Bajaj Pulsar 220F BS6 vs Avenger Cruise 220 BS6: Which One To Buy?

They share the same motor and are similarly priced. Which one should you go for?

The Bajaj Pulsar 220F BS6 has been the enthusiast favourite for more than a decade now and is one of the best selling Pulsars in the market. Its cousin, the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 BS6, holds the distinction of being the best value for money cruiser you can buy. Both share an updated BS6 compliant and fuel-injected motor. With the Pulsar 220F BS6 being priced at Rs 1,19,789 and the Avenger Cruise 220 BS6 costing Rs 1,19,174, it is just Rs 615 separating the two. Which one should you go for then? We help you decide. 

Design and features:

The Bajaj Pulsar 220F gets a sporty design and is one of the most affordable faired motorcycles you can buy. Besides the half fairing, it gets sporty bits like clip-on handlebars, split seats, split grab rails and LED tail lamps. The Avenger Cruise 220 takes the retro cruiser route with chrome bits, pillion backrest, a raked-out front end, fat rear spoked wheels, and a large windscreen. Features on the Pulsar 220F include a bright projector headlamp and a semi-digital instrument console. Surprisingly, despite being a retro motorcycle, the Avenger Cruise 220 gets a digital instrument console but makes do with a simple halogen headlamp. 

Engine and performance:

Both the Pulsar 220F BS6 and Avenger Cruise 220 get the same 220cc oil-cooled and fuel-injected powertrain but in different states of tune. The Pulsar 200F gets a sportier tune and delivers 20.4PS @ 8500rpm and 18.55Nm @ 7000rpm. Its cruiser cousin gets a more relaxed state of tune and delivers 19.03PS @ 8500rpm and 17.55Nm @ 7000rpm. Owing to its small rear wheel, the Avenger Cruise 220 performs better in the city while the Pulsar 220F performs better at highway speeds. Both get a 5 speed gearbox. 

Underpinnings:

The Bajaj Pulsar 220F BS6 gets sportier underpinnings in the form of fat telescopic forks and twin gas-charged shock absorbers. It gets 17-inch wheels with tubeless tyres and 280mm front disc/230mm rear disc setup with single-channel ABS. The Avenger Cruise 220 gets telescopic forks and twin shock absorbers as well. It has a 17-inch front and 15-inch rear spoked wheel setup with tube-type tyres, though with a 280mm front disc/130mm rear drum with single-channel ABS. The Pulsar 220F offers sporty handling while the Avenger feels more stable at speed owing to its long wheelbase, low centre of gravity and fat rear tyre. 

Also read: Bajaj Pulsar 125 Neon: Road Test Review

Dimensions:

The Pulsar 220F has a larger 15-litre fuel tank compared to the Avenger Cruise 220’s 13-litre unit. At 160kg, it also weighs 3kg less than the Avenger. The cruiser, though, surprises with its 169mm ground clearance, which is 4mm higher than the Pulsar. Its low 737mm seat height, too, is more accessible than the Pulsar 220F and makes the Avenger a better option for shorter riders. 

Verdict:

Both are good looking motorcycles and cater to different riders. While the Pulsar appeals to those looking for sportiness, the Avenger is a proper cruiser meant for relaxed riding. So if you want a more modern-looking motorcycle and need a quick bike for travelling between cities, the Pulsar is the better option. If you need a powerful bike with a more accessible and comfortable seat, the Avenger should do for you.