Bajaj Avenger 400: In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian motorcycling, Bajaj Auto has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined segments.
The latest addition to their illustrious lineup, the Bajaj Avenger 400, marks a bold step into the mid-capacity cruiser market.
This new offering not only builds upon the legacy of the beloved Avenger series but also signals Bajaj’s ambition to compete in a segment traditionally dominated by international brands.
A New Chapter in the Avenger Saga
The Avenger nameplate has been synonymous with accessible cruising in India for over two decades. From its inception as the Kawasaki Eliminator to its evolution under the Bajaj banner,
the Avenger has always represented the Indian interpretation of the cruiser ethos. With the introduction of the Avenger 400, Bajaj is writing a new chapter in this storied history.
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, explains the rationale behind this move: “The Avenger 400 is not just a product; it’s a statement.
We’re telling the world that Indian manufacturers can produce world-class cruisers that cater to the evolving tastes of both domestic and international riders.”
Design: Modern Cruiser with a Classic Soul
At first glance, the Avenger 400 strikes a balance between classic cruiser aesthetics and modern design sensibilities. The long, low-slung profile immediately identifies it as a member of the Avenger family, but closer inspection reveals a host of new design elements that set it apart from its smaller siblings.
The front end features a muscular, 43mm upside-down fork, a first for the Avenger line. This not only enhances the bike’s road presence but also significantly improves handling and stability.
The headlight unit is a full-LED affair, with a distinctive DRL signature that gives the Avenger 400 a unique face in the crowd.
Moving back, the fuel tank retains the teardrop shape characteristic of cruisers but with more pronounced knee recesses for improved rider ergonomics. The side panels feature bold ‘400’ badging, leaving no doubt about the bike’s displacement class.
The seat is a wide, sculpted unit that promises all-day comfort for both rider and pillion. It flows seamlessly into a pillion backrest, which can be removed for a cleaner look when riding solo.
At the rear, the Avenger 400 sports a chunky 150-section tire, giving it a planted stance. The taillight and turn indicators are again full-LED units, integrated neatly into the rear fender for a clean, uncluttered look.
Sarang Kanade, Head of Design at Bajaj Auto, shares his perspective on the Avenger 400’s aesthetics: “We wanted to create a bike that respects its cruiser heritage but doesn’t shy away from modern design elements. The Avenger 400 is a cruiser for the 2020s – classic in spirit, contemporary in execution.”
Heart of the Matter: The New 373.3cc Powerplant
The centerpiece of the Avenger 400 is its all-new 373.3cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. While the displacement might sound familiar to enthusiasts (it’s the same as the KTM 390 series), Bajaj engineers have thoroughly reworked this motor for cruiser duty.
The engine produces a healthy 40 bhp at 8500 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. These figures might seem modest compared to its sportier cousins,
but the power delivery has been tuned for low-end grunt and mid-range punch – characteristics crucial for a laid-back cruising experience.
The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch, ensuring smooth shifts and reducing rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts. A ride-by-wire throttle allows for the implementation of multiple riding modes, a first for the Avenger series.
Dr. Anand Bhangaonkar, Head of Powertrain Development at Bajaj, elaborates on the engine’s character: “We’ve retained the basic architecture of our 373cc platform but have essentially created a new engine.
The crank mass is heavier, valve timing is revised, and we’ve implemented a new exhaust system. The result is an engine that delivers power in a way that’s perfect for cruising – torquey, smooth, and with a soul-stirring exhaust note.”
Chassis and Suspension: Balancing Comfort and Control
The Avenger 400 is built around an all-new chassis that prioritizes stability and comfort without sacrificing handling. The frame is a steel tubular unit, designed to offer the right balance of rigidity and flex for long-distance touring comfort.
Front suspension duties are handled by 43mm upside-down forks with 150mm of travel. These are adjustable for preload, allowing riders to fine-tune the setup based on load and riding conditions.
At the rear, a monoshock with 130mm of travel and remote preload adjustment ensures a plush ride even with a pillion and luggage.
The wheelbase has been extended to 1480mm, 50mm longer than the Avenger 220. This increase in length, combined with a relaxed rake angle, provides excellent straight-line stability – a crucial characteristic for a highway cruiser.
Braking is entrusted to a 320mm disc up front, gripped by a radially-mounted four-piston caliper, and a 240mm disc at the rear.
Dual-channel ABS comes as standard, with the option to switch off the rear ABS for those who enjoy a bit of sliding action on loose surfaces.
The Avenger 400 rolls on 17-inch front and 15-inch rear alloy wheels, shod with 120/70 and 150/60 rubber respectively. These tires have been specially developed in collaboration with MRF to offer a good balance of grip, longevity, and comfort.
Technology: Cruising into the Digital Age
While the Avenger series has traditionally been about simplicity, the 400 model brings a host of modern features to the table. The instrument cluster is a full-color TFT display, offering excellent visibility in all lighting conditions.
It provides all the usual information – speed, rpm, fuel level, gear position – along with more advanced data like real-time fuel efficiency, range, and service reminders.
The display is also Bluetooth-enabled, allowing riders to pair their smartphones. Once connected, it enables features like turn-by-turn navigation, call and message notifications, and music control.
A dedicated Bajaj Ride Connect app allows for deeper integration, offering features like ride analytics, vehicle health monitoring, and even geo-fencing.
The Avenger 400 comes with three riding modes – Eco, City, and Sport. These modes alter the throttle response and power delivery to suit different riding conditions and preferences.
Additionally, a traction control system is standard, adding an extra layer of safety, especially in wet or loose surface conditions.
LED lighting is used throughout, with the headlight featuring an auto-on function. The taillight incorporates an emergency brake signal function, which rapidly flashes the brake light under hard braking to alert following traffic.
Amit Nandi, President of Bajaj Auto’s Probiking Business Unit, comments on the tech integration: “The Avenger rider of today expects more than just a comfortable ride.
They want to stay connected, they want information at their fingertips. With the Avenger 400, we’re delivering a smart cruiser that doesn’t compromise on the fundamental cruiser experience.”
Ergonomics and Comfort: Built for the Long Haul
Cruisers are all about comfortable, long-distance riding, and the Avenger 400 has been designed with this ethos in mind. The riding position is relaxed, with forward-set footpegs and a wide, swept-back handlebar that places the rider in a natural, upright posture.
The seat height is a accessible 720mm, allowing riders of various statures to plant their feet firmly on the ground. The seat itself is generously padded and sculpted to provide support in all the right places. For those planning extended tours, Bajaj offers an optional gel seat for even greater comfort.
Wind protection is provided by a small flyscreen as standard, with a larger touring screen available as an accessory. The fuel tank capacity has been increased to 18 liters, giving the Avenger 400 a theoretical range of over 400 kilometers between fill-ups.
Performance and Riding Experience
On the road, the Avenger 400 delivers a riding experience that’s true to its cruiser DNA while offering performance that’s a step above its smaller siblings.
The engine’s torque-rich nature means that overtakes are just a twist of the throttle away, even when fully loaded with a pillion and luggage.
The relaxed ergonomics and plush suspension soak up road imperfections with ease, making long highway stints a fatigue-free affair.
Yet, when the roads get twisty, the Avenger 400 reveals a surprisingly agile character. While it may not be a canyon carver, it’s more than capable of holding its own on a winding mountain road.
The brakes provide strong, progressive stopping power, with the ABS intervening smoothly when needed. The traction control system,
while not as sophisticated as those found on more expensive motorcycles, provides a welcome safety net, especially for less experienced riders.
Fuel efficiency, always a crucial factor in the Indian market, is impressive for a 400cc motorcycle. Bajaj claims a real-world figure of around 30 km/l under mixed riding conditions, which, combined with the large fuel tank, makes for excellent touring range.
Customization and Accessories
Recognizing that personalization is a big part of cruiser culture, Bajaj offers a wide range of official accessories for the Avenger 400. These include:
- Hard and soft luggage options
- A taller touring windscreen
- Engine crash guards
- Additional lighting options
- Custom seat options, including a gel seat and a single seat with rear cowl
- A range of cosmetic enhancements like chrome accents and different handlebar options
Additionally, Bajaj has partnered with several aftermarket manufacturers to offer a range of performance parts, including slip-on exhausts, air filters, and ECU remapping options for those looking to extract more performance from their Avenger 400.
Market Positioning and Competition
The Avenger 400 enters a segment that’s relatively uncrowded in the Indian market. Its primary competition comes from the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and the Honda H’ness CB350, although the Bajaj outguns both in terms of displacement and performance.
In terms of pricing, Bajaj has positioned the Avenger 400 aggressively. With an expected ex-showroom price starting around ₹2.2 lakhs for the base variant, it offers significant value for money in the mid-capacity cruiser segment.
Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director at Bajaj Auto, explains the pricing strategy: “We’ve always believed in democratizing performance, and the Avenger 400 is no exception.
We’re offering a 400cc, feature-packed cruiser at a price point that’s accessible to a wide range of riders. It’s not just about competing with other brands; it’s about expanding the market itself.”
Global Ambitions
While the Avenger series has primarily been an India-focused product line, Bajaj has global ambitions for the 400 model.
The company plans to export the Avenger 400 to several international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, where Bajaj already has a strong presence.
The Avenger 400 will also make its way to Europe, where it will be sold under the Kawasaki brand as part of the ongoing partnership between the two companies.
This move is expected to give Bajaj valuable exposure in developed markets and potentially pave the way for more high-capacity models in the future.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indian Cruisers
The launch of the Bajaj Avenger 400 is more than just the introduction of a new model; it’s a statement of intent from one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers.
It demonstrates that Indian companies are capable of producing world-class motorcycles that can compete on the global stage.
As the Indian motorcycle market continues to mature, with riders increasingly looking for higher capacity, feature-rich machines, the Avenger 400 is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
It offers a compelling package that combines performance, comfort, and technology at a price point that’s hard to beat.
Rajiv Bajaj sums up the company’s vision: “The Avenger 400 is just the beginning. We see a future where Indian brands are not just participants in the global motorcycle market, but leaders. This bike is a step towards that future.”
For riders looking for a versatile cruiser that’s equally at home on city streets and open highways, the Bajaj Avenger 400 presents an enticing proposition. It respects the cruiser tradition while embracing modern technology and performance standards.
As it rolls out to dealerships across India and beyond, the Avenger 400 is poised to redefine what riders expect from a mid-capacity cruiser, proudly carrying the ‘Made in India’ tag to the world.