In the world of affordable cruisers, the Bajaj Avenger 220 and the Benelli Imperiale 400 stand out as two compelling choices for riders who crave relaxed, long-distance rides without breaking the bank. Both these motorcycles bring unique character, styling, and performance to the table. In this detailed comparison, we will uncover which cruiser suits your riding aspirations better.
Contents
- 1 Design and Styling: Classic Cruiser vs Retro Elegance
- 2 Engine and Performance: Relaxed Cruiser vs Smooth Thumper
- 3 Ride and Handling: Light Cruiser vs Heavyweight Tourer
- 4 Comfort and Ergonomics: Laid-Back vs Upright
- 5 Features and Equipment: Essentials vs Classic Simplicity
- 6 Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: Cost of Cruising
- 7 Pricing and Value: Budget Cruiser vs Premium Retro
- 8 After-Sales Service and Maintenance: Hassle-Free vs Premium Ownership
- 9 Final Verdict: Which Cruiser Should You Buy?
Design and Styling: Classic Cruiser vs Retro Elegance
The Bajaj Avenger 220 maintains a traditional cruiser look with its low-slung frame, extended front forks, wide handlebars, and a laid-back riding posture. Its long wheelbase, large rear tire, and minimalist bodywork stay true to classic cruiser aesthetics, giving it an effortless cool vibe.
The Benelli Imperiale 400 embraces retro-inspired styling, reminiscent of classic British motorcycles from the 1950s. It features a round headlamp, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, minimalistic fenders, and generous use of chrome. Its design is more about vintage elegance than pure cruiser aggression.
Verdict: If you desire a pure cruiser look, Avenger 220 delivers. If you love retro-classic charm, the Imperiale 400 is the obvious winner.
Engine and Performance: Relaxed Cruiser vs Smooth Thumper
- Bajaj Avenger 220:
- 220cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine
- Power output: 19.03 PS at 8,500 rpm
- Torque: 17.55 Nm at 7,000 rpm
- 5-speed gearbox
- Benelli Imperiale 400:
- 374cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine
- Power output: 21 PS at 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 29 Nm at 3,500 rpm
- 5-speed gearbox
The Benelli Imperiale 400 offers a larger displacement engine with significantly more torque, ideal for relaxed cruising at lower RPMs. It delivers a buttery smooth power delivery with a thumping exhaust note. The Avenger 220, while peppy and refined, feels lighter and more suited to city rides and short highway jaunts.
Verdict: Benelli Imperiale 400 wins for highway cruising power and low-end torque.
Ride and Handling: Light Cruiser vs Heavyweight Tourer
The Avenger 220 shines with its lightweight nature, making it easy to maneuver through city traffic and sharp corners. Its low seat height (737 mm) ensures that even shorter riders feel confident.
The Benelli Imperiale 400, with its 205 kg kerb weight, is a heavier machine. It offers excellent straight-line stability on highways but can feel cumbersome in urban traffic. The wide handlebar and upright seating position provide a comfortable touring experience.
Verdict: Choose Avenger 220 for city-friendly cruising, and Imperiale 400 for stable highway touring.
Comfort and Ergonomics: Laid-Back vs Upright
The Bajaj Avenger 220 features a feet-forward riding position with a well-padded, low-slung seat. The riding triangle is perfectly tuned for laid-back comfort, and the pillion seat is reasonable for short to medium rides.
The Benelli Imperiale 400 offers an upright riding position with neutral footpegs, making it more versatile for long rides without fatigue. Its larger seat and plush cushioning make it better suited for extensive touring.
Verdict: For long-distance comfort, the Benelli Imperiale 400 has the upper hand.
Features and Equipment: Essentials vs Classic Simplicity
- Bajaj Avenger 220:
- Digital-analog instrument console
- LED DRLs
- Single-channel ABS
- Comfortable backrest for pillion
- Benelli Imperiale 400:
- Twin-pod analog-digital instrument cluster
- Dual-channel ABS
- Classic-looking switchgear
- Larger fuel tank (12 liters)
Both bikes stick to the basics, focusing on essential features rather than tech-laden gimmicks. However, the Benelli Imperiale 400’s dual-channel ABS offers a slight edge in terms of safety.
Verdict: Imperiale 400 wins for better braking safety and classic instrumentation.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: Cost of Cruising
- Bajaj Avenger 220 delivers around 35-40 km/l in real-world conditions.
- Benelli Imperiale 400 returns about 30-33 km/l, considering its larger engine capacity.
If running costs are a priority, the Avenger 220 proves more economical to own and maintain.
Verdict: Avenger 220 is more fuel-efficient and cost-effective.
Pricing and Value: Budget Cruiser vs Premium Retro
- Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise is priced around ₹1.45 lakh (ex-showroom).
- Benelli Imperiale 400 comes in at approximately ₹2.35 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Avenger 220 offers incredible value for money, making it accessible for budget-conscious riders. The Imperiale 400 demands a premium but justifies it with better build quality, bigger engine, and better highway touring capability.
Verdict: Avenger 220 is the pick for value seekers, while Imperiale 400 suits those willing to pay more for premium cruising.
After-Sales Service and Maintenance: Hassle-Free vs Premium Ownership
Bajaj enjoys a vast service network, low-cost spares, and affordable maintenance packages, making ownership of the Avenger 220 extremely convenient across India.
Benelli, although expanding steadily, still has a more limited service network, and its maintenance costs are higher compared to Bajaj.
Verdict: Bajaj Avenger 220 offers better service accessibility and lower ownership costs.
Final Verdict: Which Cruiser Should You Buy?
- Buy the Bajaj Avenger 220 if you want a budget-friendly cruiser, perfect for city rides, occasional highway trips, and easy maintenance.
- Opt for the Benelli Imperiale 400 if you desire a bigger, torque-rich engine, vintage looks, superior highway cruising comfort, and premium feel — and are willing to spend more.
Both motorcycles bring distinct personalities to the table. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you value affordability and simplicity or are ready to invest in premium retro cruising experiences.
