Bajaj Avenger 160 Vs Suzuki Intruder 150: Real World Performance Compared

How does India’s most affordable cruiser stack up against its Japanese competitor in the real world?

Bajaj has pulled off a coup of sorts by launching the Avenger 160 at Rs 82,253 (ex-showroom Delhi). At this price, it is Rs 19,101 more affordable than its competitor, the Suzuki Intruder 150 (Rs 1,01,362). Such a massive price difference would lead many to believe that Bajaj may have cut corners with the new Avenger, especially on the performance front? But is that really the case? We have ridden and tested both bikes in real-world conditions and here’s what the numbers suggest.

Also read: Bajaj Avenger Street 160: Same Price, Other Options

Acceleration:

Both bikes are evenly matched when it comes to acceleration times. While the Intruder is 0.07 seconds quicker to 60kmph, the Avenger 160 is 0.74 seconds quicker to 100kmph. This is surprising as the Avenger 160 has better mid-range while the Intruder offers livelier top-end performance.

Also read: Suzuki Intruder 150: First Ride Review

Roll-ons:

Here, the Intruder is quicker by 0.51 seconds and 0.57 seconds in 3rd and 4th gear, respectively. This shows that the Intruder has a more tractable motor when compared to the Bajaj.

Braking:

Both bikes get single-channel ABS as standard. While the Avenger 160 is stable under hard braking, the same can not be said of the Intruder. While the Intruders' front wheel was stable during our braking tests, the rear wheel broke contact with the ground easily, causing the bike to fishtail badly. To get the bike in line, you need to get off the brakes momentarily. Doing this led to better braking times.

Fuel Efficiency:

The Avenger 160’s good mid-range keeps the motor turning with less effort at city speeds. Hence, it’s not surprising that it has the better city fuel efficiency of the two cruisers. On the highway though, the Avenger 160’s lack of top-end punch has the motor straining, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.