Bajaj Avenger Street 150: 5 standout features

Engine:

The Avenger Street 150’s 149cc, air-cooled single cylinder may not be new but this is easily the engine’s smoothest avatar. A host of small changes inside the engine mean it remains vibe-free throughout, and is actually more refined than the Avenger 220’s engine. Bajaj claim they have worked specifically on improving the engine’s bottom and midrange performance for the Avenger, and the same shows in the bike’s performance. The Avenger 150 feels quick off the line, and pulls cleanly throughout its rev range while feeling smooth all the way to its redline. In fact, with its kind of performance the Avenger Street 150 barely feels like a 150cc motorcycle, and that too despite its weight being higher than other 150cc motorcycles sold in the country. 

Gearbox

Bajaj has worked extensively on making its 5-speed gearbox smoother for the Avenger Street 150 and the same shows as soon as you start riding the motorcycle. Gearshifts are quicker, smoother and offer a more positive feel than before. The clutch feels lighter too, requiring lesser effort when it comes to pulling the lever for gear changes. These together enhance the riding experience on the Avenger Street 150 and in turn should help make it a better cruiser for those interested in going touring on it. 

Seat

Bajaj Auto has tried to make the Avenger Street 150’s seat more comfortable by adding 15mm more foam to it in a bid to improve the Avenger family’s touring virtues. The result is a slightly taller riding position but we barely noticed the same on our short sojourn in its saddle. 

Styling

The design of the Avenger Street 150 may be the same as the Avenger we have been seeing for the past decade but that does not mean the Avenger 150 looks dated. Its styling is clearly inspired by Harley-Davidson’s hugely successful Street 750 with the matte black finish all round. That said this is a well-executed job as the Avenger Street 150 looks eye-catching despite the decade-old design. It looks pretty contemporary in fact thanks to the matte black finish especially with its alloys that borrow cues from the Street 750 again. The body work of the Street 150 though wears a dark blue colour that gets a glossy finish. The rear grab rail is a new design, as the Street 150 has chucked the previous Avenger’s pillion backrest in the interest of a simpler, smaller unit that also adds to the bike’s appeal. 

Affordability:

This is the Avenger Street 150’s USP. At Rs 75,000 ex-showroom New Delhi, the Avenger Street 150 is the most affordable ‘cruiser’ in the country. The Avenger 220 was always looked upon as a great option for those wanting an affordable cruiser that’s also significantly lighter and easier to ride than the cumbersome and heavier Royal Enfields. The Avenger Street 150 only betters these virtues, and is a great buy for someone on a shoe-string budget but wanting a low, long, cruiser-esque motorcycle. In fact, it is the first 150cc cruiser in the country and the smallest one on sale currently, and thus creates a new niche for itself with its placement. And of course, it is yet another example of how Bajaj Auto offers motorcycles that create new niches for themselves while being immensely affordable.