Bajaj is about to shake up the Indian motorcycle scene with a move both familiar and fresh! Remember the Avenger 220 Street? Well, it is no longer just a memory; it is officially homologated for the Indian market and poised for a comeback, and that proves just the kind of plot twist we love!
The Return of a “Proper Textbook Cruiser”
Bajaj has been a bit of a tease lately, hasn’t it? Currently, you can grab the Avenger Street with a 160cc engine or the Avenger Cruise with the beefier 220cc. But for those who craved the raw, stripped-down appeal of the Street combined with the 220cc punch, it felt like something was missing. And Bajaj, bless their two-wheeled hearts, heard our silent pleas!
Leaked homologation documents reveal that the Avenger 220 Street indeed makes a grand re-entry. What is intriguing is that the 220 Cruise is positioned as the base model in these documents, with the 220 Street listed as a variant. This suggests Bajaj strategically expands its 220cc cruiser family.
What is Under the Hood (or, you know, Tank)?
Underneath that sleek, blacked-out exterior, the Avenger 220 Street will be powered by the same oil-cooled SOHC 2V/cyl single-cylinder 220cc engine that has been doing duty in the Avenger 220 Cruise. This means you will get the same respectable 19.03 PS of peak power and 17.55 Nm of peak torque, all managed by a smooth 5-speed gearbox. So, while the looks are different, the heart of the beast remains a reliable workhorse.

The Street vs. The Cruise: A Tale of Two Cruisers
While both the Street and the Cruise embody the quintessential cruiser philosophy—low-slung seats, forward-set foot pegs, and pulled-back handlebars for that “sofa-like comfort”—they are distinct personalities.
- The Avenger 220 Street (and its 160cc sibling) has always been about that stealthy, all-black, urban-commando vibe. It sheds the touring-friendly extras for a lean, mean, city-cruising machine. Think less “cross-country road trip” and more “effortless glide through cityscapes.”
- The Avenger 220 Cruise, on the other hand, is for the chrome aficionados. It has that classic, gleaming aesthetic, complete with a tall windshield and a rear pillion backrest for those longer journeys. It is the kind of bike that practically screams “road trip!”
The key differentiator for the new Avenger 220 Street is its slightly shorter stature than the 220 Cruise, thanks to the absence of that tall windshield. It is all about embracing that minimalist, unburdened cruising experience, is it not?
Marketing Analysis & The Pricing Play
Bajaj’s decision to bring back the Avenger 220 Street feels like a calculated move to inject some much-needed adrenaline into the Avenger brand. Let us be frank, the Avenger’s sales have been, well, cruising a bit too slowly lately. A 46% year-on-year decline in April 2025, with just over a thousand units sold, hardly sets the sales charts on fire, does it?
This re-launch will likely boost sales and re-energize the brand. The current Avenger 220 Cruise is priced at Rs 1.48 lakh (Ex-showroom). The leaked documents suggest the 220 Street might be positioned below it, potentially around Rs 1.4 lakh (Ex-showroom) or even lower. A “striking price tag” could be the secret sauce Bajaj needs to entice a wider range of buyers, especially those looking for an affordable, full-fledged cruiser.
Competitors & The “Proper Cruiser” Niche
In the lower end of the Indian cruiser segment, the Bajaj Avenger primarily competes with the TVS Ronin and, surprisingly, even the Kawasaki W175. Now, here is where Bajaj truly shines: the Avenger stands as arguably the only “proper textbook cruiser” among these. The Ronin, while stylish and capable, leans more towards a neo-retro roadster. The W175, while charming, is a smaller, more classic-styled roadster rather than a cruiser.
This is Bajaj’s trump card. While the Avenger lineup might be “under-appreciated” and not as popular as some of its rivals, it consistently delivers unrivalled comfort due to its inherent cruiser ergonomics. It is a niche Bajaj truly owns, is it not?

Reviewing the Revamp: Likes and Dislikes
Let us be honest, there is a lot to like about this impending launch:
Likes:
- Choice is King: Finally, a 220cc engine option for the Street variant! This caters to riders who want more power without the chrome overdose of the Cruise.
- Targeted Pricing: The rumored lower price point could make the 220 Street incredibly attractive to a segment of buyers looking for an affordable yet powerful cruiser.
- Niche Dominance: Bajaj reinforces its position as the go-to brand for genuine, comfortable cruisers in the mass market.
- Design Appeal: The blacked-out aesthetic of the Street has always had a fan following. It is a timeless look.
Dislikes (or rather, points for Bajaj to consider):
- Stagnant Performance: While reliable, the 220cc engine, with its current power and torque figures, is hardly groundbreaking in today’s competitive market. Will it truly excite riders?
- Feature Set: The leaked information indicates no major new features beyond the variant separation. In a world of digital consoles and advanced connectivity, will the Avenger feel a bit, well, basic?
- Brand Perception: Bajaj needs to work on improving the overall perception and desirability of the Avenger brand to truly reverse the sales decline. A new variant alone may not be enough.
The Verdict: A Compelling Comeback?
The re-launch of the Bajaj Avenger 220 Street is a smart, strategic move. It addresses a clear market demand for a powerful yet minimalist cruiser, while potentially injecting much-needed vigor into the Avenger brand. Its comfortable ergonomics, coupled with a potentially aggressive price point, could make it a very compelling option for those seeking that true “textbook cruiser” experience without breaking the bank.
Will it be enough to rekindle the flame of the Avenger brand and significantly boost sales? Only time, and a successful marketing campaign, will tell. But for now, get ready to embrace the asphalt, because the Avenger 220 Street is coming back, and that is fantastic news for cruiser lovers!
Sources:
- RushLane
- Instagram : LivingWithGravity
- Medium : Akash Dolas
- YouTube Channel : Gear and Shutter