The original Avenger 180 that started as a cruiser now sits in the 220cc segment and, along with the 220 Street, is clocking decent sales for Bajaj Auto. The Street 150, however, saw a dip in sales after the initial rise post its launch. Based on customer feedback, Bajaj decided to offer a more powerful, and value for money product from the Avenger Street family and the result was the new Avenger Street 180. We test rode the motorcycle in and around Pune and here’s what we think about the new 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180.
New 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180 Design and Styling
Similar to the Street 150, the new 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180 draws styling cues from the Street 220. So, as seen on the new 2018 Avenger Street 220, the Bajaj Avenger Street 180 also gets the new ‘skull shaped’ headlight with LED DRLs, a small windscreen, new graphics and a updated pillion grab rail with rubber cushioning. However, unlike the bigger Street 220, the Street 180 features a gloss paint finish, an analogue instrument console (brought forward from Street 150) and a marginally shorter wheelbase (1490mm vs. 1480mm). The fuel gauge and tell-tale indicators are installed on the fuel tank.
The motorcycle is aimed to be a sportster and thus features a flatter handlebar that gives a slightly sporty ergonomics – more on that later.
The 3–D Avenger insignia is placed on the fuel tank while the Street 180 badge is placed on the side panels. The graphics on the fuel tank and side panels add a good variation to the base colour. Another noticeable highlight is the dual tone saddle with a carbon-fibre texture on the rider seat. The pillion comfort is further enhanced with the new grab rail. The rear is finished with the new tail light design that’s accompanied by clear blinkers. The keyhole, similar to the other Avenger motorcycles is placed on the right side, near the engine. The switchgear is identical to the Street 150 too.
The overall build quality is decent, especially for the competitive price at which Bajaj is offering the motorcycle. The new Avenger Street 180 is about INR 4,000 more expensive than the Street 150, and INR 14,000 cheaper than its closest rival, the Suzuki Intruder 150. However, for that premium, the baby Intruder packs a single-channel ABS as standard, a full digital instrument console, disc brakes on both ends, and a monoshock suspension.
New 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180 Engine, Performance And Braking
The new Avenger Street 180 uses the existing 178.6cc engine from the Bajaj’s motorcycle line up. It’s the same engine that powers the Bajaj Pulsar 180. However, the engine has been re-tuned to match the laid back character of the Street 180 and thus the power and torque numbers have come down marginally. So while the 178.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine develops 17 PS of power @ 8500 rpm and 14.2 Nm of torque @ 6500 rpm on the Pulsar 180, it’s tuned for 15.5 PS and 13.7 Nm on the Avenger Street 180. The engine continues to use a 5-speed gearbox.
The engine packs a good mid-range which is essential for a cruiser motorcycle. The Street 180 misses a tachometer so we analysed the performance based on the speedometer indicated figures. The third gear demands to be engaged for speeds above 40 kmph, below which the engine feels slightly uncomfortable. It pulls cleanly above 40 kmph in third gear, 50 kmph in fourth gear and 60 kmph in top cog. The engine feels refined and relatively stress free, especially in the low- and mid-range. The sweet spot is between 70-90 kmph post which the vibrations become more evident as you inch closer to the red-line. The motorcycle is capable of reaching a top speed of about 120 kmph.
Note: All figures mentioned are speedometer indicated
Braking duties are performed by a 260mm disc at the front and a 130mm drum unit at the rear which offer a good feedback and the motorcycle sheds speed at a decent pace. However, a rear disc brake and optional ABS could’ve been a great addition to the Avenger Street 180.
New 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180 Ride Quality
The new Avenger Street 180 features a conventional telescopic suspension upfront and twin shock absorbers at the rear which get a near perfect tuning. So, while the motorcycle glides over minor undulations and potholes on the road, it isn’t too soft to affect the handling. Add to the mix a well-padded saddle and you get a plush ride quality which is essential for the cruiser motorcycle segment.
The rider’s triangle, with a relatively flatter handlebar and forward set footrests, is typically sportster. It isn’t too aggressive and you sit upright on the motorcycle, with your feet placed forward. The motorcycle lacks a proper windscreen and thus you’d face windblasts at higher speeds.
We spent about three hours with the motorcycle, after riding 150 kms from Mumbai to Pune on a KTM 200 Duke on some bad roads. Therefore, you can imagine the stress on our rears. However, the Bajaj Avenger 180 Street provided some solace and we were ready for another 150 kms journey back home. The suspension tune, along with the well-padded seats provides good amount of comfort and apart from the windblasts at higher speeds, we didn’t really have many complaints.
New 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180 Features and Details
New 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180 Price
The new 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180 has been priced at INR 85,498 (ex-showroom Delhi) which is about INR 4,000 more expensive than the Street 150.
New 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180 Verdict
If you’re looking for a sportster style motorcycle without the high maintenance costs, and expensive fuel bills, the Avenger Street 180 is definitely worth a thought. The aggressive pricing with the added displacement, a solid mid-range and the new Street 220 inspired design makes the Avenger Street 180 a desirable package. The build quality is pretty decent and apart from the vibrations in the top rev band and the missing rear disc brake, we didn’t have any complaints with the new Bajaj Avenger Street 180.
If you want a full digital instrument console and bit more power, we’d suggest you to check out the new 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 220 that retails for INR 92,954 (ex-showroom Delhi).
New 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180 Technical Specifications
| Type | Single-Cylinder, Air-Cooled Engine |
| Displacement | 178.6cc |
| Power | 15.5 PS @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 13.7 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 63.5 mm x 56.4 mm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed |
| Frame Type | Diamond |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock |
| Wheelbase | 1480 mm |
| Length | 2130 mm |
| Width | 805 mm |
| Height | 1070 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 177 mm |
| Seat Height | 730 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 150 kg |
| Front Tyre | 90/90×17 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/90×15 |
| Headlight | 55/60, H4 (Blue Tinge) |
| Fuel Tank | 13-Litre |
| Front Brake | 260mm Disc |
| Rear Brake | 130mm Drum |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | INR 85,498 |
New 2018 Bajaj Avenger Street 180 Image Gallery
