Bajaj Pulsar N125 launch price starts from Rs 95,000

With the launch of Pulsar N125, Bajaj has created a sportier product that promises the highest power-to-weight ratio in its segment

Ever since the launch of the Classic Pulsar 150, Bajaj has been the brand of choice for Indian motorcycle enthusiasts looking for an exciting and affordable motorcycle. The Pulsar brand is highly sought after in India and is the first choice of many people. In the 125cc segment, Bajaj has added a new Pulsar to bring more excitement to the masses than before.

Of course, we are talking about the just-launched Bajaj Pulsar N125, which comes with an exciting new design and the best performance credentials in the industry. But is it enough to take on the competition including TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R? Considering that the 125cc Pulsar (Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125) are Bajaj’s best-selling products, will the new Pulsar N125 push the envelope further? Let’s take a look.

Bajaj Pulsar N125 first ride review

The company has arranged a media campaign for the Pulsar N125 at the Raftaar Karting Circuit in Pune, Maharashtra. Bajaj has offered the Rushlane in the top-spec Pulsar N125 LED Disc BT variant in Ebony Black Purple Fury shade for short rides. This colorway looks more appealing than the other two colorways (Ebony Black Cocktail Red and Pewter Citrus Rush). The base LED disc variant is available in Pearl Metallic White, Ebony Black, Cocktail Red and Caribbean Blue.

As the name suggests, the LED Disc BT version comes with a Bluetooth-equipped instrument console and is priced at Rs 98,707 (Ex-sh), while the base LED Disc is priced at Rs 94,707 (Ex-sh). Taking into account the equipment on board, the price is in line with what competitors offer. In Bajaj’s 125cc Pulsar series, the Pulsar N125 is positioned higher than the Classic Pulsar 125 and lower than the Pulsar NS125.

As far as design is concerned, I think Bajaj has nailed it this time. Pulsar N125 adopts a refreshing new design language, which is avant-garde and has a strong sense of presence. It has a sporty look and is the sharpest looking 125cc Pulsar Bajaj ever. With the premium 125cc segment booming, the Pulsar N125 fits in well and aims to carve a niche for itself, differentiating itself from the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R.

How does it look?

Prior to its launch, the Pulsar N125 was speculated to be an ADV type product as test mules showed some ADV-like elements. These have been carried over to the production model. For example, we have a long split seat, a pronounced rear seat armrest, a headlight design shaped like it has a little false beak and a segment-best 198mm of ground clearance. Despite being high off the ground, the Pulsar N125 has an accessible seat height of 795 mm.

The main attraction of the Pulsar N125 is that it has a sturdy suspension cover that gives it a macho appeal. The chiselled fuel tank, muscular tank guard extending into the engine bay, angular body panels and eye-catching two-tone floating panels are other noteworthy elements. The headlight assembly is a dual-pod element with vertically stacked LED light chambers. The neatly arranged LED taillights at the rear of the car reflect the Pulsar DNA. Underneath the front fork caps we have RSU telescopic forks, while the rear forks feature a single shock absorber. Keeping the bike compact is a belly exhaust.

The 17-inch alloy wheels remind me of the Pulsar P150 (RIP). The switchgear has all the elements one would expect from a 125cc motorcycle. To control the Bluetooth-equipped dashboard, there’s also a mode button. Bajaj offers a Type-A USB charging port on the fuel tank. The right-hand switchgear also has a switch for the automatic engine start/stop function. With disc brakes only on the front wheels, Bajaj offers CBS, making the Xtreme 125R the only model in the segment to offer single-channel ABS.

Ride, handling and performance

There is a reason why Bajaj arranged a media event for Pulsar at the Raftaar Gokarting Track in Pune. This go-kart track is ideal for testing the Pulsar N125’s low-speed maneuverability and its high-speed handling characteristics. Before that, we must first understand the performance indicators of the engine. Thus, the 124.58 cc engine produces 12 PS at 8,500 RPM and 11 Nm at 6,000 RPM, mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

12 PS is the best in the segment but is the same figure as the Pulsar NS125. However, the Pulsar NS125 weighs a whopping 144 kg, while the Pulsar N125 weighs only 125 kg. Hence, the Pulsar N125 claims to have the highest power-to-weight ratio of 96 PS per ton, which is again the best in the segment. In real-world conditions, these numbers translate really well and ensure a spirited performance with enough oomph to excite the rider.

For a 125cc premium commuter, acceleration is brisk and the Pulsar N125 has a youthful character. The 1,295mm wheelbase is neither the shortest nor the longest in the segment, providing a perfect blend of straight-line stability and handling. In city traffic, the Pulsar N125 shakes easily. This bike inspires confidence in people, allowing them to have fun and enjoy exciting commutes. Bajaj claims a top speed of around 97 km/h, but the bike reached 110 km/h (marked speed) during our testing.

The suspension is neutral as it offers a good mix of excellent handling and damping. The ground clearance of 198 mm ensured that we didn’t bottom out on the bad roads that Pune often has. Braking is standard for the segment and provides good bite to bring this machine to a stop. The weight reduction definitely helps with good braking feedback.

in conclusion

It is very easy to sum up the Bajaj Pulsar N125. It is the lightest 125cc Pulsar sold by Bajaj and we think it is the sportiest. With the Pulsar N125, Bajaj is expanding its best-selling segment and providing stiff competition to the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R. It looks well put together and offers the highest ground clearance, which is unique in the segment.

However, the Pulsar N125 isn’t perfect. Hero offers single-channel ABS and LED turn indicators, which are also available on Bajaj. TVS Raider offers the best TFT instrument cluster in the segment with rich features. In comparison, the Bajaj Pulsar N125’s LCD instrument cluster lacks basic features like a tachometer and gear indicator. Bluetooth connectivity is also very limited in functionality, as there is no navigation functionality.

There may be a variant with drum brakes at the front, with a more accessible base price. Additionally, the automatic engine stop/start feature didn’t work on our unit during testing. This is really bad. The instrument cluster shows real-time fuel economy of around 31 km/l, which is not accurate considering this is a new car and will rack up more mileage (fuel efficiency) over time. The FE of the new N125 is said to be around 60-65 kmpl.