The Bajaj Avenger family has, for a while, dominated the entry-level cruiser space. With Suzuki having retorted with the credible Intruder, its Gixxer-based cruiser, the Avenger went back to the drawing board (albeit very briefly) and returned with a mild makeover. The result was a better-equipped, more appealing set of (three) Avengers – the Street 180, Street 220 and Cruise 220. While all the Avengers are priced lower than the Intruder, are they configured and equipped better, as well? Let’s find out.
DESIGN & FEATURES
The Intruder is the more extrovert design, as compared to the Avenger. Breaking away from traditionalist cruiser styling, the Intruder draws inspiration from its larger, intimidating siblings – namely the M800 and M1800R. While its overall aesthetic appeal is debatable, there’s no doubting how well-finished this motorcycle is; a feature which is typical of all Suzuki motorcycles, across the board. The Intruder features a digital instrument cluster, comfy seating and alloy wheels – making it decently-equipped, for its price.
The Avenger in its refreshed iteration looks fresher but not substantially newer than the older Avenger; which, in turn, inherited its looks from the erstwhile Kawasaki Eliminator. As a part of its 2018 update, it now features a new headlight (differently styled for the Street and Cruise variants) with LED DRLs, a digital speedo (only on the 220s), a chrome and matte-black exhaust (for the Cruise and Street respectively), and a revised grab rail and seat texture. Given that all the Avengers are cheaper than the Intruder, they definitely spell more value on the features front.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The Intruder isn’t as powerful as the Avengers and – barring the Street 180 (13.7Nm) – it makes lesser torque, as well; having said that, Suzuki’s tried-and-tested 155cc motor deserves credit for being a refined unit that’s enjoyable, in a stress-free manner. The 5-speed gearbox on the Intruder is niggle-free and adds to a comfortable riding experience.
The Avengers boast more initial grunt, as well as a superior top-end. This makes them better suited to mile-munching out on the open road. In an urban commuting scenario, it’s the Intruder which appeals more with its higher level of smoothness. However, for a weekend ride, you’d probably be better off on the more powerful Avenger, particularly the 220. The Avengers get a 5-speed gearbox, as well; but we’ll reserve comment on its performance, since we haven’t ridden the latest crop of Bajaj’s cruiser range.
PRICE
The Suzuki Intruder, priced at Rs 1.02 lakh is a likeable motorcycle with a lot going for it. It’s comfortable, well-built, decently equipped and is a head turner, as well. What goes against it, however, is Bajaj’s aggressive pricing, which severely undercuts the Intruder. Priced at Rs 92,442, the Avenger 220 spells tremendous value for money, given that it has the edge in terms of performance and sports more traditional looks. What’s harder to ignore is the Avenger 180, which is priced even cheaper – Rs 83,475 (all prices, ex-showroom, Mumbai) – while offering as much as (if not more than) the Intruder. On paper, at least, the battle clearly goes to the Bajaj Avengers, then!
Rishaad Mody
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
