The upcoming Benelli Motobi 200 Evo will rival the Avenger Street 220 when it launches here in India but does it offer a better package? we try to find it out here
Benelli showcased the Motobi 200 Evo at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIS) 2018 where it attracted quite a lot of attention and was launched soon after. Benelli recently re-entered Indian market partnering with Hyderabad based Adishwar Auto Ride International (AARI) which also happens to be a subsidiary of Mahavir Group.
After their tie-up with their new partner, Benelli plans to launch a couple of new products in India which might include a new Cruiser as well. Now If Benelli decides to introduce the Motobi 200 Evo here then it will be their cheapest offering yet and will rival directly against the Bajaj Avenger Street 220.
Benelli Motobi 200 Evo Vs Bajaj Avenger Street 220 Styling Comparison
If we compare both these Cruisers side by side then the Motobi gets a retro kind of a styling approach. The Cruiser gets round headlamps towards the front followed by a single pod round instrument dial. The instrument cluster is a semi-analog cum digital unit.
The motorcycle gets front biased foot pegs and it may look sporty but has a relaxed riding posture which is very much needed in a Cruiser for munching miles. However, what is disappointing though is the fact that the Benelli Cruiser gets a smaller 11.8 Litre fuel tank which will be ideal for short rides only.
The Bajaj AvengerStreet 220, on the other hand, gets a low seat height which also happens to be its biggest advantage. The second generation Cruiser was last updated towards the beginning of 2018 when it received few minor updates.
The updates came in the form of a new LED DRL’s, a small windscreen on top of the headlamps and full-digital instrument cluster. Out of the two motorcycles, the Avenger definitely offers a much more relaxed riding position and gets a comparatively bigger 13.8 Litre fuel tank.
Benelli Motobi 200 EVO Vs Bajaj Avenger Specification Comparison
If we compare both the motorcycles, the Bajaj Avenger Street 220 is powered by a 220cc, oil-cooled motor which generates about 19.03PS at 8400 rpm with 17.5Nm of peak torque produced at 7000rpm. The engine is paired to a 5-speed gearbox.
The Avenger relies on a 220 mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum brakes for stopping power. Suspension duties on the Avenger is carried by a telescopic front and twin shocks at the rear which is identical to what you will find in its rival Motobi 200 Evo as well.
The Benelli Motobi 200 Evo, on the other hand, is powered by a 197cc single cylinder, oil cooled engine which produces around 13.9 Nm of torque while the power output figures are still unknown. The engine too is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The Motobi in comparison to its rival gets better brakes. A single 280mm discs at the front and 250 mm single discs at the rear take care of its braking duties. Unfortunately, none of the motorcycles gets ABS.
Final Verdict
If we keep all the above points in mind then the Benelli Motobi 200 Evo is definitely a better-looking motorcycle than the Avenger. One can also expect a slightly more premium feel on the Motobi considering the fact that Benelli’s are known for making premium motorcycles.
However, if we compare the former with Avenger then the Avenger 220 Street get lower seat height, bigger fuel tank and relaxed riding position making it more practical for Indian roads. Lastly, while you can buy the Bajaj Avenger Street 220 right now if you want to you will have to wait for at least a year more to get your hands on the Benelli Cruiser.