Bajaj Auto, the country's second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched three new motorcycle variants of its Avenger range, targeting cruise bikers in the country.
The Pune-based company has launched the Avenger 220 Cruise, 220 Street and 150 Street, both priced at ₹84,000, and Street 150 priced at ₹75,000 (all ex-showroom, Delhi).
“The genuine cruiser segment has steadily grown over the years. We expect that by bringing in an additional style variant such as the Street and by offering the popular 150cc capacity, we will significantly expand the cruiser segment,” said Eric Vas, President–Motorcycles Business.
“We believe that these are relevant products and that it will help the industry to grow,” he said, adding the company plans to sell 20,000 units of the Avenger range per month.
Bajaj Auto will manufacture these bikes at its Chakan plant near Pune, which has a capacity to make about one lakh. The new Avengers come with a brand new insignia, new graphics and styling cues, improved rear suspension and oil-cooled engines.
The Avenger 220 comes with a 220 cc DTSi engine, delivering 19 PS power and 17.5 Nm torque. The Avenger 150 Street’s engine is a 150 cc DTSi, delivering 14.5 PS of power and 12.5 Nm torque.
The motorcycle sales in the country has been slowing down, with a total of 53.64 lakh bikes sold during the first half of this financial year. This is a 4 per cent dip from the same year-ago period, according to the SIAM data.
“Yes, sports motorcycle market that costs less than ₹1 lakh is slowing down, but this is an industry phenomenon. However, the super sports segment priced more than ₹1 lakh are growing,” Vas said, adding, “we believe these are relevant products and will help the industry to grow”.
Shares in Bajaj Auto closed up 0.57 per cent at ₹2,582.25 on Tuesday.