KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The Pulsar NS125 is the most affordable motorcycle in the sporty Pulsar NS family
- Power comes from a single-cylinder, air-cooled 124.45cc that claims 11.8 bhp and 11 Nm
- The Pulsar NS125 is the most affordable Pulsar model for getting an LED headlamp and full LCD instrument console
The most affordable Pulsar NS model in the lineup, the Bajaj Pulsar NS125, pioneered the performance of 125cc motorcycles in India. Now, with the new features that were introduced this year, it is even better and up-to-date with the competition that has also paced ahead. Here are some of the features that have been introduced in the new Bajaj Pulsar NS125, along with the ones that were already there in this premium sports 125cc commuter. Before we dive deep, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to stay up-to-date with fresh news from the automobile industry and to connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
Also Read: 2024 Honda Hornet 2.0 Pros And Cons: Good Enough To Keep The 180cc Legacy Alive?
LED Headlamp
Like other Pulsar NS models, the updated Bajaj Pulsar NS125 also received an all-new LED headlamp flanked by thunderbolt-shaped daytime running LEDs. The LED tail lamps remain unchanged, though.
Competition Check - Both the Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Raider 125 have LED headlamps with LED DRLs and tail lamps. The Xtreme 125R also has LED turn indicators.
Full-LCD Instrument Console
The most significant feature update introduced in almost all Pulsar models in 2024 was the introduction of an all-new full-LCD instrument console. The updated Bajaj Pulsar NS125 also received this new full-LCD instrument console in place of the previously offered part-digital instrument console with an analogue tachometer. This instrument console also gets Bluetooth connectivity as standard.
Competition check - In addition to the Pulsar NS125, the Xtreme 125R and Raider 125 have full-LCD instrument consoles, though the Xtreme 125R lacks Bluetooth connectivity. In its range-topping variant, the TVS Raider 125 gets a fancier colour LCD instrument console.
Clip-on Handlebars
Clip-on handlebars have been the highlight of the Pulsar NS models, and the Pulsar NS125 also received them, thus becoming the first-ever 125cc motorcycle with clip-on handlebars. Compared to the conventional tubular handlebar, the Bajaj Pulsar NS125's clip-on handlebars make its handling feel sportier.
Competition check The Bajaj Pulsar NS125's clip-on handlebars look and feel sportier than the conventional tubular handlebars of the Xtreme 125R and Raider 125.
Rear Mono-Shock
Mono-shocks were previously restricted to sports commuters and sports bikes in the 150cc and above categories. However, Bajaj Pulsar NS125 pioneered this feature in the more affordable 125cc category. Compared to dual coil springs, mono-shocks deliver more agile handling at higher speeds and during cornering, making sport riding even more engaging.
Competition check - Like the Pulsar NS125, the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R have rear mono-shocks as standard.
Standard Front Disc Brake
For a sharper braking experience at higher speeds, the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 gets a 240mm disc, which made it one of the first 125cc motorcycles to have a front disc brake as a standard fitment. This front disc brake is accompanied by a 130mm drum brake at the rear and a combined braking system.
Competition check - Even the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R have a front disc brake, and the Xtreme 125R offers the option of segment-first single-channel ABS.
Features Missing:
Rivals of the Pulsar NS125 offer a USB socket, single-channel ABS, ride modes, and a TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity.
Comparison With Rivals:
| Features | Bajaj Pulsar NS125 | TVS Raider 125 | Hero Xtreme 125R |
| LED headlamps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Single Channel ABS | No | Yes | Yes |
| TFT Display | No | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Display | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Mono-shock | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Socket | No | Yes | Yes |
Also Read: Honda Shine 125 Vs Rivals: Detailed Comparison To Find The Best
Verdict
The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 showed the masses that 125cc motorcycles could look and feel as sporty as 150cc sports commuters if not more than them. The sporty design inspired by the more powerful NS160 and NS200 only made the Pulsar NS125 more desirable than other 125cc motorcycles at its launch. While the new features introduced in the Pulsar NS125 make it a better value, the competition has moved ahead with the latest direct rivals, the TVS Raider 125 and Hero Xtreme 125R, which offer fresher looks and longer features list. However, the Pulsar NS125 still makes a strong case for itself with its class-leading power and torque outputs and more premium perimeter frame.
