We do a paper comparison of the Bajaj Avenger 180 against the Suzuki Intruder 150 to find out how does the Avenger 150 replacement stack up against its primary rival.
The Bajaj Avenger’s unrivaled stint in India ended when Suzuki drove in the Intruder 150 last year. While the sales of the Suzuki’s entry-level cruiser haven’t been all that great, it has definitely got Bajaj worried and it shows. In comparison with the Intruder 150, the Avenger 150 lacked in terms of performance, features and even the appeal. However, Bajaj has now introduced the Avenger 180 (replacing the 150cc variant) which claims to offer better performance and value to the customer. Does it? We do a quick paper comparison to find out just that.
Design and Looks – We’ll start with the Avenger 180. It looks very much like the model it replaces. There are new LED DRL headlamp with a small cowl, new halo-effect tail-light and rubberised rear grab rail borrowed from the Avenger 220. Unlike the Avenger 220 which gets matte body paint finish, the 180cc variant gets gloss paint finish. Overall, the Avenger 180 looks like a proper cruiser with less drama going into the design. The Intruder, on the other hand, comes across as a fresh design and looks butch and bulky. While it borrows most of its styling cues from the bigger Intruder, the cycle parts (most of them) come from the Gixxer. However, we feel the body panels are overdone as the tyres look too small for that mass. It wouldn’t be unfair if we tell that the Intruder is nothing but a Gixxer in a cruiser attire.
Dimensions – Both the Avenger and Intruder are matched closely when it comes to the dimensions. However, it is the Avenger that is slightly longer (by 80 mm) than the Intruder but the latter is wider (by 1 mm) and taller (by 25 mm) than the former. Both being cruiser bikes, the Avenger is at an advantage when it comes to the seat height department. The Indian cruiser has a seat height of 725 mm while its new rival gets a seat height of 740 mm. Clearly, the Avenger 150 is the bike that is more accessible to shorter riders. Where the Intruder is at an advantage in the wheelbase department. The Japanese bike has a wheelbase of 1405 mm (as against Avenger’s 1480 mm) which makes it that much more convenient and easy to ride in city traffic.
Features – Suzuki steals the show when it comes to features. The Intruder 150 comes with projector headlight, fully-digital instrument console, LED tail-light, rear-disc brake and a single-channel ABS. None of these are offered on the Avenger 180. We would have liked if Bajaj had at least offered the digital console from the Avenger 220 and a single-channel ABS as optional. Both the bikes get telescopic forks and disc brake up front but the rear suspension and brakes are different. The Avenger uses twin shock absorbers and a drum brake at the rear while the Intruder uses a monoshock and a disc brake. If features are what you’re looking for, then you know which bike to put your money on.
Performance – The Avenger’s 180cc mill puts out 15.2 HP at 8500 RPM and 13.7 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM while the Intruder’s 150cc mill makes a good 14.6 HP of power at 8000 RPM and 14 Nm of torque at 6000 RPM. Clearly, the Bajaj and Suzuki have a slight advantage when it comes to power and torque respectively but the Avenger’s extra 0.6 HP and Intruder’s extra 0.3 Nm will not make a big difference while riding. Both the motorcycles get a 5-speed gearbox.
Verdict – At Rs. 83,475/- (ex-showroom, Maharashtra), the Avenger is obviously the affordable choice and definitely good value for your money. It looks simple yet good, its 180cc motor is not only punchy but also fuel efficient. Prices for the Intruder 150 start at Rs. 1,02,072/- (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). If you’re on a budget, then look no further than the Avenger but if you are okay with paying some extra money then book yourselves the Intruder 150 as it justifies the Rs. 18,500/- premium by offering more features and it is cent percent confirmed that you will draw attention on the roads instantly.
Avenger 180 vs Suzuki Intruder 150
