Bajaj Pulsar 125

The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is the most affordable bike in Bajaj’s Pulsar lineup. It comes in two versions: the Carbon Edition and the Neon Edition. The differences between the two are minor and cosmetic, but we'll get into that later. 

125cc motorcycles are usually bought by people who want a bike that's cheap to buy, run and maintain, and yet is enjoyable to ride. Some other noteworthy bikes in the budget end of the segment are the Hero Glamour Fi, Super Splendor, Honda CB Shine SP and TVS Raider. There are 125cc bikes on the performance side, too, like the KTM 125 Duke and RC 125 but they are significantly more expensive. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is different because it's not only affordable but also known for its performance. We rode the Neon Edition of the Pulsar 125 in various conditions to see if it strikes the right balance between affordability and fun in the 125cc category. Read on to know our findings:

1. For a budget motorcycle, it still looks stylish and appealing.

2. Clip-on handlebar is a unique feature in its class.

3. The plastic quality on the Pulsar 125 feels top-notch.

1. The seat cushioning is a bit hard.

2. The engine struggles at high speeds.

3. It's the heaviest among all popular 125cc bikes in India.

1. The suspension handles bumps well.

2. The 125cc engine is only 2PS less powerful than the Pulsar 150.

3. It's the most affordable Pulsar you can buy right now.

The Pulsar 125 Neon looks almost identical to the Pulsar 150, except for some graphics that set them apart. Besides the '125' and 'Pulsar' logos, there are no flashy design elements, which is a good thing. It's simple and clean.

Even though it's an entry-level Pulsar, the build quality is the same as other Pulsar bikes, and the plastic quality is top-notch. There are minor issues like visible welds on the fuel tank and frame, but overall, the quality is good.

When you hop on the Pulsar 125, the riding position feels slightly sporty, like the Pulsar 150. Despite having clip-on handlebars (a unique feature in this class, except for the more expensive KTM RC 125), the riding position is comfortable because the handlebars are slightly higher, and the footpegs are well-placed. But what isn’t comfortable is the seat. Even though it’s big, the cushioning is on the harder side.

The Pulsar 125 has the same orange-backlit semi-digital instrument panel that shows speed, fuel level, trip distance, odometer, and more. It does its job well, but it's starting to look a bit outdated. Bajaj might want to update it soon just to freshen things up and stay competitive among rivals. It also comes with features like Automatic Headlamp On (AHO) and backlit switches that you find on larger Pulsars.

The 124.4cc engine in the Pulsar 125 is not entirely new; it's derived from the Pulsar 150's engine with some changes. It's a bit more rev-happy. It produces 12PS of power and 11Nm of torque, which is 2PS and 2.4Nm less than the Pulsar 150. It's not as fast as the Pulsar 150, but it has a similar spirited feel.

The Pulsar 125 takes 7.11 seconds to go from 0 to 60kmph, which is a bit slower than the Hero Glamour Fi. The 140 kg kerb weight makes it 15kg heavier than the Glamour, so it doesn't win drag races. On the highway, it can cruise at 75-80kmph with minimal vibrations, but going beyond 80 kmph, you feel more vibrations. It's better suited for mid-to-high-end performance, so you'll often shift gears in stop-and-go traffic.

While it may be slightly slower than other 125cc bikes, the Pulsar 125 feels more fun thanks to its engine characteristics. However, this fun comes at the cost of fuel efficiency. It gives 51.46kmpl in the city and 57kmpl on the highway. Competitors like the Honda CB Shine SP offer significantly better mileage with 62kmpl in the city and 65kmpl on the highway.

The Pulsar 125 shares its frame and suspension with bigger Pulsars. It handles small bumps well even at city speeds. It has a 240mm front disc and 130mm rear drum brakes, which are the same as the CB Shine SP and Glamour Fi. However, the brake levers require a firm squeeze, especially if you need to make an emergency stop. The Combined Braking System (CBS) helps stabilise the bike during hard braking by adding a bit of front brake when you use the rear. Overall, the brakes could be sharper, considering the bike's sporty nature.

In the city, the well-balanced seat, footpegs, and handlebar make it easy to manoeuvre. However, it can feel a bit heavy at slow speeds in heavy traffic due to its weight. On the highway, it's stable, thanks to its long wheelbase of 1320mm. It has the widest rear tyre in its class (100/90x17), offering good grip even in wet conditions.

The Pulsar 125 comes in two variants: Carbon Edition and Neon Edition. The Carbon Edition can be bought with a single seat or a split seat option, making it slightly more expensive than the Neon. However, the differences are mostly cosmetic. The Carbon Edition offers more graphic options, a sporty underbelly protector and a 3D Pulsar logo, while the Neon Edition has simpler graphics.

One thing to note is that the split seat version is slightly shorter (2042mm vs. 2055mm) but heavier by about 2 kg compared to the single seat version. It's also more expensive by about Rs 2,400.

The Pulsar 125 delivers what it promises: a taste of Pulsar's sportiness in an affordable package. However, its lower fuel efficiency might not appeal to conservative 125cc buyers. In that regard, the Glamour and CB Shine SP are better options.

The Pulsar 125 ranges from Rs 84,013 for the Neon single seat version to Rs 94,138 for the Carbon Edition split seat version (ex-showroom Delhi). It's a great choice for novice riders who want some excitement without spending too much money. Within this budget, you can also consider the Honda SP125, which gets LED headlamp, a fully digital instrument cluster aside from a higher mileage. If you are willing to stretch your budget further, then you may consider the TVS Raider which gets more features like a digital instrument cluster, USB charging port, along with a higher claimed mileage of 67kmpl.