Bajaj Pulsar N125

The entry-level motorcycle segment in India has grown significantly over the past few years. Thanks to mandatory safety measures like ABS and CBS and cleaner BS6 norms the allure for 125cc bikes has shot up, especially from a sporty angle. 

I’ve had the liberty to ride plenty of bikes in this segment, but it’s now time to see what the all-new Bajaj Pulsar N125 has to offer. While it’s the company’s third offering in this class following the classic Pulsar 125 and NS125, the N125 is an all-new model built from ground up. It’s positioned to take on segment leaders like the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R. So, how did it feel? Let’s dive into it.

Design

Looks can be subjective, but the Pulsar N125 will definitely catch your attention. While it’s bold and angular, it’s also a bit polarising from some angles. Most definitely not your typical commuter design. There are floating body panels, sharp creases, and this interesting aero-style panel in the center that actually channels air to cool the engine. That’s not just for show.

Up front, the fork is quite slim at just 30mm, but Bajaj added chunky plastic shrouds to beef up the look. They’re not to everyone’s taste, but they do give the bike some presence. The tank panels feel familiar if you know your Pulsars, and the LED twin-strake tail lamp is a stylish nod to the brand’s identity.

Colours

The N125 comes in two variants, the standard LED Disc and the premium LED Disc Bluetooth variant with six color options in all:

• LED Disc: Ebony Black, Cocktail Wine Red, Caribbean Blue

• LED Disc BT: Ebony Black - Purple Fury, Ebony Black - Cocktail Wine Red, Pewter Grey - Citrus Rush

I rode the BT variant in Ebony Black - Purple Fury, and it definitely turned heads. But that’s not the one I’d pick. I’d rather go for Ebony Black - Cocktail Wine Red, since it strikes the perfect balance between bold and classy, without going overboard.

As for the standard LED Disc variant, Caribbean Blue would be my top pick. It's vibrant without being loud, and the blue accents beautifully highlight the bike’s sharp lines.

Wheels 

Both ends get 17-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in MRF Nylogrip Zapper tyres. I found the grip levels predictable and confidence-inspiring, even during quick U-turns and mild cornering on the tight go-kart track. The LED Disc BT variant we had came shod with a slightly wider 110/80-section rear tyre, as opposed to the slimmer 100/90-section on the standard version. There is a noticeable improvement in terms of straight-line stability and grip on the wider tyres. Thankfully, the tyre isn’t too wide to make the bike feel sluggish or less agile in traffic. 

Build quality

The fit and finish were mostly solid, but not flawless. I noticed some uneven panel gaps and plasticky textures around the fork shroud. It didn’t rattle, but I feel the difference in finish from side to side could’ve been better.

Safety Features

Both variants get a front disc and rear drum combo, along with CBS (Combined Braking System), which helps balance braking force between the front and rear. It’s basic but gets the job done. The LED tail lamps and indicators also help with visibility, especially at night. One small but useful difference on the BT variant is the slightly wider rear tyre – it adds a bit more grip and stability when you’re braking hard or riding on uneven roads.

Convenience Features

When it comes to convenience, the N125 is refreshingly practical. There’s a USB charger placed near the tank—super handy for charging your phone on the go, especially if you’re using maps. The LCD display is clean and easy to read. On the BT variant, you get Bluetooth connectivity that lets you accept or reject calls, see missed call alerts, and even get SMS notifications. It’s not some fancy touchscreen setup, but it’s more than enough to stay in the loop when your phone’s zipped up in your pocket or bag.

The silent start and engine stop-start system are genuinely useful in city traffic. The bike fires up quietly, and when you're idling at a long red light, the engine shuts off to save fuel and starts back up smoothly with just a twist of the throttle. It’s seamless and something you’ll really appreciate in daily commutes. That said, I do wish Bajaj had added a rev counter and a gear position indicator. They’re not just fancy extras; they’re genuinely useful, and both the Raider and Xtreme 125R offer them. Small misses, but noticeable ones.

Rider Comfort

At 795mm, the seat height was manageable for me and even for my colleague, who’s 5’6”. The footpeg positioning feels mildly sporty but not cramped. My only gripe? The handlebar. It’s narrow and very commuter-like. A slightly wider, flatter bar would’ve matched the rest of the bike’s sporty vibe.

Pillion Comfort

The pillion seat is well-padded and has plenty of room to move around. The grab rails are easy to reach and hold as well. No complaints from my co-rider during the short city stints.

Underpinnings

The N125 is built on a brand-new lightweight chassis, which helps the bike tip the scale at just 125kg. This really helps while maneuvering through traffic.

Brakes

The braking setup is decent but not exceptional. During our performance tests, I found the front disc has a soft initial bite but requires a firm squeeze to get the best out of it. The CBS system kicks in and works well to keep things in check under sudden stops.

City handling

This is where the N125 shines. It’s nimble, quick to respond, and very easy to filter through traffic. I had a lot of fun weaving through city roads and making tight U-turns.

Highway handling

At speeds around 80-90 kmph, the bike feels stable. Yes, there’s a bit of windblast but nothing unnerving. It’s a capable companion for occasional highway runs.

Cornering

While it’s not built for aggressive riding, the N125 can hold a line well. The MRF tyres offer enough grip for light twisties. It’s no corner carver, but it’s sure-footed and predictable.

Ride quality

Bajaj nailed the suspension setup. The 125mm travel at both ends helped the bike glide over potholes and rough patches. It didn’t feel floaty or stiff—just well-tuned for city conditions. Even over speed breakers, the bike stayed composed and didn’t bottom out.

The Bajaj Pulsar N125 is a fresh new take to the 125cc segment. It’s not a segment leader on the spec sheet but it offers a great mix of style, comfort, smoothness and daily useability. Moreover, it’s priced under ₹1 lakh ex-showroom, which makes it one of the best value propositions in the 125cc space.