Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220

Mated to a 5-speed gearbox, the 220cc, oil-cooled motor generates 19.03PS at 8400rpm with 17.5Nm of peak torque produced at 7000rpm. Suspension duties are managed by telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear. Braking is via a 220mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum brake. The 13-litre fuel tank should offer a decent range for highway cruising. It tips the scale at 159kg (kerb), while the ground clearance stands at 169mm.

Earlier this year, Bajaj updated the Avenger Cruise 220 with some upmarket features to bring it into the 21st century. That said, the basic design language and proportions remain the same as before. New design updates consist of a set of LED DRLs that flank the halogen-lit headlamp from either sides, new graphics and a large windshield, which is now offered as standard. A standout feature, and certainly the most attractive of the list, is the blue backlit all-digital instrument console.

Hyosung Aquila 250: Although it is not exactly a direct rival to the Avenger 220 given its pricing, the Aquila 250 does hold the distinction of being the most affordable cruiser bike with a V-twin engine on sale. It has a quintessential cruiser styling with lots of chrome, but a price tag of over Rs 2.5 lakh works against its favour.

UM Renegade Commando: The UM Renegade Commando is the closest competitor to the Bajaj Avenger Street 220. While it might not have the brand recognition that RE has, it does offer a refined and powerful engine. The large dimensions and modern cruiser styling is something that will grab a lot of eyeballs.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350: The Royal Thunderbird 350 is among the best cruisers that one can buy. It is easy to use for your regular city commute, while also being really good on the highway while touring. Although refinement and quality levels could be better, the Thunderbird 350 remains one of the most popular Royal Enfield machines on sale today. Having said that, the Thunderbird 500 is worth the premium in our opinion given its better performance advantage.

The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 is amongst the most popular cruisers on sale in India, offering fantastic value for money proposition. The Pulsar 220-sourced engine delivers a fine balance between power and frugality with a lot more oomph than the previous generation model. It is also the most affordable of all cruisers mentioned above.