Bajaj Avenger Street 220
Bajaj Avenger Street 220Bajaj Auto

Bajaj Auto launched its new Avenger range of cruiser motorcycles in October 2015. The Avenger range, consisting of the Avenger Street 150, Street 220 and Cruise 220, saw a huge jump in sales from a monthly average of 3,000 units to close to 31,000 units in February 2016.

Buoyed by the positive response, Bajaj Auto is reportedly working on a higher-capacity version of the Avenger. According to AutocarIndia, the motorcycle is in the final stages of testing and validation.

The report said the bigger-capacity Avenger is expected to get a single-cylinder 375cc engine, which could be the reworked version of the KTM Duke 390's engine that develops 42bhp at 9,000rpm and 35Nm of torque at 7,000rpm, mated to a six-speed gearbox. This is the same engine that is expected to power the upcoming Pulsar CS400. Hence, the new model of the Avenger may get the name Avenger 400. The launch of both motorcycles is expected in mid-2016.

The Avenger 375cc will be pinned against the range of Royal Enfield motorcycles that comes with the 350cc engines. The Avenger-range bikes are known for their touring abilities, such as a relaxed riding position, a wide handle and large food pegs. the Royal Enfield motorcycles are known for highway cruising. The Avenger 400 will initiate a new competition between the two companies in the midsize segment.