Bajaj Avenger Street 160 vs Lexmoto Detroit: Image Comparison

Which of these two small capacity cruisers nail that laid-back riding aesthetic the best?

We were recently introduced to the Lexmoto Detroit, a 125cc cruiser motorcycle from UK-based Chinese manufacturer Lexmoto. While we might not get this bike in India anytime soon, what we do get here is the Bajaj Avenger 160 Street – our very own version of a laid-back cruiser. So let’s take a look at how these two compare in pictures.

The Avenger 160 Street features the typical traits of the Avenger family: a low-slung seat, forward-set footpegs, raised handlebars, a raked-out front-end, and a bulbous fuel tank, thereby offering the rider a relaxed riding position.

In comparison, the Detroit’s design is heavily inspired by the Harley-Davidson Iron 883, as its compact headlight, chiseled fuel tank and even the 9-spoke alloy wheels draw inspiration from the American cruiser giant’s sportster motorcycle. 

The Avenger is powered by a 160.4cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor that produces 15PS and 13.7Nm. The engine is fuel-injected and is mated to a five-speed gearbox. The Detroit, on the other hand, produces 9.5PS and 9Nm from its puny 125cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, also mated to a five-speed gearbox.

Underpinnings on the Avenger comprise a traditional telescopic fork and a five-step adjustable twin shock absorber, while braking duties are performed by a 280mm front disc and 130mm rear drum unit, and the bike features single-channel ABS. It gets a 17-inch front wheel coupled with a 15-inch rear wheel.

The Detroit, on the other hand, is also equipped with the conventional telescopic fork and twin shock absorber setup. However, it gets disc brakes at both ends. The wheels, too, are different from cruiser standards, with an  18-inch front and a 15-inch rear; a rare sight! It also gets a chunky 140-section rear tyre, which again feels like a bit of an overkill for such a small motorcycle.

The instrument console on the Avenger is split into two units. The speedometer pod is mounted on the handlebar, which also has a digital odometer, while the fuel gauge and information display unit is embedded within a nacelle atop the tank.

The Detroit, on the other hand, features a centrally mounted single pod with an analogue speedo, and a digital inset for the odometer. Also on offer are the usual complement of the engine check light, and neutral indicator.

The Avenger gets a 13-litre fuel tank and has a kerb weight of 156kg. The Detroit too gets a 13-litre fuel tank, however it tips the scales at a relatively light 141kg. Thus the Detroit should be more frugal than the Avenger, at least on paper, given its smaller engine and lower weight.

The Avenger 160 Street is priced at Rs 1,11,462 (ex-showroom Delhi), and is available in red and black. The Lexmoto Detroit, meanwhile, is priced at GBP 2,899, or roughly Rs 2.77 lakh, and is available in red and black as well.