New Delhi
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Review: Most Accessible Pulsar Yet
Reviews by Team Drivio | 28 Jul 2023
Can the Pulsar 125 hold its own against the likes of the Hero Glamour 125, Honda Shine and Honda SP125.
- The Pulsar 125’s 124.4cc engine makes 11.8PS and 10.8Nm.
- With its prices starting from Rs 81,414 (ex-showroom Delhi), the most affordable Pulsar isn’t exactly very affordable now.
- With its halogen headlight and semi-digital console, the Pulsar 125 does feel a bit dated.
In recent years, the concept of accessibility has gained popularity. Brands across various industries, from smartphones to cars, are striving to make their products more accessible in order to boost sales. Bajaj has also followed this trend by introducing the Pulsar 125 Neon, making the Pulsar brand more easily accessible to consumers.
As a result, the Pulsar 125 Neon is the most affordable option in the Pulsar lineup. However, one might question whether Bajaj is simply capitalizing on the popularity of the Pulsar brand or if they have something surprising in store.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Review: Design & Features
The design of the Bajaj Pulsar 125 is quite similar to its larger counterpart, the popular Pulsar 150. It has a single-pod headlight with twin pilot lamps, a strong-looking fuel tank, sleek tank extensions that are bolted on, and a side-slung exhaust.
In terms of features, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 is a bit outdated. It doesn't have an LED headlight or a fully digital dashboard. Instead, it comes with a semi-digital instrument cluster. However, even that cluster lacks a range and gear position indicator. On the positive side, the BS6.2 compliant version now displays real-time fuel efficiency, Distance-to-Empty (DTE), two tripmetres, and includes a warning light related to the new OBD 2 update.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Review: Engine
| Specifications | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 124cc engine |
| Maximum power | 11.8PS |
| Maximum torque | 10.8Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
The most interesting feature of the Bajaj Pulsar 125, as its name suggests, is its brand-new 125cc engine. This engine is based on the powerplant of the Pulsar 150 but with some differences. It has the same bore size but a shorter stroke. In terms of numbers, the baby Pulsar is the second most powerful 125cc bike available in India, just behind the KTM 125 duo. It's not far behind the Pulsar 150 either, which produces 14PS of power and 13Nm of torque.
When it comes to performance, the Pulsar 125 feels quick, lively, and its distinctive Pulsar exhaust note adds to the excitement. However, there is one issue—it's not the fastest 125cc bike available.
No, we’re not referring to the KTM 125 duo. In our performance test, the Glamour managed to accelerate faster than the Pulsar 125, which was quite unexpected for a Pulsar! Nevertheless, it's important to note that the engine revs up quickly and, in terms of overall feel, the Pulsar provides a swift and enjoyable riding experience, something that its competitors may not offer.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Review: Chassis
| Specifications | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear suspension | Monoshock |
| Front tyre | 80/100-17 |
| Rear tyre | 100/90-17 |
| Front brake | Disc Brake |
| Rear brake | Drum Brake |
| ABS | Combined Braking System |
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 shares its chassis, suspension, and tires with the Pulsar 150 Neon. Despite having a relatively higher weight, it feels easy to maneuver through traffic, although it may not be as agile as its lighter competitors. When faced with fast sweeping corners, the bike handles them quite well.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Review: Dimensions
| Dimensions | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
|---|---|
| Length | 2012mm |
| Width | 810mm |
| Height | 1078mm |
| Wheelbase | 1353mm |
| Seat height | 805mm |
| Ground clearance | 179mm |
| Kerb weight | 144kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 12-litres |
The Pulsar 125 exhibits a highly responsive steering, enabling swift and effortless changes in direction. It is well-suited for navigating through traffic and maneuvering in tight spaces. If you have a desire to ride on curvy mountain roads and master cornering, this Pulsar model is a suitable choice.
In terms of size, the Pulsar 125 is not large, as indicated by its specifications. It is light, compact, and remarkably agile, which makes commuting in the city a lot of fun. However, it's worth noting that in order to extract the most power and performance from the engine, you will need to keep it revving at higher speeds. Overtaking other vehicles may require downshifting a gear or two to ensure optimal acceleration.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Review: Variants & Price
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | |
|---|---|
| Bajaj Pulsar 125 | Rs 81,414 onwards |
The Pulsar 125 is offered in two different versions. The first variant is called Carbon Fibre, which comes with a standard single seat and is priced at Rs 89,254. The second variant is the sportier option with a split-seat configuration, priced at Rs 91,642. Additionally, there is a Neon variant available, which only offers a single-piece seat and is priced at Rs 81,414 (ex-showroom Delhi).
Verdict
The Pulsar 125, despite its smaller engine size of 125cc, manages to leave a positive impression in terms of its performance, stylish design, fuel efficiency, and included features. As a Bajaj product, it also offers great value for its price.
