Bajaj Avenger Street 160

The Avenger 160 Street by Bajaj is the most affordable and smallest-capacity cruiser in the manufacturer's lineup. Notably, it also holds the title of being India's most affordable cruiser. Now, let's take a look at its riding experience and its value-for-money positioning.

Design

The Avenger 160 Street shares a design resemblance with the older Avenger 180. Consistency is maintained across various elements such as body panels, wheels, headlight, tail light, tank, and graphics, all of which remain identical to the Avenger 180. Like a typical cruiser, it gets a low-slung stance, footpegs that are forward-set and a relaxed riding posture.

Engine, Performance And Mileage

The Avenger 160 Street is powered by a 160cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, generating 15PS and 13.7Nm. Its ride comfort in the city is good, with the engine having excellent tractability for city commuting. On the highway, it offers a smooth cruising experience at speeds ranging from 70 to 80 kmph. Beyond these speeds, vibrations become noticeable from the footpegs. The 5-speed gearbox works seamlessly, and the light clutch action adds to the overall riding experience.

During our tests, the Avenger 160 Street returned a real-world mileage of 53.72kmpl on the highway and 46.83kmpl in the city. These numbers are okay but could have been better. The 13-litre fuel tank gives a theoretical range of about 630km on a full tank.

Ride and Handling

In the city, the Avenger 160 Street feels agile, allowing for easy navigation through traffic. Its stability in corners is very good. The suspension setup is on the softer side, effectively absorbing minor bumps and potholes. The well-cushioned seat not only enhances comfort but also minimises vibrations experienced by the rider.

The presence of single-channel ABS proves highly beneficial in tricky situations. The front disc brake delivers a substantial bite, contributing to overall safety.

Comfort

The Avenger 160 Street has an impressively low seat height of 730mm. The forward-set footpegs and flat handlebar contribute to a relaxed riding posture, ideal for shorter riders. However, taller riders may find it slightly cramped. An issue arises with the uneven placement of the left and right footpegs. For tall riders, the left handlebar may brush against the knee during tight left turns, presenting a different experience on right turns. Despite its long 1480mm wheelbase, the Avenger 160 Street doesn’t have a wide turning radius like other traditional cruisers, offering a significant advantage in city commutes. Although the softly padded seats provide comfort for city rides, extended journeys can feel a little uncomfortable as the rider tends to sink into the seat quite a bit over time..

Features

The Bajaj cruiser gets a single-pod instrument console housing an analog speedometer and a digital display providing details such as the tripmeter and odometer. The small headlight mask, while lacking functional purpose, adds to the bike's styling. The switchgear quality is decent, and the overall build quality, evident from visible welding marks, reflects the budget-oriented construction of the bike. Positioned as an entry-level motorcycle, the Bajaj Avenger 160 Street doesn't boast an extensive range of features. Notably, it includes a single-channel ABS and a Rear-Lift Protection (RLP) sensor, an addition aimed at preventing accidental stoppies. That said, cruisers by their very nature are not prone to stoppies even under hard braking..

Should You Buy The Bajaj Avenger Street 160?

Continuing to hold the title of the most budget-friendly cruiser bike in India, the entry-level Avenger, specifically the Avenger 160 Street model from Bajaj, takes affordability to a new level.

For those in search of the most affordable and economical cruiser in India, the Bajaj Avenger 160 stands as the sole option, meeting expectations for a budget-friendly cruiser. While it might not deliver the performance ideal for extended highway cruising, buyers can go for the the Avenger 220 Street which fulfils that role much better. For daily city commutes and brief weekend rides, the Avenger 160 Street proves to be a satisfactory choice.