Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 Review – Smallest Pulsar NS, But Sportiest 125cc Motorcycle is Here

Overview

In recent years, instead of launching all new products with the latest innovation in design and technology, Bajaj Auto has been following an altogether different strategy. A strategy of launching new motorcycles based on its existing models, with smaller or bigger powertrains and cycle parts while retaining the basic design and feature list.

The latest inclusion in Bajaj’s product lineup as per this strategy is the all-new Bajaj Pulsar NS 125. The motorcycle is based on the bigger Pulsar NS models, the NS 160 and NS 200, in terms of styling and body panels. However, as the suffix is suggesting, it runs on a smaller four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected, 124.45cc engine and a slightly toned down chassis.

However, while the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 might seem like a restored wine in an old bottle, there’s more to the story, which we have elaborated in the review below.

Price List

With the Pulsar NS 125, Bajaj is eying on the premium end of the 125cc segment and bridging the gap between the entry-level 125cc commuters and the performance-oriented and feature-packed KTM Duke 125. The Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is available in a single variant with four color options, all of which are priced at Rs 95,315 (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

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Engine and Specifications

The Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 derives its motor from the bigger Pulsar NS 160, which itself has an engine derived in turn from the biggest NS, the Pulsar NS 200. The four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected, 124.45cc engine features Bajaj’s trademark DTS-I technology, which employs the usage of twin spark plugs, instead of the conventional norm of one. Coupled to a 5-speed gearbox, this engine puts up maximum power output of 12 PS @ 8,500 rpm and maximum torque output of 11 Nm @ 7,000 rpm.

Mileage

Compared to its other economy-oriented 125cc commuter-oriented competition, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is a high revving engine focusing more on instant acceleration and performance in a whole. However, the motorcycle is believed to return a decent fuel economy of 45-48 kmpl in urban riding conditions

Handling and Braking

The Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is the first-ever motorcycle in its category to feature a fully adjustable gas-charged monoshock in the rear. On the other hand, suspension duties at the front are taken care of by conventional 37mm hydraulic telescopic forks. In terms of brakes too, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 offers segment-best 240mm petal disc brake at the front, while an old school 130mm drum brake aids in braking

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Tyres and Wheels

The Bajaj Pulsar NS 1625, being the smallest model in the Pulsar NS range, rides on 17-inch wheels shod with skinniest tires in the Pulsar lineup – 80/100-17 tyre at the front and 100/90-17 tyre at the rear. The five-spoke alloy wheels borrow their design from the bigger NS models – NS 160 and NS 200. The seat height of the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125, at 805mm, is quite higher than the segment benchmark. At 144 kg, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is a bit on the heavier side, which is quite evident from the muscular design of the motorcycle.

Colors

The Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 doesn’t get the latest trendy white-themed color options of the bigger NS models. Instead, it gets equally trendy and sporty-looking four dual tone color options for the single variant in which it is available, and in all of them, black happens to be the secondary shade. The four-color options are named as Orange, Burnt Red, Pewter Grey and Saffire Blue.

Design and Features

As expected, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 shares its entire design, including all the body panels and lights, with the bigger NS models, the NS 160 and NS 200. However, to distinguish it from the bigger NS variants, Bajaj has stickered the fuel tank extensions with big ‘125’ decals.

The overall design of the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 looks striking and aggressive for the segment to which it belongs. However, considering the fact that the design is the same as that of the NS 200 which debuted almost a decade ago, the Pulsar NS 125 lacks the factor of modernity. The triangular headlamp at the front is assisted with a black plastic chin at its bottom, which comes incorporated with small twin pilot lamps. The motorcycle comes with clear lens turn indicators at both the ends and a twin vertical bar setup for the LED tail lamp.

The sharp-looking fuel tank extensions, aggressively styled side body panels and the minimalist rear end with the tiny aluminum license plate holder combine to give an athletic stance to the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125. In terms of features, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is currently the only motorcycle in its category to feature split grab rails for the pillion, clip-on handlebars and backlit switchgear. The part digital instrument console of the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 has a big rounded analog tachometer and an LCD panel adjacent to it, which reads out speed, gear indicator, fuel gauge and a few other real-time data.

Competition

The Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is indeed the sportiest and most expensive of the 125cc motorcycles available in the mass market right now. It is positioned slightly more expensive over other premium 125cc motorcycles like Hero Glamor, Bajaj Pulsar 125 and Honda SP 125. In terms of pricing, even the 160cc Honda Unicorn comes close to it.

Verdict

The Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is not your everyday 125cc commuter, and its pricing and overall packaging quite justifies its more premium and sporty appeal over its rivals. While the overall styling is too familiar and old now, it indeed feels sporty and refreshing for the 125cc segment. The power and torque figures put it closer to the entry-level 150cc motorcycles, thus proving its brilliance in terms of the performance it packs in.

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