird is huge, too noisy with old outdated technology and burns a big 'hole' in most pockets. The Enticer is too underpowered for a cruiser. The Eliminator is too overpriced for what is a modest offering. That's it! The competition ends there. So now what can one do if he really itches to get his hands on a cruiser? They have little choice but to go for Avenger. Surely its good-looking except for the tank which looks too thin for my liking. Now we see Avenger every where on the streets which is not in keeping with the cruiser culture. Cruisers are meant to be seen on the long stretch of good even roads and not to be ridden on the city streets. It looks plain ugly when some moron opens the throttle in heavy traffic trying to mimic a street bike. 7 seconds to reach 60kmph is not for zooming past vehicles like a monkey. Acceleration is anyways not a cruiser's forte. Top speed is what matters the most and I have to say that 100kmph is okay in the Indian context. I think the Indian cruiser wannabes have a long way to go in entrenching themselves in the ‘leather-clad chilled out guy on the bike’ attitude. Most are not matured enough to ride cruisers. Anyway, as far as Bajaj is concerned they have a winner as long as there are cruiser wannabes and a dearth of good competition.

1. International standards:

'A cruiser is a cruiser is a cruiser and it is meant to do what its name suggests - Cruise!'

Compare the Bajaj Avenger to a true-blue American Cruiser like a Harley Fatboy or for that matter any cruiser coming from the Japs and Korean stables and you will probably be compelled into labelling the Avenger to anything else but a cruiser.

Bajaj has to some extent succeeded in imparting the ‘cruiser’ looks and comfort to the Avenger. But does the cosmetic changes alone make a cruiser? No. I don't think so. If you look at the International cruisers, their mills start from 400CCs and upwards. Most are powered by atleast a V-twin cylinder. There is good low-end revving, much contrary to the rev-happy nature of the 180 dtsi engine. A good power-to-weight ratio is a must. Sure they are very expensive given all the brute power and chrome. So be it.

Bikes come in all shapes and sizes. There are commuters whose sole purpose is to transport human beings from point A to point B without getting into the pleasurable aspects of biking. There are sports bikes which gives a surge in adrenalin with its sheer pick-up and raw power. Usually sports bikes reflect an aggressive frame of mind. But some people like me need speed. Btw, Speed junkies don't necessarily have to ride rash. Then there are off-road bikes which has a limited fan following usually in dirt track events. But none have the unique cult status attached to them as a Harley Davidson.

It’s a very bold decision to launch a cruiser in India for which Bajaj should be applauded. A lot of ‘business’ strategy has gone into the making of this bike. Seems that their marketing acumen is spot on. There will be many takers for this bike for sure simply because of its economy and distinct good looks. But still there is a lot to be desired. One may argue that its unfair to compare it to a Harley since the Avenger anyways is not meant to target the niche, up-market customers and that it’s a downsized cruiser for Indians. But in my opinion, there is no such thing as a ‘low-end’ cruiser and if at all there is, then Avenger should fit the bill perfectly. Even a so called cruiser like Enticer can look good from an angle. No big deal in recreating the looks. A cruiser is made out of heart and soul more than business and market dynamics. Its like comparing an art cinema with a typical bollywood masala blockbuster. One is from the heart creative endeavour and the other is a typical formula full of cliches to cater to the masses. Just as the answer to the question, 'What sells more, Jazz or Pop'?. Similarly, you can never expect a pussy cat to run like a cheetah even though they both come from the same cat family. Or for that matter, a Diamond can never be replaced with a glass pellet no matter how convincing the looks. All I can say is, beware of cheap imitation and gimmickry.

I don't mean to write off the Avenger. It's a very practical bike. Perhaps, if it is viewed differently like a normal commuter bike, then it should definitely come out tops with its superb comfort, styling and an above average power band (it should comfortably beat the CBZ or a pulsar 150). But a cruiser? Give me a break!