Bajaj Pulsar N125 First Ride Review: Small But Impressive

Sporty 125 cc commuters are quite popular in the current Indian motorcycling segment because they're offering the thrills and all of the goodies of the 150cc class while still being quite as frugal and accessible as a 125cc motorcycle should. The TVS Raider 125 has been a stellar success, the Hero Xtreme 125R has been quite a hit. But the pioneers of this segment, which was Bajaj, well it already had a Pulsar 125, then it brought a Pulsar NS125 and now, there’s another 125cc Bajaj Pulsar: the Pulsar N125. And no, this is not an update or a new variant of sorts, but a completely ground up brand new motorcycle. So what exactly is this Pulsar packing what does it bear, is it actually any good and does it still give you the thrills that one associates with a Pulsar.

The Brash Pulsar

The N125 definitely screams Pulsar. Except for the LED face, which is sort of reminiscent of the new NS400Z, the rest of the motorcycle looks very similar to the N series. The tank extensions, though, are more pronounced over here. But this bike sort of says, hey I am the youngest member of the family so I will be loud, bold, and brash. You get these lovely cyberpunk theme inspired colours, there are seven of them on offer. The yellow one on test feels the most balanced one of them all, where it is still quite as stunning but still not quite in your face like the purple one.

Not Quite Feature Packed

Even in terms of features, the Pulsar N125 is not quite as fully loaded. You get an LED headlight, LED tail light but still bulb turn indicators. The screen on the base version is a small digital unit with no connectivity whatsoever and even on the top spec version, the console seems to be lifted from the Freedom 125 CNG. It displays just the basic set of data but no gear position indicator or say even when it comes to the connectivity suite, no turn by turn navigation. Instead Bajaj is offering another aid which should help generate better fuel efficiency and that is an integrated starter generator, which leads to a silent start system. We'll cover it in the engine section.

Smooth Operator

We must iterate that we only got to spend only a couple of hours with the motorcycle. Hence our riding takeaways aren't going to be that intense or detailed. The engine is a nearly square configuration unit with say class on par performance figures. When you start riding this motorcycle you feel that it is quite peppy and energetic. As you're set off, it will reach speeds of 65-70 kmph very easily. Those of you who want a little bit more fun and zestiness, it will reach say 75-80 kmph and sit at that very easily on the highway, maybe even 85 kmph. The top speed of this motorcycle is around 97 kmph (GPS data recorded).

Bajaj claims this Pulsar N125 is quite frugal as well 55 to 60 kmpl in various riding scenarios. Hence, Bajaj has got the balance right between a sporty as well as a very sensible motor. The sensibility quotient is further amplified on the top spec Pulsar N125, as Bajaj has equipped it with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) system. It is similar to what one finds on other popular 125 cc bikes like the Honda Shine 125 or even the Raider 125. It should help eke out a bit more fuel efficiency in the process.

Approachably Sporty

The mantra of any Pulsar is to provide power to the masses. To that effort, the engine is complemented well with a slightly sporty and yet very accessible riding posture. The seat height is not very tall, Bajaj has shaved a lot of weight from the standard Pulsar 125 and even the bars are placed nice high and wide and closer to the rider. Overall, you are seated in this very lovely posture which should be great for urban riding as well as give you the confidence when you're out chasing cornering fun. And this leads to the best part about this bike which is its handling.

Light Yet Confident Handling

This N125 has the same ethos that all Pulsars should have of a good handling motorcycle. It was very fun when we were out onto the go-kart track for a handful of laps. It was not nervy or jittery, despite it possessing a compact wheelbase, one of the shorter ones in the segment. It helps that this motorcycle is very light and very agile. Switching from one direction to the other was very confidence inspiring. Plus, the top spec version on our test gets a slightly wider rear tyre that adds to the stability of this motorcycle.

What we found lacking was the actual braking process because there was not enough feedback at the levers. The feel was lacking and even the initial bite was not quite as fierce. Perhaps, Bajaj could introduce a bit more feel to the system. What we are also disappointed with is that this bike doesn't get single-channel ABS, even as a variant. Bajaj was the pioneer again of single-channel ABS being introduced to its motorcycles and on the N160, it did one better and gave the bike dual Channel ABS even though it was not necessarily needed for that segment. Bajaj’s reasoning for not providing one here is that in case if the customer demands arises in the future then they will provide one, somewhere down the line, probably say 6 months later. But as of now this will still remain a CBS only.

Ride quality also on the Pulsar N125 is very sorted, very composed going over the rough stretches. It doesn't feel quite as firm or as tossy but the rear could do with a less quick rebound setup. What it does is it absorbs the bump very nicely but it comes back to its original state a little too soon for our liking. However, we rode this bike only for a couple of hours only.

Solid Choice

The Pulsar N125 can be availed in two variants. The lower spec variant misses out on the ISG, has a smaller rear tyre and has a smaller LCD display without any connectivity features. It costs ₹94,707. The top-spec version on our test, with all of three bits added, costs ₹98,707. For the additional ₹4,000, the benefits are certainly welcome and help the rideability aspect. Hence, we would suggest getting that trim.

As a motorcycle, the Pulsar N125 is a very competent and likable motorcycle. In the fraction of the time that we've spent with it we have liked its mannerisms. But we wish we could spend more time with it to find out more intricate details about this bike. Hence, if you're considering buying a 125cc sporty commuter, then this bike should also definitely be on your radar.