Bajaj Avenger 220 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Affordable Cruisers at the Battleground

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the undoubted king of its segment. But what the Avenger 220 offers is a properly old-school, feet-forward riding experience. 

• The Avenger 220 makes 19PS and 17.55Nm from its 220cc engine
• The RE Classic 350, on the other hand, is a fair bit more powerful, making 20.2PS and 27Nm
• Royal Enfield Classic 350 is costlier than the Bajaj Avenger 220.

The popularity of cruiser bikes in India is reflected in the sales of Royal Enfield motorcycles. The Classic 350, the British brand's most successful model, competes directly with the other entry-level cruiser in India, the Bajaj Avenger 220. Both bikes have a lot in common, and both are affordable cruisers lacking modern hardware but a tonne of chrome to attract buyers. Is the Royal Enfield bike worth the extra money, or should you get the Avenger Cruise 220? Let’s find out:

Bajaj Avenger 220 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Design & Features

The Bajaj Avenger 220 has a classic cruiser look with forward-set pegs, a handlebar that’s been pulled in towards the rider and a raked out front with a lazy steering geometry. While it looks every bit retro, you can’t help but find it a bit skinny and scrawny against the muscular Royal Enfield Classic 350. Royal Enfields have come to represent the image of a tough, macho, go-anywhere bike. 

So timeless is the design that even after selling them for more than half a century, there has been no major upgrades to the basic design of the bike, aside from minor updates in the graphics or taillight and fuel filler caps. That said, there’s no denying that both the bikes are rather spartan and if you’re one looking for features, it might be a better idea to look elsewhere.

Bajaj Avenger 220 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Engine & Gearbox

Both of these motorcycles use twin-spark, single-cylinder carbureted engines, but the Classic 350's larger displacement motor provides significantly more torque. This produces an extremely punchy mid-range that the Avenger 220 simply cannot match. In its latest iteration, the Classic 350 has even bid goodbye to the hash vibrations it was plagued from earlier. 

Bajaj Avenger 220 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The suspension on the Classic 350 is soft, while the suspension on the Avenger is stiffer, but the former has the better ride of the two, taking bad bumps in stride with a lot more composure. The Avenger 220 has smaller wheels as well, but a 10 mm wider rear tyre provides more grip and dynamic ability. 

Bajaj Avenger 220 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Dimensions

The Classic 350, which weighs 30 kg more than the Avenger, inspires more confidence by being more stable at speed, but the Cruise 220 has better handling because it is more nimble to manoeuvre. Despite the long and low nature of the Avenger 220, it feels quite sprightly to ride and flick around in the city, mainly due to its massive 32kg weight advantage.

Bajaj Avenger 220 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Price

The Bajaj Avenger, with all its cost-cuttings, is obviously the lower-priced one of the two. You could save upwards of Rs 50,000 if you end up getting yourself the Bajaj cruiser. If you want the Classic 350, its prices start from Rs 1,90,092 and go all the way up to Rs 2,21,297 (both ex-showroom Delhi). 

Conclusion

The Bajaj Avenger 220 comes off as the slightly better deal, with its much lower price tag, doesn’t it? Well, for the authentic cruiser fans? Yes. Its riding position and overall dynamics will certainly appeal to you more, if you’re one of them. 

The Royal Enfield Classic 350, meanwhile, will appeal to those looking for a proper old-school experience. Yes it’s a lot more expensive but it does justify that with more performance and just an overall riding feel.