Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 Vs Bajaj Pulsar 125: Is The Pulsar Still Relevant?

Hero recently launched the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 and we put the 125cc Hero bike up against a lot of its rivals. Another one of those is the Bajaj Pulsar 125. The funny thing is, who would’ve thought a bike with the Splendor moniker would actually rival a Bajaj Pulsar. Jokes aside, Bajaj hasn’t given the Pulsar 125 a comprehensive update in quite a while. So is the Pulsar 125 still the exciting bike it used to be or is a Super Splendor actually going to beat it? Let’s find that out here: 

Price & Variants

• It’s a close one here for both bikes are priced similarly. The base variants’ prices are in the same ballpark and they’re both priced quite well. The Super Splendor keeps things simple with just 2 variants. 

• The Pulsar 125, on the other hand, tries to take the premium feel up a notch with the carbon fibre editions. The bike does look quite nice in that colourway and if you don't mind paying extra for it, it could make sense for you. 

• In short, we’ll have to call this round a tie, for both bikes are very well priced. 

Dimensions & Design 

• The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is the bigger bike in almost every way and it’ll feel that way too. While the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 feels like a skinny bike with barely any road presence, the Pulsar still looks good. 

• That said, the other bit that stands out is the massive 144-146kg weight figure, meaning it is a good 4-5kg heavier than even the Yamaha MT-15. And that’s where the Pulsar 125’s datedness starts to show. It hasn’t been properly updated in quite a while and that’s why the weight figure stands out like a sore thumb. 

• And the Pulsar feels its weight too. The bike feels heavier at low speeds and in parking lots, especially when compared to the Super Splendor which feels like a featherweight. 

• If we talk about designs, the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 keeps it simple with a commuter-like design. Yes, there are new refreshing colourways but the overall design is still simple and nothing that’ll really grab attention. 

• The Pulsar 125 looks the same ever since it was first launched and that’s a good thing and a bad thing. Bad because it does feel a bit dated now, like it hasn’t kept up with the times. Good thing, in some ways, because it’s still an iconic and recognisable design, something that the Pulsar fanboys and fangirls think of as sacred. 

Features & Safety

• The Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 takes the cake here, by boasting a features list that is impressive. The console has Bluetooth connectivity and a whole list of features, but what makes us happy is that a lot of them are actually usable in the real world. 

• Apart from the basic alerts, there are bits like service reminders and a real-time mileage indicator which are actually used in the real world. 

• The Pulsar 125 has a digital console as well along with Bluetooth connectivity. There are the basic features here as well but the list isn’t as extensive as the Super Splendor’s. 

• So if you’re happy with having a smaller list, the Pulsar 125 will suit you just fine. But if you want a more contemporary feel with as many features as possible, the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 might attract you a bit more.   

Engines

• Despite similarly sized engines, the Pulsar 125 manages to make over 1PS more than the Super Splendor, while making marginally more torque too. 

• The Super Splendor’s engine feels like a typical commuter, with all the focus being on low-end grunt to get good acceleration especially with a heavy load. The bike insists on easy commuting around town and the engine is perfect for that. With a bit of planning, most overtakes happen quite easily and on the whole, it feels reasonably smooth. 

• The mileage figure should also be healthy. Hero claims it’ll return 72kmpl and from our experiences with Hero bikes, you could very well get that figure from the Super Splendor. 

• The Pulsar’s engine, on the other hand, is a lot more rev-happy and if you like riding your bikes in a spirited manner, it’ll happily comply. The one thing holding it back is the high kerb weight. The bike is lugging around a lot more weight than its rivals and that hurts its outright acceleration figures and the overall feeling of excitement. 

• In terms of vibrations, the bike feels reasonably smooth and if we talk about mileage, the Pulsar 125 should return figures in the mid to high 50s. That’s lesser than the Super Splendor but then that’s the price you pay for such a rev-happy engine. 

Verdict 

This will be an easy decision. If you want a no-nonsense, simple bike which will be a fuel efficient companion for your everyday commutes, the Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 is definitely the bike to buy. It ticks all the right boxes and if you don’t want something that looks or rides too fancy, it’s quite a good bike. 

But if you want anything to do with a bit of excitement, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 is the bike to get, for it’s definitely the more exciting of the two. But then it also makes you wonder: if you want something genuinely exciting, why not just spend a little bit more and get the TVS Raider 125 or the Hero Xtreme 125R instead, 2 bikes that are genuinely fun and exciting while being extremely fuel efficient as well. 

Comparisons With Other Rivals: 

Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 vs Honda Shine 125 - On a strict budget? Get the Shine 125. If you can spend a bit more, get the Super Splendor for its higher features set will give you a more premium experience. 

Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 vs Honda SP125 - If you don’t mind spending a bit more, the SP’s more elegant design and TFT console will make you feel like you’ve bought a more premium bike. But if you don’t mind the Super Splendor’s more basic appeal, it can save you money as well. 

Hero Super Splendor Xtec 2.0 vs TVS Raider 125 - Looking for some fun with your 125cc bike? Get the TVS Raider 125. Want a more docile, fuel efficient bike? Get the Super Splendor Xtec 2.0.