5 Alternatives To The Bajaj Pulsar N125

Bajaj's ambition to dominate the 125 cc segment saw the launch of the new Pulsar N125. Like a typical Pulsar, it's fast, fun and has sporty styling. Keeping up with the current trend, the Bajaj Pulsar N125 is also available with seven funky colour options, and with an asking price topping out just shy of ₹1 lakh – the new Pulsar N125 is a pretty refreshing offering from the Chakan-based manufacturer. However, the new Bajaj Pulsar N125 slots in quite the burgeoning space with several alternatives.  So, if the baby Pulsar does not suit your taste or pocket, here are five alternatives for you to choose from.

TVS Raider 125 (Starting Ex-showroom Price - ₹84,469)

The TVS Raider 125 was one of the first 125 cc bikes with a proper “sporty commuter” tag attached to it. It looks sharp, and premium, and the top-spec variant comes loaded to the brim with the latest connectivity features, including call/SMS alerts, turn-by-turn navigation and much more. The latter feature is not available with the Bajaj Pulsar N125. Additionally, the Raider 125 promises to be an equally agile ride, for it is lighter than the baby Pulsar. To know how the TVS Raider 125 fairs against the Bajaj Pulsar N125, check out the spec comparison here.  

Hero Xtreme 125R (Starting Ex-showroom Price - ₹95,000)

Another direct rival to the new Pulsar on the block is Hero’s Xtreme 125R. With very negligible price difference, both the Hero Xtreme 125R and the Pulsar N125 are neck to neck in this regard. So, if the bright colour options of the baby Pulsar do not suit your palette, the subdued, dark appeal of the Hero Xtreme 125R might offer you some respite. Additionally, Hero MotoCorp also gives you the benefit of a single-channel ABS, something that is not even entertained with the Pulsar as an option. For a more detailed breakdown of which one is better, head to the spec comparison here. 

Honda SP125 (Starting Ex-showroom Price - ₹87,468)

However, if the above all-out, loud and sporty-looking bikes are not up to your standard, then how about the Honda SP125? It’s clean and easy on the eyes, rides smooth, and has quite the reputation for being a reliable companion. It might not produce as much power as the Bajaj Pulsar N125, but what the Honda SP125 manages from its 125 cc mill, is delivered so smoothly, that every time you twist the throttle, you’ll feel relaxed. Coupled with the fact that it does not cost as much as the other two options above, even with the top-spec variant, the Honda SP125 makes for a solid alternative to the Bajaj Pulsar N125. 

Hero Super Splendor (Starting Ex-showroom Price - ₹80,848)

But want something more affordable and common, then how about the Hero Super Splendor? Ideal for anyone who is currently riding a 100/ 110 cc commuter motorcycle, the new Hero Super Splendor is the perfect upgrade. Its 125 cc mill is as powerful as the Honda SP125, and yet with an asking price starting from ₹80,848, it is more affordable than the Japanese bike. Being a Hero MotoCorp product, service costs are also quite affordable, and so are parts availability. So, when compared with the likes of the Bajaj Pulsar N125, the Super Splendor is quite the value-for-money alternative but a bit boring in its form and approach. 

Bajaj Freedom 125 (Starting Ex-showroom Price - ₹95,000)

The world’s first production CNG motorcycle is one of the most unique offerings and alternatives to conventional 125 cc bikes at the moment. It promises to halve the running cost of a 110 cc commuter, and yet with a slightly bigger engine offers a hint of sporty character. Priced at ₹95,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), for the base variant the Bajaj Freedom 125 will be a solid alternative if rising fuel costs are one of your woes.