New Bajaj Pulsar N125 First Ride Review: Segment's All-rounder?

Whenever a new Pulsar hits the market, it gets us pretty excited. After all, many of us grew up dreaming about owning a Pulsar. But here’s the thing: Bajaj already has two different 125cc Pulsars in India — the 125 and the NS125 — plus nine other versions in various categories up to 400cc. This raised the question: why is Bajaj introducing another Pulsar, specifically the N125? They explained that each Pulsar model and its variants dominate different regional markets in India, which is why they offer so many options. Bajaj also told us that the Pulsar N125 is an all-new model, built from scratch to bridge the (tiny) gap between the existing 125cc Pulsars.

Despite this, we remained uncertain about how the new N version would coexist with its counterparts in the Pulsar family without cannibalizing them. To help clarify this, Bajaj invited us to a karting track for a short ride experience. This would give us insight into whether the Pulsar N125 should exist, or perhaps not.

New Bajaj Pulsar N125 First Ride Review: Design and Features

The new N125 stands out compared to all the other Pulsars, but it also misses that classic Pulsar vibe. It features a sharper and sleeker design, somewhat reminiscent of the Honda X-Blade or Hornet. Designers have effectively utilized sharp edges and creases throughout the motorcycle's body. The extended tank shrouds and fork covers (mimic the USD fork look as well) still add a bit of bulk to the front, and even the side profile looks proportionate. But with its slim profile, it’s tough to connect it to the Pulsar brand, which has always been known for a beefy look.

The sleek profile of the Pulsar 125N is further complemented by an underbelly exhaust. While this design isn't new for Bajaj, as all other N and NS models also utilize a similar exhaust setup, we believe it would have looked better with a traditional side-slung muffler. Overall, the design is appealing, and it stands out as a good-looking option in the 125cc category. If the Hero Xtreme wasn’t around, we’d probably think this is the best-looking bike in its class.

The Bajaj Pulsar N125 comes in two different trims. The main upgrades include Bluetooth connectivity and an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) — which is a first for the Pulsar lineup — making for a quieter electric start. The top-end model also has a cool auto start/stop feature to save fuel. Plus, you’ll notice a bigger LCD screen and a slightly wider rear tyre on the Bluetooth model.

New Bajaj Pulsar N125 First Ride Review: Engine & Gearbox

We anticipated the Pulsar N125 would feature a modified version of the same 125cc engine used in other Pulsar 125 models. However, the difference is substantial, giving the impression of an entirely new engine. In terms of specifications, this single-cylinder, 2-valve engine produces approximately 11.8 bhp and 11 Nm of torque, which is the same as the NS125. The key difference is that the peak torque in the N125 is available at lower RPMs compared to the NS. Bajaj has informed us that 80% of the torque is accessible at just 2,500 RPM, resulting in enhanced low-end and mid-range performance in the N125. What impressed us the most were the nearly flat torque curve and the smooth power delivery.

The refinement of the Pulsar N125 is commendable. We started feeling some vibes only after we crossed the 75kmph mark, but those were also pretty manageable. The engine comes married to a five-speed gearbox which feels slick and precise for the motor. The pull for the clutch lever is also the lightest we've experienced in any commuter motorcycle.

Also Read: Hero Xtreme 125R vs TVS Raider 125 Comparison Review: Frugal Fun

The N125 delivers power smoothly, but it still feels pretty fast. Bajaj says it can go from zero to 60 km/h in 6 seconds, and honestly, we didn't notice it being any slower. They also mentioned a top speed of 97 km/h, but we clocked it at 104 on the speedo, which could just be a common speedometer glitch.

New Bajaj Pulsar N125 First Ride Review: Ride and Handling

The new chassis of the N125, weighing in at 125 kg and sporting a short 1295 mm wheelbase, makes for a super nimble and fun ride. We took it for a spin on a tight, technical go-kart track, and it felt agile. Bajaj even let us hit the streets for some time, where it was compact enough to weave through traffic with ease. Plus, on the few corners, we found during our ride, the N125 felt solid and stable, all thanks to the Nylogrips from MRF.

The 795mm seat height makes it super comfy and easy to handle the bike in tight spots, even when traffic's heavy. It has a telescopic fork up front and a preload-adjustable monoshock in the back, both with 125mm of travel. While the ride can feel a bit stiff, it deals with bumps pretty well. The front disc brake and rear drum brake with a Combined Braking System (CBS) do a solid job of stopping. We really liked how responsive the front disc is. That said, it would be nice if Bajaj had at least offered ABS as an option since the competition has it.

New Bajaj Pulsar N125 First Ride Review: Should You Buy It?

The Pulsar N125 stands out with its excellent balance of handling and performance, offering a light and agile riding experience. Bajaj has engineered the new chassis to make the motorcycle playful and enjoyable in both urban traffic and on winding roads. The model without Bluetooth is priced at Rs 94,707 (ex-showroom), while the version equipped with Bluetooth and ISG costs Rs 98,707 (ex-showroom). Competitors like the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R are priced between Rs 95,000 and Rs 1.04 lakh (ex-showroom). With that, we can say that the sporty new Pulsar N125 presents a compelling value-for-money proposition.