Bajaj Pulsar N125 Review
The Bajaj Pulsar series has been synonymous with power, style, and reliability in the Indian motorcycle market for decades. Over the years, the Pulsar brand has evolved, incorporating technological innovations and expanding its lineup to cater to diverse segments of riders. One of the latest entrants to this series is the Bajaj Pulsar N125, which has generated considerable buzz among motorcycle enthusiasts and commuters alike. Positioned as a premium commuter bike, the N125 promises to deliver a combination of style, performance, and fuel efficiency. In this comprehensive review, we will analyze the latest data and provide a detailed breakdown of the Bajaj Pulsar N125, covering everything from design and performance to features and market positioning.
Introduction to Bajaj Pulsar N125
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 is part of Bajaj Auto’s strategy to tap into the 125cc segment, a market that has seen significant growth in India due to its balance of performance and affordability. The N125, with its sporty design, advanced features, and reliable engine, aims to attract young riders who are looking for an upgrade from basic commuter bikes without compromising on fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance.
The bike is positioned as a competitor to models like the Honda SP 125, Hero Glamour Xtec, and the TVS Raider 125, which are among the most popular in the 125cc category. Let’s take a deeper dive into what the Pulsar N125 brings to the table.
Design and Styling
One of the first things that strike you about the Bajaj Pulsar N125 is its aggressive design language, which is heavily inspired by its larger siblings in the Pulsar range. The motorcycle retains the muscular and sporty stance that has become a signature of the Pulsar series, making it stand out in the 125cc segment.
Key Design Features:
- Sporty Headlamp Unit: The N125 comes equipped with a sharp headlamp unit that houses an LED DRL (Daytime Running Light), giving the bike a modern and aggressive front profile. The design is inspired by the more powerful Pulsar models, adding to the bike’s premium appeal.
- Sculpted Fuel Tank: The N125 boasts a sculpted fuel tank with extended shrouds, further accentuating its muscular and sporty look. The tank not only enhances the aesthetics but also provides excellent knee grip for the rider, improving comfort during long rides.
- Sporty Graphics and Decals: Bajaj has paid attention to the aesthetics by offering bold graphics and decals that give the bike a youthful vibe. The sharp cuts and contours across the bodywork contribute to a sense of motion even when the bike is stationary.
- Split Seat Setup: Like the larger Pulsars, the N125 comes with a split-seat setup, which adds to its sporty character. The seat is designed to offer ample comfort for both the rider and the pillion, with enough padding to make long rides enjoyable.
- Underbelly Exhaust: The underbelly exhaust design is another sporty touch that enhances the bike’s visual appeal while contributing to better weight distribution.
The design of the Bajaj Pulsar N125 is clearly targeted at young riders who prioritize aesthetics and want a bike that looks premium and aggressive. It’s a perfect blend of sportiness and practicality, making it suitable for both daily commuting and weekend rides.
Engine and Performance
The heart of the Bajaj Pulsar N125 is its 124.4cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This engine is tuned to deliver a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a versatile option for riders who need a bike that can handle city traffic as well as occasional highway trips.
Key Engine Specifications:
- Displacement: 124.4cc
- Power Output: 11.8 PS @ 8,500 RPM
- Torque: 11 Nm @ 6,500 RPM
- Transmission: 5-speed gearbox
The engine of the N125 is designed to offer smooth and linear power delivery, which is ideal for city commuting. The power output of 11.8 PS is competitive within the 125cc segment, ensuring that the bike has enough grunt for quick overtakes and responsive throttle inputs. The 11 Nm of torque available at a relatively low 6,500 RPM means that the bike can comfortably cruise in city traffic without the need for constant gear shifts.
Performance Insights:
- Acceleration: The Pulsar N125 offers brisk acceleration, with the bike able to reach 0-60 km/h in around 6.5 seconds, which is commendable for a 125cc motorcycle. The power delivery is smooth, making it ideal for urban commuting where quick starts from traffic lights are necessary.
- Top Speed: The top speed of the Pulsar N125 is approximately 105 km/h, which is more than sufficient for highway cruising and overtakes on faster roads. While it’s not designed for high-speed highway runs, it performs admirably for its segment.
- Fuel Efficiency: One of the key considerations in the 125cc segment is fuel efficiency, and the Pulsar N125 doesn’t disappoint. The bike delivers a mileage of around 55-60 km/l, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.
The engine performance of the Bajaj Pulsar N125 is perfectly suited for its target audience, offering a good mix of power, responsiveness, and fuel efficiency. It’s not the most powerful bike in its class, but it strikes a fine balance between performance and practicality.
Chassis, Suspension, and Ride Quality
The Pulsar N125 is built on a perimeter frame, which is known for its rigidity and stability. This type of frame is commonly used in performance-oriented bikes, and Bajaj’s decision to use it for the N125 shows their intent to provide a sporty yet stable ride experience.
Suspension Setup:
- Front: Telescopic fork
- Rear: Nitrox twin shock absorbers
The telescopic front forks and Nitrox twin shock absorbers at the rear ensure that the N125 offers a comfortable and composed ride over a variety of road conditions. The suspension is tuned to handle both city potholes and occasional highway rides with ease.
Braking System:
- Front Brake: Disc brake (240mm)
- Rear Brake: Drum brake (130mm)
The bike is equipped with a front disc brake and a rear drum brake, which provides adequate stopping power for a bike in the 125cc segment. The inclusion of a Combi Braking System (CBS) adds an extra layer of safety by distributing braking force between the front and rear wheels, reducing the chances of skidding.
Ride and Handling:
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 offers a well-balanced ride quality, with its perimeter frame and suspension setup providing a stable and planted feel. The bike handles well in city traffic, with its light weight and nimble character making it easy to maneuver. On highways, it remains stable at higher speeds, though it’s not built for aggressive cornering or high-speed sprints. Overall, the N125 offers a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride, making it ideal for both new riders and experienced commuters.
Features and Technology
Bajaj has equipped the Pulsar N125 with a range of features that enhance its value proposition, especially in the context of the 125cc segment.
Digital-Analog Instrument Cluster:
The bike features a semi-digital instrument cluster, combining an analog tachometer with a digital display for other key information like speed, fuel level, trip meter, and odometer. The cluster is clear and easy to read, offering all the essential information a rider would need at a glance.
LED Lighting:
The inclusion of LED DRLs and a full LED tail lamp gives the N125 a modern and premium feel. While the headlamp is a halogen unit, it offers adequate illumination for night riding.
USB Charging Port:
A useful addition for commuters is the USB charging port, allowing riders to charge their devices on the go.
Single-Channel ABS (Optional):
Though the Pulsar N125 comes with CBS as standard, Bajaj also offers an optional variant with single-channel ABS, providing additional braking safety for those who prioritize it.
Market Positioning and Competitors
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 is positioned as a premium 125cc commuter motorcycle, aimed at young riders who want a stylish, sporty, and feature-packed bike for daily use. Its primary competitors in the Indian market include:
- Honda SP 125
- Hero Glamour Xtec
- TVS Raider 125
- Suzuki Access 125 (for a slightly more commuter-oriented audience)
Each of these competitors offers a similar combination of style, performance, and features, but the Pulsar N125 stands out for its aggressive design language, perimeter frame, and its heritage as part of the Pulsar lineup.
Pricing and Value for Money
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 is priced competitively within the 125cc segment, with an ex-showroom price starting around ₹85,000 to ₹90,000, depending on the variant and optional ABS inclusion. This pricing places it slightly above more basic commuter bikes, but in line with its premium positioning.
For riders looking for a well-rounded motorcycle that offers style, performance, and a dash of sportiness without breaking the bank, the Pulsar N125 offers excellent value for money. Its combination of features, performance, and fuel efficiency makes it an attractive choice for urban commuters who want something more than just a basic commuter.
