Bajaj Pulsar 125

It seems like there are more Pulsar models today than there are entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Bajaj has tried every variation it can imagine of the Pulsar, with the result now being that we have a nameplate that ranges all the way from piddly 125cc commuters to mean 400cc brawlers.  More importantly in the current scheme of things, all of Bajaj’s bikes are E20 compatible, and have been since the last ten years or so.

Whether having multiple Pulsars is a good thing or bad depends on which side of the fence you’re observing Bajaj’s game plan from. From a business perspective, of course, it makes perfect sense: cash in on your most popular brand. From an enthusiast perspective, though, not so much. There will always be purists who will decry the desecration of what was once a name synonymous with affordable performance in our country.

But that’s neither here nor there. The fact of the matter is, the Pulsar name sells, and so we have a job to do here today: assess how exactly the smallest one of the bunch fits in with the rest of the lineup.

Design

The 2025 Bajaj Pulsar 125’s design harkens back to the second-gen Pulsar 150/180 duo, which debuted in 2008. So although this design may seem a bit dated now, there are still plenty of Pulsar fans who love this classic look. The bike gets the iconic Pulsar headlight and rear light setup, which still looks appealing even after so many years.

Overall, the visual identity of the Pulsar 125 communicates familiarity and sporty intent. For the 2026 update, the baby Pulsar now gets a new LED headlight, similar to that of the Pulsar 150. It also gets LED indicators, which further enhance the Pulsar’s aesthetics.

Colours

The motorcycle is available in six colour options split into two variants. The Carbon Fibre variant gets an option of either split seats or a single seat and comes in two paint schemes, Blue and Red. The Neon Single Seat variant’s colours include Black Silver, Black Blue, Black Red, and Black Green. All colour options are almost fully black, with accents in the secondary colour on the tank, tank extensions, wheels, headlight cowl, and tail section. The Carbon Fibre variant also gets a plastic belly pan, which adds some visual mass to the bike.

All said and done, the 2026 version has changed a lot compared to the older iteration. It comes in two variants (single seat and split seat variant) and four colour schemes: Black Grey, Black Racing Red, Black Cyan Blue, and Racing Red with Tan Beige. While all colours have a black base, it is the Racing Red with Tan Beige paint scheme which stands out the most thanks to its all-red scheme.

Wheels

As with the rest of the design, the wheels of the smallest Pulsar are exactly the same as those on its bigger siblings: a simple blacked-out 17-inch alloy with a five-spoke design. The tyres - 80/100 and 100/90 also look bulky enough to suit the overall design and offer good grip. 

That said, things are a bit different for the 2026 model. It gets the same alloys as the Pulsar N125 with colour-coded rim stickers.

Quality

In terms of build quality, the Pulsar 125 is well put together. Panel gaps are minimal, and the paint finish holds up well under different weather conditions. While it is undoubtedly built to a cost, there are very few areas where it feels compromised.

Safety Features

For rider safety, it gets a combined braking system, but I think Bajaj should have at least given it single-channel ABS, which would have made it even safer when braking. Considering that rivals are starting to offer at least front ABS at this price point, the lack of it here feels like a missed opportunity.

Convenience Features

The Pulsar 125 gets a fully digital console that is easy to read and also gets a gear position indicator. In select variants, it gets Bluetooth connectivity and can show SMS and call alerts, but misses out on turn-by-turn navigation, which could have made it feel even more modern.

In its latest update, the Pulsar 125 gets an all-LED headlight with two DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) right above it. We’ll reserve our comments on the LED headlight performance until we get to ride the 2026 model. You can charge your phone while riding using the USB charging port.

And oh, one benefit of Bajaj’s indiscriminate parts bin sharing: this is the smallest bike in the country to get illuminated switchgear.

Rider Comfort

The Pulsar 125 is a fairly comfortable motorcycle with a slightly sporty riding position. It gets raised clip-on handlebars and moderately rear-set footpegs, and even the tallest riders will find it to be quite comfortable for a small-capacity commuter bike. There’s enough room to shuffle around a bit, especially on the split seat version, making longer city rides a bit less fatiguing. Its 790mm seat height is low enough even for shorter riders (I stand 171cm and weigh 68kg) to get their feet on the ground comfortably.

The seat cushioning is on the firmer side but remains supportive over short to medium distances. This strikes a decent balance between comfort and rider feedback, especially when riding through city traffic or slightly uneven roads.

Pillion Comfort

The pillion comfort on both the single-seat and split-seat versions is also pretty good, as the seat is high in length, offers decent space to move around, and the footpeg placement is also good. On longer rides, though, the seat’s firm nature may require breaks to avoid fatigue.

Engine

The Bajaj Pulsar is powered by a refined two-valve, 124.4cc single-cylinder, air-cooled motor that produces 11.8PS at 8500 rpm and 10.8Nm at 6500 rpm. This engine offers decent power with enough low rpm torque. The engine has been tuned for tractability, making it easy to ride at lower speeds in higher gears without stalling.

City Performance

Riding in the city is a very simple task, requiring minimal gear changes. It offers usable performance in the city. Throttle response at low speeds is quite sharp, and the bike pulls cleanly in every gear. It feels especially responsive in second and third gears, which is great for daily traffic conditions. Even with a pillion on board, the engine doesn’t feel too bogged down at lower speeds. It continues to feel smooth and responsive, especially when navigating slow-moving traffic.

Highway Performance

However, once the engine is in the mid-range or even high rpm, the performance doesn’t feel all that exciting. This means that out on the highway, the Pulsar 125 feels a little out of place. I could comfortably cruise at a steady 70kmph without much effort, but once you start going faster than that, the engine starts to feel very strained. The engine starts feeling stressed beyond 75kmph, and overtakes require planning. It’s best suited for short highway stints rather than long touring. Crosswinds and uneven surfaces also start to impact stability once you go above 80kmph, which is another reason to keep it in the city riding territory.

Gearbox

The Pulsar 125’s five-speed gearbox is decently smooth and does not shift into false neutrals between gears, making changing gears a really easy process. The clutch feel is light, which makes it even more city-friendly, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Mileage

In the city, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 returns a mileage of 51.46kmpl, while on the highway, it delivers a commendable 57kmpl. This means the bike is not only frugal for daily commuting but also efficient enough for longer weekend rides.

With a fuel tank capacity of 15 litres, you can expect a theoretical range of up to 800km, assuming optimal riding conditions. These are all excellent numbers for a 125cc commuter, promising to reduce the frequency of fuel stops and adding to overall convenience.

Underpinnings

The suspension setup on the Pulsar 125 is quite basic. It is good for absorbing small bumps and undulations on the road, but you will really feel a jolt when going over sharper bumps and deep potholes. The 31mm telescopic fork and twin rear gas-charged shocks are adequate for most city needs but do not offer much in terms of adjustability or damping feel.

Brakes

The smallest Pulsar makes do with a Combined Braking System, which is mandatory for all two-wheelers sold in India. Up front is a 240mm disc, while the only option you have for the rear is a 130mm drum unit. The combo is pretty good and can stop pretty quickly from both 60kmph and 80kmph, but the lack of ABS means that you have to be careful when trying to brake on loose surfaces such as wet roads or gravel paths. Brake fade isn’t a big issue in city riding, but during downhill sections or under load, the rear does tend to lock up quickly.

City Handling

All the cycle parts of the smallest Pulsar contribute to its rather heavy 144kg kerb weight, though you won’t feel too much of this weight when riding every day in the city. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the Pulsar 125 still feels manageable in dense traffic. U-turns and quick lane changes are easy to execute. Its tight turning radius and responsive front end help in navigating congested streets and narrow lanes with confidence.

Highway Handling

You will feel, however, the 144kg kerb weight when changing directions at higher speeds, especially on highways. During crosswinds or fast lane changes, the weight can feel a bit unsettling, particularly when riding two-up.

Cornering

Even when riding around corners, the Pulsar 125 is fairly easy to steer, but the 80/100 and 100/90 17-inch tyres show their limitations if the rider tries to lean hard. Push it even slightly beyond casual lean angles, and the tyres begin to feel vague, so it’s best to keep cornering ambitions in check.

Ride Quality

The Pulsar 125 is a fairly comfortable motorcycle with a slightly sporty riding position. The suspension setup has a slightly firm edge, which helps in giving the bike a planted feel, especially on well-paved roads. But over sharp potholes or speed breakers, you will feel a thud, especially at the rear. It handles regular road surfaces well and its ergonomics support decent comfort over longer city commutes. The seat-to-peg-to-bar triangle is well judged and does not put too much stress on the rider’s wrists or lower back.

The Bajaj Pulsar 125 offers a reliable engine and usable performance in the city. While it’s not the most modern 125cc bike you can get in India today, it still has an edge over other brand bikes due to its popularity and well-built assembly. If what you value most is everyday usability, ease of ownership, and a proven mechanical package, then the Pulsar 125 quietly ticks all those boxes. Or if you’re looking to own the smallest bike with “Pulsar” badging, this is where it is at right now.

However, those who want a motorcycle with more modern looks, better equipment, and features might want to consider the NS125, which is priced at just around Rs 6,000 more than the top-end variant of the Pulsar 125. And then there’s the bigger brother, the Pulsar 150, which, for an additional 20k (a big jump, I know), nets you not only a more powerful engine but also the safety net of single-channel ABS.

Apart from Bajaj cannibalising its own product lines with too many offerings, the Pulsar 125 also has to fend off other 125cc options like the Hero Glamour 125 and Honda SP125. Both of them offer fresher styling and more premium features, making them worthy alternatives in this competitive segment.