Bajaj Pulsar NS125

Bajaj Pulsar NS125 is the entry-level model in Bajaj’s sporty NS line-up. While the NS200 and NS160 have already made their names as performance-friendly street bikes. The design language is almost the same as that of a muscular tank, sharp side panels, and the signature split tail-lamp. It’s the kind of bike that makes you feel like you are riding something larger and more premium, which is exactly why Bajaj created it.

What really matters is how the NS125 runs in city traffic and cruising on longer rides. It’s also important to see if it gives you enough value for the price you pay. After riding it in different situations, we can tell you where this bike fits in. Let’s explore more about this bike in detail.

• The Pulsar NS125 looks very similar to its bigger brothers, the NS160 and NS200. If you park them together, you’ll only notice small changes like the paint and minor details.
• Bajaj has given this bike a bright orange shade with a touch of red, and under the sunlight, it really shines and adds a sporty vibe.
• The headlamp, the split seats, and the split tail lamp all come from the NS family design, so you still get that bold, muscular look but at a lower price.

• The overall build quality is good for the money, though some panels and fittings could feel a bit better. 
• If you’re looking for a commuter bike that doesn’t look boring and actually grabs attention, the NS125 is a solid choice.

• When you sit on the Pulsar NS125, it feels a bit sportier than other 125cc bikes. The handlebars are slightly low, and the footpegs are set a little back, so you lean forward just a touch.

• The seat height is 805mm, which might sound high for a 125cc bike. But honestly, it’s not a problem. Our rider was 5’7”, and we could easily keep both feet flat on the ground.

• The seat feels soft and nice at the start, but after riding for about an hour, it starts to feel firm. On longer rides, this might get a bit uncomfortable.
• The split seat design looks sporty, but the rear seat is smaller and not as soft as what you’d get on a regular commuter bike.
• The suspension is on the stiffer side. This makes the bike feel planted and sporty when you’re going faster, but on bad roads or speed breakers, you definitely feel the bumps.

• The bike runs on a 124.45cc, air-cooled engine that makes around 11.83 bhp and 11 Nm of torque. The engine feels lively enough.

• Once you cross 5,000rpm, the engine really wakes up and happily revs till 9,000rpm. In the city, this makes quick overtakes feel easy and fun.
• On the highway, the NS125 can cruise comfortably at 70-80 kmph. Going past 90 kmph takes a little more effort, but the bike doesn’t feel stressed doing it.
• At higher speeds, you do feel some light vibrations on the footpegs and tank, but nothing that ruins the ride.
• The 5-speed gearbox is smooth and light to use. You can crawl the bike through traffic and ride on open roads.
• During our rides, the Pulsar NS125 gave around 45 kmpl in mixed conditions.
• Moreover, it has a 12-litre fuel tank, you can easily cover 500+ km on a full tank, which makes it a solid commuter option for daily use.

• One of the best things about the NS125 is how easily it moves in city traffic. Even though it weighs 144kg, a bit more than some other 125cc bikes, you hardly feel that once you’re riding.
• The bike feels light on its feet and very responsive. As a result, taking U-turns, slipping through small gaps, or weaving around buses feels easy and natural.
• The suspension is on the stiffer side. This makes it fun on smooth city roads, but on bad patches or speed breakers, you feel the bumps more than you would on a softer bike.
• Cornering at normal city speeds is fine, but because the tyres are thinner, you don’t feel the same level of grip and confidence that you’d get on the NS160 or NS200.

• The front brake feels sharp and effective, but the rear brake doesn’t have enough bite and could definitely be improved.

• The NS125 comes with a semi-digital instrument cluster that shows you the basics, including speed, rpm, fuel level, and trip meter. It’s easy to read but misses out on modern features like Bluetooth or navigation.

• The switchgear is backlit, which is a nice touch, especially during night rides.
• The tail lamp is LED, but the turn indicators are still bulb-type, which feels a bit dated compared to rivals that now offer LED indicators.
• One small advantage is the 5-step adjustable rear monoshock, which lets you tweak the suspension according to your comfort. This is not something every 125cc bike offers.

If you’re a young rider, the Pulsar NS125 is a good first sporty bike. It looks bigger than it is, has a lively engine, and gives decent mileage. In the city, its light handling and agility make daily rides smooth and fun. But if comfort and features matter most, other 125cc bikes might suit you better. The stiff suspension and weaker rear brake can be bothersome on longer or rough rides. Still, if you want the sporty “NS feel” at a budget, this bike fits well.