Cruiser motorcycles have always held a special place in the hearts of Indian bikers. They embody freedom, comfort, style, and long-distance capability. Among the most iconic names in this segment is the Bajaj Avenger—a motorcycle series known for its laid-back ergonomics, muscular looks, and affordable pricing. With growing demand for more powerful, feature-rich cruisers, Bajaj has taken a bold step forward with the anticipated launch of the Bajaj Avenger 400.
The Avenger 400 promises to bring in a new era of cruising with a bigger engine, modern styling, and updated technology while retaining the comfort and approachability that the Avenger series is known for. Positioned as a mid-capacity cruiser, the Bajaj Avenger 400 aims to challenge rivals like the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Honda H’ness CB350, and Jawa 42 in both performance and value.
Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the Avenger 400 one of the most exciting upcoming motorcycles for Indian riders.
Bajaj Avenger 400 Design and Styling: Classic Cruiser with Modern Enhancements
Bajaj understands the essence of a cruiser and has retained the Avenger’s signature low-slung design, long wheelbase, and relaxed stance in the 400cc variant. However, the Avenger 400 gets several upgrades that give it a modern edge.
Expect features such as:
- LED headlamp with DRLs
- Wide handlebar for relaxed riding posture
- Teardrop-shaped fuel tank
- Split seat with cushioned backrest for pillion
- Chrome and matte-black finish options
The long wheelbase and stretched-out look offer true cruiser aesthetics, while revised body panels and updated graphics ensure it appeals to the new-age rider.
Bajaj Avenger 400 Engine and Performance: Heart of a Beast
At the core of the Avenger 400 is Bajaj’s proven 373cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine—the same engine that powers the Dominar 400, albeit tuned differently for cruiser characteristics.
Expected engine specs:
- Power: ~40 PS @ 8,800 rpm
- Torque: ~35 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
- Gearbox: 6-speed transmission with slipper clutch
- Fuel Injection: Electronic fuel injection (EFI)
- Cooling: Liquid-cooled system
The power delivery will be smoother and more relaxed compared to the Dominar, focusing more on low and mid-range torque rather than high-end performance. This makes the Avenger 400 ideal for highway cruising, overtaking on open roads, and long weekend rides.
Ride Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is a key part of the Avenger’s DNA, and the 400cc model takes this a notch higher. The low-slung seat height (approx. 730mm) ensures easy access for riders of all heights. The forward-set footpegs, wide handlebars, and upright riding posture make long-distance touring effortless.
The bike is expected to come with:
- Telescopic front forks
- Dual gas-charged rear shock absorbers
- Wide and cushioned seats
- Comfort-focused suspension setup
The Avenger 400 is built to glide over highways and city roads while keeping rider fatigue to a minimum.
Braking and Safety Features
Given the increase in power and weight, the Avenger 400 is expected to feature dual-channel ABS as standard, enhancing safety on highways and wet roads.
Expected braking setup:
- Front: 320mm disc brake
- Rear: 230mm disc brake
- Tyres: Wider tubeless radial tyres (possibly 150mm rear)
These upgrades offer improved stopping power, stability, and rider confidence—especially at high speeds or on slippery terrain.
Technology and Instrumentation
In keeping with modern trends, Bajaj is likely to offer a fully digital or semi-digital instrument console on the Avenger 400.
Key features may include:
- Digital speedometer and tachometer
- Gear position indicator
- Trip meters and distance-to-empty
- Bluetooth connectivity for call alerts and navigation
- USB charging port
Although Bajaj typically avoids excessive digital gimmicks in this segment, the inclusion of smartphone connectivity via the Bajaj Ride Connect app could be a welcome upgrade for tech-savvy riders.
Touring Capabilities
The Bajaj Avenger 400 is designed with touring in mind. With a larger 13+ liter fuel tank, better wind protection, and refined engine tuning, it’s the perfect companion for long rides across diverse Indian terrains.
Touring-friendly features:
- Backrest for pillion comfort
- Optional windscreen
- Ample saddle space
- Side luggage mounting options
- Good ground clearance (~170mm)
This motorcycle is crafted for highways, weekend rides, and even Ladakh trips—without sacrificing everyday usability.
Expected Variants and Customization
Bajaj may launch the Avenger 400 in two variants, similar to the previous models:
- Street 400 – With blacked-out parts, flat handlebar, and minimalist styling for urban riders.
- Cruise 400 – With chrome highlights, taller windscreen, and more traditional cruiser aesthetics.
This strategy allows riders to choose the model that best fits their personality and riding style.
Competition and Market Position
With an expected price tag of ₹2.3 to ₹2.5 lakhs (ex-showroom), the Avenger 400 will directly compete with:
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350
- Honda H’ness CB350
- Jawa 42
- Keeway V302C
- Suzuki Intruder 250 (if re-launched)
However, Bajaj’s aggressive pricing strategy, strong after-sales support, and reliable performance track record give the Avenger 400 a competitive edge.
Who Should Buy the Bajaj Avenger 400?
The Avenger 400 is ideal for:
- Riders upgrading from 150–220cc bikes
- Cruiser lovers who want more power and comfort
- Highway tourers and solo riders
- Those seeking an affordable alternative to Royal Enfield
- Urban commuters who prefer relaxed ergonomics
Whether you ride to work or to the mountains, the Avenger 400 offers a versatile package that can do it all.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
While cruiser motorcycles aren’t known for high mileage, the Avenger 400 could deliver a respectable 30–35 km/l, thanks to its fuel-efficient engine tuning and aerodynamic design.
As for maintenance:
- Bajaj’s extensive service network makes upkeep affordable.
- Spare parts are widely available.
- Maintenance intervals are expected every 5000–6000 km.
These factors make the Avenger 400 both cost-effective and reliable over the long term.
Ownership Experience and Resale Value
Avenger bikes have historically enjoyed:
- Good resale value
- Strong community support
- Easy availability of parts and accessories
With the 400cc variant, Bajaj is likely to introduce official touring kits, riding gear, and accessories—enhancing ownership satisfaction.
The Avenger community in India is already large, and a 400cc upgrade will only strengthen its loyal fanbase.
Environmental Compliance
The Avenger 400 will fully comply with BS6 Phase-2 norms, including onboard diagnostics (OBD2) and real-time emission tracking, making it more environment-friendly and future-proof.
With rising pollution concerns and stricter government norms, Bajaj’s compliance ensures that riders won’t face regulatory hurdles in years to come.
Final Verdict: A Cruiser with Muscle and Meaning
The Bajaj Avenger 400 is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a lifestyle machine that combines style, comfort, performance, and affordability. It takes everything riders love about the Avenger and adds the power and presence they’ve been asking for.
Whether you’re commuting, cruising, or exploring, the Avenger 400 is built to keep you comfortable, connected, and confident on the road. It’s not just a step up in displacement—it’s a leap forward in design, capability, and cruising excellence.