According to Bajaj dealerships IAB spoke to, the ABS versions of the Bajaj Avenger 220 and the Avenger 180 are set to be launched in India by January 2019.
The Indian two-wheeler industry is going through a shift to introduce ABS models of its existing range of bikes and scooters above 125 cc to adhere to the upcoming safety norms that will come into effect from 1 April 2019. While some manufacturers have already introduced ABS on their offerings, others are yet to arrive at the party. Bajaj Auto already offers ABS on the Pulsar NS200 and the Pulsar RS200, while the rest of the range will receive it in January 2019.
Coming back to the cruiser, the Bajaj Avenger series will feature a single-channel ABS unit, which will be similar to the one found on the Pulsar NS200. The Pulsar NS200 ABS costs INR 12,000 more as compared to the non-ABS model, so we expect the same premium for the ABS version in the Avenger range. At present, the non-ABS models of the Avenger 220 Cruise and Street cost INR 96,922, while the Bajaj Avenger 180 Street retails at INR 87,827 (both the prices are ex-showroom Delhi).
Apart from the introduction of ABS and probably a rear disc brake as well, we don’t expect the Bajaj Avenger 220 range to feature any mechanical or cosmetic updates. The Avenger 220 range is powered by a 220 cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled, DTSi engine that pumps out 19 PS of maximum power and 17.5 Nm of peak torque. The Avenger 180, on the other hand, sources power from a 178 cc motor that produces 15.5 PS of power and 13.7 Nm of peak torque. Both the engines are mated to a 5-speed transmission.
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The Bajaj Avenger range has been consistently clocking sales of over 5000-6000 units per month over the last six months. However, it saw a slump in November as both the models could only manage around 3500 units combined. On the flipside, the Bajaj Pulsar range and the commuter bikes witnessed exponential growth in November.
