At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220
- 220 cc Oil-Cooled, 2-valve
- 19.03 PS @ 8500 rpm
- 40 km/l (ARAI)
- 13-litre tank
- 1 variant available
- Single-channel ABS + Rear Drum
Hero Karizma XMR
- 210 cc Liquid-Cooled, DOHC 4-valve
- 25.5 PS @ 9250 rpm
- 41.55 km/l (ARAI)
- 11-litre tank
- 2 variants available
- Dual-channel ABS + Slipper Clutch
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 | Hero Karizma XMR |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 220 cc | 210 cc |
| Cooling System | Oil-Cooled | Liquid-Cooled |
| Engine Type | SOHC, 2-valve | DOHC, 4-valve |
| Max Power | 19.03 PS @ 8500 rpm | 25.5 PS @ 9250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 17.55 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 20.4 Nm @ 7250 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.8 : 1 | 12 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 67 × 62.4 mm | 73 × 50 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual |
| Clutch | Wet Multiplate | Wet Type Slip & Assist |
| Top Speed | ~120 km/h | ~130 km/h |
| Riding Modes | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (ARAI) | 40 km/l | 41.55 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 13 litres | 11 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 3.8 litres | 2.2 litres |
| Riding Range | ~507 km | ~457 km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | Single Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 280 mm | Petal Disc – 300 mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum – 130 mm | Petal Disc – 230 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 90/90-17 / 130/90-15 | 100/80-17 / 140/70-17 |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic with double anti friction bush | Dia 37 mm Telescopic / USD (Combat Edition) |
| Rear Suspension | 5-step adjustable Twin Shock Absorber | Gas Charged Monoshock, 6-step adjustable |
| Chassis | Tubular Double Cradle | Steel Trellis Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 163 kg | 163.5 kg |
| Seat Height | 737 mm | 810 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 169 mm | 160 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1490 mm | 1351 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2210 × 806 × 1321 mm | 2068 × 760 × 1110 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Semi-Digital | Digital LCD / TFT (Combat Edition) |
| Headlight | Halogen | LED Projector |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes |
| Turn Signals | LED | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Call & SMS Alerts | No | Yes |
| USB Charging Port | No | Yes |
| Distance to Empty | No | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | No | Yes |
| Tachometer | No | Digital |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Pillion Backrest | Yes | No |
| Riding Modes | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1,26,620 | ₹1,84,154 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,26,620 | ₹1,85,767 |
| Number of Variants | 1 | 2 |
| Standard Warranty | 5 Years / 75,000 km | 5 Years / 70,000 km |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
Avenger Cruise 220 Variants
Karizma XMR Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Significantly lower price — ₹57,534 cheaper than Karizma XMR
- Very low 737 mm seat height — accessible for most riders
- Larger 13-litre tank and longer riding range (~507 km)
- Pillion backrest standard for comfortable two-up touring
- Long 1490 mm wheelbase for excellent highway stability
- Outstanding 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
- Larger reserve fuel capacity (3.8 litres vs 2.2 litres)
- Classic cruiser styling with proven long-term reliability
Cons
- Significantly lower peak power (19.03 PS vs 25.5 PS)
- Only single-channel ABS; rear drum brake
- No Bluetooth, USB charging or modern digital console
- No tachometer, gear indicator or distance-to-empty
- Halogen headlight vs LED projector on Karizma XMR
- No hazard warning lights
- Older 2-valve SOHC engine technology
- Tubed tyres on spoke wheels
- 5-speed gearbox vs 6-speed on Karizma XMR
Pros
- Superior performance — 25.5 PS with liquid-cooled DOHC engine
- Dual-channel ABS with 300 mm front and 230 mm rear petal discs
- Assist & slipper clutch for smoother downshifts
- Modern Bluetooth connectivity with call & SMS alerts
- LED projector headlamp, hazard lights and full LED lighting
- Digital LCD / TFT console with gear indicator, tachometer, DTE
- USB charging port standard
- Sporty full-fairing design with steel trellis frame
- Tubeless alloy wheels on both variants
- Combat Edition gets USD forks and TFT display
Cons
- Higher price — ₹57,534 more expensive at base variant
- Smaller 11-litre tank, shorter riding range (~457 km)
- Tall 810 mm seat height — challenging for shorter riders
- Sporty riding posture less comfortable for long-distance touring
- No pillion backrest
- Slightly weaker warranty km coverage (70,000 km vs 75,000 km)
- No riding modes or traction control
- Ground clearance slightly lower (160 mm vs 169 mm)
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine Character
These two bikes couldn't be more different under the engine cover. The Avenger uses a 220cc oil-cooled, 2-valve SOHC engine tuned for relaxed low-rev cruising. The Karizma XMR uses a 210cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve unit producing 25.5 PS — 34% more power — with an assist and slipper clutch and 6-speed gearbox. The Karizma's high-compression (12:1) engine is built to rev, making it a completely different riding experience.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
Interestingly, despite its significantly more powerful engine, the Karizma XMR claims marginally better ARAI mileage at 41.55 km/l versus the Avenger's 40 km/l. However, the Avenger's larger 13-litre tank gives it a meaningfully longer theoretical range of ~507 km versus ~457 km for the Karizma's 11-litre unit. The Avenger also has a notably larger 3.8-litre reserve versus just 2.2 litres on the Karizma.
Braking & Safety
The Karizma XMR has a decisive advantage in braking: dual-channel ABS, a 300 mm front petal disc, and a 230 mm rear petal disc are standard on both variants. The Avenger makes do with single-channel ABS, a 280 mm front disc, and a rear drum brake — a notable safety gap. Riders who prioritise emergency braking performance will find the Karizma XMR far more reassuring, particularly at the higher speeds its engine can reach.
Features & Technology
The Karizma XMR wins comprehensively on modern features. Bluetooth connectivity, call & SMS alerts, a USB charging port, a fully digital LCD console (TFT on Combat Edition), gear indicator, tachometer, distance-to-empty, LED projector headlamp, and hazard warning lights are all standard. The Avenger's semi-digital console offers basic information without any connectivity, navigation or modern digital aids.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The Avenger is purpose-built for relaxed riding: a low 737 mm seat height, forward-set footpegs, wide handlebars, and a long 1490 mm wheelbase make it the definitive comfort choice. Its pillion backrest is a significant practical advantage for two-up touring. The Karizma XMR's 810 mm seat height and sporty forward-leaning posture are better suited to performance riding than extended touring comfort.
Price & Warranty
The Avenger starts ₹57,534 cheaper (₹1,26,620 vs ₹1,84,154) — a significant budget gap. Both bikes offer a 5-year warranty, but the Avenger covers 75,000 km versus the Karizma's 70,000 km. For budget-conscious riders who primarily want comfortable touring at an affordable price, the Avenger's value proposition is compelling. The Karizma asks a substantial premium for its performance and technology upgrades.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Avenger Cruise 220 if…
- Your budget is under ₹1.5 lakh
- You want a classic, relaxed cruiser for highway tours
- Low seat height and easy accessibility are priorities
- Pillion comfort with a backrest matters to you
- You want the longer 5-year / 75,000 km warranty coverage
- Better tank range and a larger fuel reserve are important
- Long-distance comfort over spirited performance is your goal
Buy the Karizma XMR if…
- You can stretch to ₹1.85 lakh for a significantly more capable bike
- Strong sport performance (25.5 PS) is a priority
- Dual-channel ABS and rear disc brake are non-negotiable
- Sporty full-fairing design and LED projector headlamp appeal to you
- Bluetooth connectivity and a modern digital console matter
- You prefer the assist & slipper clutch for smoother riding
- You enjoy spirited performance alongside occasional touring
Overall Verdict: Two completely different motorcycles for different riders. The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 and Hero Karizma XMR are separated by nearly ₹58,000 and represent fundamentally different riding philosophies — relaxed cruising versus sporty performance. If comfort, affordability, and an excellent warranty are your priorities, the Avenger Cruise 220 delivers outstanding value under ₹1.3 lakh. If you're willing to spend more for 34% more power, dual-channel ABS with rear disc braking, a modern Bluetooth console, an LED projector headlamp, and a sporty full-fairing design, the Hero Karizma XMR justifies its premium. Choose by riding style first: the Avenger is a cruiser, the Karizma is a sport tourer — and that difference defines everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The answer depends on your riding style and budget. The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 is better for riders who want an affordable, comfortable cruiser with a low seat height (737 mm), relaxed ergonomics, a pillion backrest, and an outstanding 5-year / 75,000 km warranty at ₹1,26,620. The Hero Karizma XMR is better if you want strong sport performance (25.5 PS), dual-channel ABS with rear disc braking, a liquid-cooled DOHC engine, Bluetooth connectivity, and a sporty full-fairing design at ₹1,84,154.
The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 starts at ₹1,26,620 while the Hero Karizma XMR starts at ₹1,84,154 ex-showroom — a difference of ₹57,534. The Karizma XMR Combat Edition top variant is priced at ₹1,85,767, making the maximum gap ₹59,147. The Avenger is a single-variant model, while the Karizma is available in two variants. All prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Surprisingly, the Hero Karizma XMR claims marginally better ARAI mileage at 41.55 km/l versus the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220's 40 km/l. However, the Avenger's larger 13-litre tank gives it a better riding range of ~507 km versus ~457 km for the Karizma's 11-litre tank. Real-world mileage for both bikes may vary based on riding style and conditions.
The Hero Karizma XMR makes significantly more power at 25.5 PS @ 9250 rpm compared to the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220's 19.03 PS @ 8500 rpm — a 34% power advantage. The Karizma XMR also produces more torque at 20.4 Nm vs 17.55 Nm and uses a more advanced liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve engine with a 6-speed gearbox and assist & slipper clutch, versus the Avenger's oil-cooled 2-valve SOHC engine with a 5-speed gearbox.
Yes, the Hero Karizma XMR comes with dual-channel ABS as standard on both its variants, along with a 300 mm front petal disc and a 230 mm rear petal disc. The Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 only has single-channel ABS with a 280 mm front disc and a rear drum brake — a significant safety disadvantage compared to the Karizma XMR's full dual-disc setup.
Both bikes offer a 5-year warranty, but the Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 covers 75,000 km while the Hero Karizma XMR covers 70,000 km. The Avenger's additional 5,000 km of warranty coverage gives it a slight edge for high-mileage commuters. Both warranties are strong offerings in the segment and represent good long-term value for owners.