Cruisers don’t always have to mean heavy running costs. If you’re after relaxed ergonomics with sensible fuel economy, there are options across budgets and engine sizes that strike a balance between style
and practicality. From the budget-friendly Bajaj Avenger Street 160 to the more powerful Jawa 42, here’s a look at five cruiser-style motorcycles in India, their claimed fuel efficiency, and what kind of real-world ownership you can expect.
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Bajaj Avenger Street 160 (Rs 1.12 Lakh, ex-showroom)
The Avenger Street 160 is the most budget-friendly cruiser-style option here: a 160cc air-cooled single aimed at commuting and occasional touring. Bajaj lists the Avenger Street 160 with an ARAI-claimed mileage of about 47.2 km/l, which makes it the most fuel-efficient cruiser in this group on paper. That level of economy, combined with a 13-litre tank, makes it a practical choice if running cost is the primary filter.
TVS Ronin 225 (Rs 1.25 Lakh, ex-showroom)
TVS positioned the Ronin as a neo-cruiser with modern features. Its 225cc engine delivers usable midrange punch while keeping fuel consumption competitive; the figure commonly cited is roughly 42 km/l (ARAI/test figures around 41–43 km/l), depending on source and riding mix. The Ronin’s tech package (digital console, riding modes) pairs comfortably with that efficiency if you want a slightly more modern, do-it-all cruiser.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (Rs 1.91 Lakh, ex-showroom)
The Meteor 350 is a conventional cruiser in ergonomics and presence, fitted with RE’s 349cc J-series engine. The ARAI-claimed figure most sources quote is about 41–42 km/l, which is strong for a 350cc cruiser and makes it reasonable for long-distance riding without frequent fuel stops. The Meteor is heavier than small-displacement cruisers, but its fuel figure and 15-litre tank keep real-world range acceptable.
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 (Rs 1.37 Lakh, ex-showroom)
If you want a middle-ground cruiser — more relaxed than a 160 but cheaper to run than larger 350s — the Avenger Cruise 220 is worth a look. The 220cc powerplant is claimed to return around 40 km/l (ARAI), which gives a sensible compromise between outright performance and running cost. Its lower seat height and cruiser ergonomics make it an easy daily rider for longer commutes.
Jawa 42 (Rs 1.59 Lakh, ex-showroom)
The Jawa 42 brings retro styling with a 295cc liquid-cooled single that pushes for performance while still delivering decent efficiency for its class. Most trusted listings report an ARAI-claimed figure of around 33 km/l; owner averages can be a bit lower depending on riding style, but the bike balances performance and economy more towards the performance side. Expect higher fuel costs than the 160–220cc cruisers, but also more outright power.
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What this really means is simple: if fuel economy is the priority, smaller-displacement cruisers such as the Avenger Street 160 and Avenger Cruise 220 give the lowest running cost. If you want the cruiser look with usable highway ability and acceptable economy, the Meteor 350 or Ronin 225 are sensible mid-size choices. The Jawa 42 leans more toward performance and style, with correspondingly higher fuel consumption.
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