Launched relatively recently in the year 2019, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 is the newest entrant into the already famous ‘Pulsar’ brand. At first glance, this motorcycle is identical to its elder sibling, the Bajaj Pulsar 150. But, unlike the latter, this motorcycle is aimed at a much more pocket-friendly audience.
Does this motorcycle do justice to the Pulsar name it carries? How does it fare against its competition? Is it ‘definitely male’? Find out all about the above and much more in this detailed research analysis on the smallest capacity Bajaj motorcycle, the Pulsar 125.
Pros: Refined Motor, Comfortable Seating Position, Good Mid-Range, Impressive Fuel-Efficiency
Cons: Lack Of ABS, Slightly-Expensive, Looks Identical To The Pulsar 150
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Variants
The Pulsar 150 is available in three variants, each variant differs from the other in a few subtle aspects. The variants are:
- Bajaj Pulsar 125 Neon Drum
- Bajaj Pulsar 125 Neon Disc
- Bajaj Pulsar 125 Split-Seat
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Design
The Pulsar 125 does justice to the quintessential Pulsar brand in terms of its appearance. This motorcycle looks exactly like its elder sibling, the prominent Pulsar 150 whose muscular and beefy styling cues have made it such a hit among the masses. The iconic halogen headlight is paired with a mini visor that completes the much-adored look. The fuel tank is accompanied by plastic shrouds on either side that amplify the aesthetic appeal.
The rear-end complements the design with a vertically split LED tailpiece that is similar to what you see on most Bajaj performance motorcycles. The side-mounted exhaust with its chrome-finish heat/crash shield and the blacked-out 6-spoke alloys looks fairly intimidating against the backdrop of the black-themed lower half of the motorcycle.
Between the Neon variant and the Split-Seat offering. The latter is generously fit with sportier grab-rails, an engine bash-plate/heat-shield, and as you can guess, cool-looking split-seats. To a layman’s eye, all the variants may look identical but the stickering templates across the body differ by a bit.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Features
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 gets a semi-digital instrument cluster that’s available on the Pulsar 150. Meaning the odometer and the speedometer are fully digital wherein the tachometer is completely analogue. The backlit switches prove to be practical and also look quite cool. On the mechanical side, this motorcycle boasts a 5-speed manual gearbox equipped with fuel injection. Although, this motorcycle misses out on single-channel ABS otherwise available on the Pulsar 150.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Engine Performance
The Pulsar 125 is equipped with a peppy and responsive engine that makes it well suited for daily commutes and city travel. All variants of this motorcycle are equipped with a 124.4cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed gearbox producing 11.64 BHP at 8500 RPM and 10.8 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM.
The mid-range and the low-end of the Pulsar 125 leaves little to be desired but the top-end tends to vibrate immensely after around 80-90 km/h. The five-speed gearbox complements the light clutch resulting in smooth gear shifts. The addition of fuel injection has also further improved refinement by a stretch.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Mileage (or Fuel Efficiency)
Bajaj has tuned the Pulsar 125 to return big numbers in terms of fuel efficiency. This motorcycle does not disappoint. In the city, under economic riding conditions, the Pulsar 125 gives 48-50 km/l. On the highway, one can expect close to 50-55 km/l. The 15-litre fuel tank provides a total riding range of around 700-800 km thus reducing your trips to the fuel station.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Handling (or Dynamics)
The Pulsar 125, like its elder sibling, handles swiftly and easily. Contributing to the same is a telescopic front suspension unit and twin gas shock absorbers at the rear. The tyres on all the variants are the same in size, they provide ample grip and stability for what you pay. The weight of 140 kg is splendidly distributed across this motorcycle thanks to the single down tube frame.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Comfort (or Ergonomics)
This Pulsar 125 can comfortably seat a rider with a pillion and still offer a spirited riding performance. The clip-on handlebar is wide and propped up at a comfortable height but could be improved for taller riders provided it’s placed a bit higher, the placement of the foot-pegs are such that both the occupants are sitting upright in a relaxed manner.
The Neon Drum and Disc variants both offer a single seat that is soft and wide enough for a comfortable commute. The Split-Seat variant, however, provides two seats, one for the pillion and one for the rider. Both the seats are comfortable and spacious. The seat height of 790 mm across all the variants should be practical for most people in our country.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Safety (or Brakes)
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 has three variants on offer, each of them have differences of their own in terms of braking. The Pulsar Neon Drum variant is equipped with a 170 mm front drum brake and a 130 mm rear drum brake that is adequate in terms of stopping. The Pulsar Neon Disc and the Split-Seat variants are both equipped with a 230 mm front disc brake and the same 130 mm rear drum brake that is standard across all the variants of this motorcycle.
Owing to the front disc brake setup, both the Pulsar Neon Disc and the Split-Seat variants are superior in terms of braking. The Pulsar Neon Drum variant, on the other hand, is not too shabby in its braking abilities either.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Service
Bajaj being a well-established motorcycle brand has stood the test of time and proved resilient in all its endeavours. They offer a wide range of authorised service centres and showrooms across the country where people can buy their motorcycles and get them promptly serviced, at an affordable cost. The average service interval for the Pulsar 125 is anywhere between 4000 to 6000 km, this particular two-wheeler should cost you somewhere between Rs. 800/- to Rs. 2000/- for its service.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Price
Following is the price of the Pulsar 125 (on-road, Mumbai) –
- Bajaj Pulsar 125 Neon Drum – Rs. 90,473/-
- Bajaj Pulsar 125 Neon Disc – Rs. 96,512/-
- Bajaj Pulsar 125 Split-Seat – Rs. 1,00,241/-
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Resale Value
Bajaj is a brand that promises motorcycles that are easy to maintain, sturdy, and have a respectable build quality. The Pulsar 125 should have a fairly adequate resale value depending on the mileage on the odometer, accidents (if any), and overall maintenance.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Colours
Pulsar 125 Neon colours:
- Neon Blue
- Solar Red
- Platinum Silver
Pulsar 125 Split-Seat colours:
- Black Silver
- Black Red
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Specs
- Engine: 124.4cc, Air-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single-Cylinder
- Power: 11.64 BHP at 8500 RPM
- Torque: 10.8 Nm of torque at 6500 RPM
- Transmission: 5-Speed
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Fuel Consumption: 50-55 km/l
- Chassis: Single Down Tube Frame
- Tyres: 80/100/17 (Front), 100/90/17 (Rear)
- Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), Twin Gas Shock Absorbers (Rear)
- Brakes: 170 mm Drum (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear) (Neon Drum)
- Brakes: 240 mm Disc (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear) (Neon Disc & Split-Seat )
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Dimensions
- Length x Width x Height: 2055 mm x 755 mm x 1060 mm (Neon Drum & Disc)
- Length x Width x Height: 2042 mm x 765 mm x 1060 mm (Split-Seat)
- Wheelbase: 1320 mm
- Ground Clearance: 165 mm
- Seat Height: 790 mm
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.5-litres
- Kerb weight: 140 kg (Neon Drum & Disc) 142 kg (Split-Seat)
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Rating
We give the Bajaj Pulsar 125 a rating of 4/5.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 vs Honda SP 125
The Honda SP 125 is a worthy opponent for the Bajaj Pulsar 125 in all aspects. Both motorcycles share similar power figures and engine characteristics. The Honda offering, is, however, close to 20 kgs lighter than its comparison and offers relatively better fuel efficiency. But, the fuel tank’s capacity is only 11-litres. As far as appearances are concerned, the Pulsar 125 takes home the point in this aspect with its impeccable design. The Honda SP 125 seems slightly overpriced for all it offers and could have done with better styling cues and overall design.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 vs Hero Super Splendor
The Hero ‘Splendor’ brand needs no introduction. It has been an integral part of India’s growth in the last twenty years and secured its destiny among the great motorcycles to bless our market. Know for its reliability, practicality, and durability, Hero has introduced a higher capacity motorcycle at 124.7cc under the name of Hero Super Splendor.
On paper, both the Pulsar 125 and the Hero Super Splendor share similar engine and power figures. The latter, however, boasts a better build quality and arguably a better recognition among the buyers in India. The Splendor takes the advantage of being close to 20 kgs lighter than the Bajaj offering. But, the Pulsar is a much more attractive option among the two. The Hero Super Splendor is available in two variants, Drum and Disc, they are priced similarly to the Pulsar 125 variants containing the same features.
Final Verdict
All in all, you, the consumer seems to be spoilt for choice in the Pulsar 125 series. On one hand, you have the Neon Drum and Neon Disc variant, both of which are excellent and reliable options. The only difference between the two is the colour options and graphics. On the other hand, the Split-Seat being the costliest offering in the Pulsar 125 series, comes with a few subtle changes to enhance the visual appeal of the motorcycle. Apart from this, all three motorcycles are the same, powerful, reliable, attractive, and a bang-for-buck investment.
We hope this article has been helpful to you in addressing all your queries regarding the Pulsar 125 and aiding you in making your big purchase. Thank you for reading and ride safely.
