Sometimes, a great motorcycle can still be the wrong choice for you.
The 2026 Bajaj Avenger 220 Street has returned in BS6 Phase 2, E20-compliant form, and there’s no denying its cult status in India. It’s comfortable, refined, easy to maintain, and carries a timeless cruiser appeal. However, not every motorcycle is meant for every rider.
If you’re considering buying the Avenger 220 Street in 2026, it’s important to look beyond nostalgia and comfort and understand where this motorcycle falls short in today’s market.
Based on real-world riding impressions and observations from the first ride experience, here are the top 5 reasons why you might want to avoid the 2026 Bajaj Avenger 220 Street.
1. Outdated Feature List in 2026
Let’s start with the most obvious drawback.
The Avenger 220 Street follows a “simple, raw motorcycle” philosophy, which might appeal to purists—but in 2026, it also feels dated.
What You Don’t Get:
- ❌ No traction control
- ❌ No riding modes
- ❌ No Bluetooth connectivity
- ❌ No navigation or smartphone integration
- ❌ No slipper clutch
- ❌ No quick shifter
- ❌ No USB charging port
You only get:
- ✔ Single-channel ABS
- ✔ Basic full-digital console
While simplicity improves reliability, most competitors at this price now offer more safety and convenience features. If you expect modern tech in a new motorcycle, the Avenger 220 Street may feel stuck in the past.
Avoid it if: You want modern electronics, connectivity, and tech-loaded value.
2. Single-Channel ABS & Rear Drum Brake Feel Dated
Safety standards have evolved, but the Avenger hasn’t kept pace.
Braking Setup:
- Front: 280 mm disc with single-channel ABS
- Rear: Drum brake
- No rear ABS intervention
In real-world riding, braking is described as “confidence inspiring”, but even the reviewer highlights that braking technique must change because this is a cruiser, not a sportbike.
In 2026:
- Dual-channel ABS is becoming the norm
- Rear disc brakes are common even on budget bikes
For a 220cc motorcycle priced near ₹1.5 lakh on-road, this setup feels outdated and less reassuring, especially for new riders.
Avoid it if: Safety tech is a priority for you or you ride frequently at higher speeds.
3. Performance Feels Underwhelming for the Price
The Avenger 220 Street uses a tried-and-tested 220cc oil-cooled engine, producing:
- 19 PS power
- 17.55 Nm torque
- 5-speed gearbox
While the engine is praised for being:
✔ Smooth
✔ Vibration-free
✔ Reliable
…it is also not exciting or powerful by modern standards.
Real-World Limitations:
- Comfortable cruising tops out around 90 km/h
- No sixth gear for relaxed highway riding
- Not designed for quick overtakes or spirited riding
In 2026, riders spending similar money can get:
- Faster acceleration
- More engaging engines
- Better highway performance
Avoid it if: You enjoy performance, quick overtakes, or highway touring above 100 km/h.
4. Long Wheelbase Hurts City Maneuverability
Comfort comes at a cost—and in the Avenger’s case, that cost is city agility.
The bike has:
- Long wheelbase
- Low-slung cruiser geometry
- Forward-set footpegs
While this setup delivers unmatched comfort, it also results in:
- ❌ Longer turning radius
- ❌ Difficult U-turns in tight spaces
- ❌ Less confidence in congested traffic
The reviewer clearly mentions that riders need to be careful while flicking the bike and navigating gravel-filled or tight city roads.
Avoid it if: You ride daily in heavy traffic or narrow urban streets.
5. Not Versatile Enough for Many Indian Riders
The Avenger 220 Street is excellent at one thing—relaxed cruising.
But it struggles outside that comfort zone.
What It’s NOT Good At:
- ❌ Aggressive riding
- ❌ Sporty cornering
- ❌ Two-up touring with luggage
- ❌ Rough roads or broken highways
- ❌ Off-road or bad-road conditions
It’s also not ideal for riders who want one bike to do everything—commuting, touring, fun riding, and occasional spirited runs.
Today’s buyers often expect versatility, and that’s where the Avenger feels limited.
Avoid it if: You want a single motorcycle that can handle every riding scenario.
Final Verdict: Should You Avoid the 2026 Avenger 220 Street?
✅ You SHOULD AVOID it if:
- You want modern features and electronics
- You prioritize performance and speed
- You expect dual-channel ABS and rear disc brakes
- You ride mostly in congested city traffic
- You want a versatile “do-it-all” motorcycle
❌ You SHOULD NOT avoid it if:
- Comfort is your top priority
- You prefer relaxed, stress-free riding
- You value reliability over technology
- You want low maintenance ownership
- You love cruiser ergonomics
Bottom Line
The 2026 Bajaj Avenger 220 Street is not a bad motorcycle—it’s a specialized one.
It excels at comfort, refinement, and reliability, but falls short in features, performance, and versatility when judged by 2026 standards. If your expectations align with its old-school cruiser philosophy, you’ll love it. If not, there are better options today.
Sometimes, avoiding the wrong bike is smarter than buying the popular one.
