BREAKING: Bajaj Pulsar NS125 Launched, Priced At Rs 93,690

The Pulsar NS125 dearer than the Pulsar 125 Split Seat by around Rs 10,700

• The Bajaj Pulsar NS125’s engine is likely a heavily revised, downsized version of the Bajaj Pulsar NS160’s heart.
• It makes 0.19PS and 0.2Nm more than the Pulsar 125 Split Seat. 
• Sports a design similar to the Bajaj Pulsar NS160.

Bajaj Auto has surprised enthusiasts with the launch of its smallest Pulsar under the NS range, the Bajaj Pulsar NS125. Priced at Rs 93,690, it is by no means cheap, in fact, it is pricier than the Bajaj Pulsar 125 Split Seat (disc) by a whole Rs 10,701. It comes in four colour options: Beach Blue, Fiery Orange, Burnt Red, and Pewter Grey.

A closer look at the engine casing reveals it is similar to the one on the Bajaj Pulsar NS160. This motorcycle is possibly using a downsized, heavily modified version of the Pulsar NS160’s motor. This 124.45cc single-cylinder air-cooled 2-valve engine with an electronic carburettor (less expensive than a full-fledged fuel-injection system) churns out 11.99PS at 8500rpm and 11Nm at 7000rpm. Comparatively, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 Split Seat’s engine makes just 0.19PS and 0.2Nm less. Like the Pulsar 125, this motorcycle too comes with a proper 5-speed transmission. 

The engine sits inside a perimeter frame, linked to a telescopic front fork and a Nitrox rear monoshock. Braking is via a 240mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum with CBS as standard. The 17-inch alloy wheels are shod with skinny 80-section front and 100-section rear MRF Nylogrip Zapper tyres. At 12 litres, its fuel tank capacity is the same as the Pulsar NS160, and at 179mm, its ground clearance is 2mm more than the NS160. The seat is 805mm tall and the bike weighs 144kg kerb, seven kilos less than the NS160.

Design-wise, the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 looks quite similar to the Pulsar NS160. It comes with the same triangular halogen headlamp with twin pilot lamps, LED tail lamp, and bulb indicators. While the instrument cluster isn’t visible, it is likely to be a semi-digital unit showing run-of-the-mill information.

• BREAKING: Bajaj CT 110 X Launched, Demands A Marginal Premium Over Standard Model
• Bajaj CT110X vs CT110: Differences Explained
• Bajaj Pulsar NS200 BS6: Road Test Review

Overall, the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 might be the most powerful air-cooled 125cc motorcycle in the country, but it is also the most expensive. Spending over Rs 10,000 for just a minuscule increase in output over the Bajaj Pulsar 125 (along with NS160-cloned looks) doesn’t really seem like an alluring proposition if you ask us. That said, even the KTM 125 Duke felt a little too expensive for what it offers. Despite that, it went on to become one of the hottest selling motorcycles from the Austrian brand in India. Who knows, with the Bajaj Pulsar NS125, the Pune-based brand might just pull a 125 Duke in its segment as well.