Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 Review: Affordable and Sporty Commuter!

This is a detailed review of the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125.

The definition of the commuter segment has changed drastically.

Gone are the days of simple-looking commuters with barebone features. Instead, major brands are now focused on enriching the 125cc segment.

Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is a good example, taking its design cue from the popular NS series. It positions itself as a perfect motorcycle for college students or beginner riders for just Rs. 2.79 Lakhs.

HH Bajaj, the authorized distributor of Bajaj bikes in Nepal, has now introduced the most affordable BS6-compliant NS in the market.

It borrows several elements including the style, suspension, and iconic perimeter frame. However, the engine has been downsized for fuel economy and affordability.

Does this new 125cc machine earn the right to call itself the Pulsar NS?

After reviewing it thoroughly, we finally have the answer!

This is the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 Review.

Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 Review

Design

Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 gets the same styling previously seen in NS 200 and NS 160.

The NS part sharing is here as well.

The hallmarks of the past NS are still present.

It boasts an ever-green muscular build with a sporty stance. An aggressive fuel tank further enhances it with 3D-Pulsar branding.

The front profile sports the signature Wolf-Styled Halogen Headlamp. Moreover, the nighttime visibility is pretty great!

There are a few notable elements in the side profile. Like before, the NS 125 includes a sporty seat setup and under-belly exhaust.

We have seen these elements before.

NS 125 Elements

So, what has changed?

There are minor changes in the overall graphics.

It gets the brand new 125cc stickering. Alongside that, it debuts two brand new colors: Fiery Orange and Beach Blue to stand out from the crowd.

Also, both alloy wheels and the perimeter frame get a darker satin finish.

The newer perimeter finish looks so much better than the white ones in bigger NS models.

Another interesting differences are the thinner tyres.

Being a 125cc engine, the thinner tyre profile is expected. Nevertheless, the thinner tyre profile does hinder the overall styling.

Similarly, the overall dimension has changed.

The length has decreased whereas the width and height have increased. Despite the smaller profile, the ground clearance is slightly taller.

Adding all that, It is still the most aggressive and muscular street fighter!

Moreover, Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 comes in four different colors: Fiery Orange, Burnt Red, Beach Blue, and Pewter Gray.

Performance

Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is powered by a 124.45 Single-Cylinder, 4-Valve, 4-Stroke, Air-Cooled. DTS-i Ei engine. It generates a max power of 12PS at 8500rpm and a max torque of 11Nm at 7000rpm.

Moreover, it is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a 12-liter fuel tank.

Bajaj has done something interesting here.

The new 125cc DTS-i engine follows the BS6-compliant norms.

However, it uses an Electronic Carburetor instead of Fuel Injection. It is a bridge between a traditional Carburetor and Fuel Injection. 

It provides a few benefits of a Fuel Injection while maintaining the aggressive price tag.

Basically, it is a Carburetor fitted with two sensors: Throttle Sensor and Oxygen Sensor. These sensors help create an optimal balance between performance and fuel for uncompromising performance and an easy Cold Morning Start.

It even includes Side Stand Engine Cut Off and a reserve fuel tank switch!

Additional Features

It is built on the Perimeter frame.

The dimensions are 2012mm in length, 810mm in width, and 1078mm in height. Moreover, the wheelbase sits at 1353mm.

Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 gets a 179mm ground clearance. And, the kerb weight is 144kg.

Familiar Features

Braking Performance

Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 comes with a Disc-Drum configuration with CBS braking. It gets a 240mm Disc at the front only and a 130mm Drum at the rear.

Unfortunately, there is no ABS.

Instead, Bajaj has included a Combined Braking System (CBS).

The front disc brake has a good bite. However, the rear drum is lacking in both bite and stopping force.

Hence, I kept relying on the front brake more and more. This setup may be more beneficial for first-time riders or young riders who may find the Dual Disc braking intimating.

Braking isn’t perfect, but it gets the job done.

Tyres

It gets 17-inch tyres with 80/100-section at the front and 100/90-section at the rear.

These are thinner tyres, which is expected in this segment.

Despite how they look, the road grip is pretty good. It holds strong around corners, maintaining its stability at higher speeds.

Considering this is made for the 125cc segment, it is impressive.

Nevertheless, I would have loved to see a wider rear tyre. It could have enhance the style profile of the motorcycles and improved the stability as well.

Suspension

The suspension setup is standard with Telescopic Front Fork and Rear Mono Shock.

It is the same setup we have seen in past NS series.

However, the tuning falls on the softer side. It provides a softer experience, easily absorbing most of the bumps.

It should provide excellent riding around the city.

Seat Comfort and Pillion

The seat cushioning is similar to other NS series.

Plus, the riding position is relatively upright despite having clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs. The seat is comfortable for the rider.

However, the same cannot be said for the pillion.

Pillon will stay comfortable on shorter rides but will feel discomfort on longer ones.

Fuel Tank Capacity and Mileage

Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 sports a 12-liter fuel tank capacity.

It excels in fuel economy because of its lower engine displacement and e-Carb configuration.

During our test, we got around 45-50Kmpl. So, it should give 50-55Kmpl if ridden more economically.

It should easily give 600Km to 660Km on a fuel tank.

Digital-Analog Meter

It sports the same old Digital-Analog Meter.

Despite its dated design, it provides important information like a Clock, Twin Trip Meter, Side Stand Indicator, and Engine Check Light.

This provides all the necessary information. But, it still misses out on Gear Indicator.

Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 Features Highlight

• Aggressive Masculine Design
• Best-in-Segment Performance!
• E-Carb DTS-I Engine (BS6-Compliant)
• Halogen Headlamp with Twin Pilot Lamps
• LED Tail Lamp
• Perimeter Frame
• Telescopic Front Forks with Nitrox Rear Monoshock
• Disc/Drum Braking
• Combined Braking System
• Tubeless Alloy Wheels
• Under Belly Exhaust
• Engine Cowl
• Clip-On Handlebars
• Analog Digital Instrument Cluster

My Experience with Bajaj Pulsar NS 125

Punchy Engine

The engine performance is unique, to say the least.

While the engine is still refined, it isn’t as one would normally expect. Initial vibrations are well-contained, but not completely absent.

There are minor vibrations above 4000rpm. And, it is more noticeable above 6000rpm around the footpegs and handlebar.

While Bajaj might have done best with the engine, there is still room for improvement.

It should have been more refined, and the exhaust note could have been a bit more base-heavy.

Yes, it is a 125cc engine, but it is still an NS by heart.

The engine will leave riders disappointed during its first ride. However, the experience will be much better the second time.

There are hints of its punchiness which comes above 3rd Gear and higher gears.

Riders will need to take the engine above 6000rpm for that classic NS grunt.

The gear ratios are tall. And, the fifth gear helps NS 125 maintain its composure on the highways.

Real World Practicality

While the performance is much to desire, the NS nails real-world practicality.

It handles almost everything you throw at it.

Combining the lightweight body with the iconic perimeter frame, the NS 125 is reliable in all city, off-road, and highway conditions.

The ability to maintain stress-free riding conditions is amazing. Plus, it showcases its agility in both tight spaces and cornering.

However, there is a need to apply caution during overtakes.

A simple downshift was not always enough, sometimes it took two downshift to muster up the courage for an overtaking maneuver.

Again, it is understandable because of its smaller engine displacement.

Let’s put it this way.

It is practical but the engine will be polarizing for most.

Battle with Competition

Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 rivals the TVS Raider 125.

After reviewing both the NS 125 and Raider 125, I will say this straight.

TVS has the better offering.

It has better specs, better features, and a better value-for-money offering. Frankly, the engine refinement and sound are on an entirely new level.

However, the Raider has one major con: its size.

It is relatively smaller in size, making it difficult for a tall person to choose.

Here is where the Pulsar NS 125 shines the best. It is both muscular and aggressive, borrowing from its past legacies.

If the size doesn’t matter, then look into the Raider 125.

Conclusion

Creating a good legacy is hard, but following up on a greater one is even harder.

Following iconic NS badging, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 hopes to set a new standard for the 125cc segment.

However, there are a few shortcomings that keep it from being just that. But those shortcomings do not necessarily takeaways from its overall offering.

It is a Pulsar both in name and responsibility.

This is the all-new Bajaj Pulsar NS 125, a 125cc like never before!