2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 Review: Friendly But Not Exciting

The N250’s 249cc engine has remained unchanged for quite some time over the years

• It makes a solid 24.5PS and 21.5Nm
• And this torquey engine is mated to a five-speed transmission
• For now, suspension is handled by an inverted fork and a mono-shock 

As of now, the Bajaj N250 stands as the flagship naked Pulsar motorcycle in the Indian market, boasting the largest capacity and highest power output among its peers. Priced at 1.51 lakh, it presents a compelling value proposition. However, despite its strengths, the N250 has been criticised for certain feature deficiencies. Fast forward to 2024, Bajaj claims to have rectified these shortcomings. Today, we'll delve into whether these claims hold water.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250: Designs & Features

The Aesthetic of the bike remains largely unchanged, albeit with fresh decals adorning the body panels, drawing attention to the golden USD fork that adds a touch of weightiness upfront.

Previously, distinguishing the N250 from its lower-displacement counterpart, the N160, was a challenge due to their identical facial features and body panels. The addition of the golden USD fork and new decals could be seen as Bajaj's response to this issue. Another notable enhancement is the inclusion of features addressing previous shortcomings. While the N250's LCD display resembles that of the updated N160, it now offers turn-by-turn navigation alongside Bluetooth connectivity. 

While the design retains familiarity, subtle changes may escape the notice of all but the most dedicated "Pulsar maniacs." The standout alteration is the introduction of a champagne gold-finished USD fork, featured on two out of three available color schemes. Two new paint options, red and white, replace the previous copper accents on the engine covers with a gunmetal finish.

However, the usability of the dash leaves something to be desired. Despite offering toggling capabilities for different ABS modes and settings, the display's brightness falls short, particularly under sunlight. Navigation through the LCD menu using a single button feels less intuitive and requires memorisation for efficient operation. Despite these minor tweaks, the overall design remains largely unchanged, preserving the familiar aesthetics of the Pulsar N250.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250: Engine

Bajaj maintains the existing setup without alterations, a decision that may divide opinions. The 249cc single-cylinder engine retains its previous power and torque figures, coupled with the familiar five-speed gearbox, delivering 24.5PS of maximum power and 21.5Nm of torque. While it offers a smooth and refined performance with decent city agility, it lacks the spirited demeanour found in bikes like the 250 Duke.

While the engine delivers a respectable mid- and top-end surge, it seems to lack that exhilarating factor often associated with Pulsar models. Despite being the most powerful Pulsar to date, it feels somewhat subdued and overly comfortable, departing from the intense character of its predecessors. However, for riders prioritising ease over performance, the N250's mild demeanour poses no issues. While the TC system may not be essential for all riders, its inclusion adds a layer of safety appreciated by some.

The LCD screen displays a redline of approximately 12,000rpm, despite the N250's maximum rev limit of 9500rpm. Gear shifts are notably smooth, complemented by a light clutch that enhances manoeuvrability in congested urban environments. While some riders may yearn for an additional gear, the existing five ratios are well-distributed and sufficient for varied riding conditions.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The N250 remains the most comfortable Pulsar, courtesy of its tuned suspension. The ergonomic riding position offers optimal comfort for city commuting, striking a balance between sportiness and relaxation. The revised front suspension contributes to a nimble feel, facilitating smooth manoeuvring through city traffic.

While the bike excels in city riding, higher speeds reveal a slight front-end judder, particularly noticeable during extended highway journeys. Nonetheless, the bike maintains good front-end feedback in corners, enabling riders to adjust their line effectively, albeit with a broader rear tire section.

The suspension system delivers comfortable performance across both urban and highway terrains. Despite a marginal increase in tyre width, the difference in handling may not be immediately noticeable. However, the slight adjustment contributes to the N250's visual appeal, imparting a more substantial stance.

Overall, the N250 offers commendable performance at its price point. However, it may lack the visceral excitement expected from a sporty 250cc motorcycle. While suitable for city commutes and occasional highway rides, it may not deliver the adrenaline rush sought on twisty roads. Similarly, the braking system provides adequate stopping power but lacks the sharp bite and feedback characteristic of high-performance machines.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250: Dimensions

The plush ride quality of the N250 endures, navigating rough roads adeptly. However, aggressive riding over taller speed breakers may unsettle the rider. The introduction of new tyre dimensions alters the bike's handling dynamics, offering enhanced stability and confidence through corners.

The riding position remains conducive to daily commuting, with a slight forward reach to the handlebars and rear-set footpegs for a sporty stance. Ample room for manoeuvring ensures natural cornering, enhancing rider confidence during longer rides. While a flat and wide handlebar would enhance the sporty feel, the current setup suffices for most riding scenarios.

A notable addition to the N250 is the inclusion of switchable traction control, a feature not commonly found in the 250cc segment. This places it ahead of even pricier models like the KTM 250 Duke. While dual-channel ABS has been a standard feature, the updated system offers three selectable modes—Road, Rain, and Offroad—each with varying intervention levels. Traction Control remains active in Road and Rain modes and can only be deactivated in Offroad mode. Despite the modest power output, these features offer additional safety measures, enhancing rider confidence across diverse riding scenarios.

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250: Price 

With a price tag of Rs 1,50,829 (ex-showroom Delhi), the N250 sees a marginal increase of Rs 851 compared to its predecessor, offering excellent value for money. The forthcoming updates to the F250 are expected to mirror these enhancements, further solidifying the N250's position as a potent contender.

Verdict 

Bajaj succeeds in enhancing the appeal of the Pulsar N250, with visual improvements and an array of added features. While it falls slightly short of expectations associated with the Pulsar brand, the updated model offers a more comprehensive package. Priced marginally higher than its predecessor, the N250 presents a compelling option for riders seeking a quarter-litre motorcycle that balances power, comfort, and urban agility.