Bajaj Pulsar N125 First Ride Review

The Bajaj Pulsar lineup has a ton of models on offer, and this time around, it is the N125 taking the fight to the sporty commuter segment in India. This model is unique because it has its own character and does not share anything with the other Pulsar N models. While the Pulsar 125 and the NS125 do still exist, Bajaj says that the N models seem to be very popular in North India - particularly in the NCR and UP which is the reason for distinction between the models. We got to spend some time with the motorcycle starting out with a session on the Go-Kart track, followed by riding it out on the streets to bring you our first impressions.

Design

The styling of the N125 surely sets it apart from the crowd. It is a sleek motorcycle sporting a triangular headlight, sharp tank extensions and a large fork cover. It gets a split seat setup with aggressive panels on either side. There is currently no other Pulsar that it shares parts with but the overall silhouette does somewhat remind me of an older one that was the 135 LS. The only thing that does not go well with the sharp and flowing lines of the N125 is the chunky bulb-type indicator units. It is available in a total of 7 colour schemes; three on the top variant and four on the more affordable variant. What we were riding for this review is the top-spec variant in a unique purple shade. Adding to the appeal of this top-spec model is the use of unique graphics and matching stickers on the rims. 

Ergonomics

A combination of the slim proportions with a seat height of 795mm makes the N125 easily accessible. You sit into the motorcycle with the seat flowing up the fuel tank. This is a split-seat setup and there is also ample room for a pillion as it is a long unit. The footpegs are set very slightly towards the rear and the handlebar is wide enough and keeps the rider in a properly upright position. So overall, it does have that good blend of commuter ergonomics with a slight dash of sportiness. 

Performance

Powering the bike is a 124.58cc, single-cylinder motor putting out 12PS and 11Nm of peak torque. This engine is really refined and has good grunt. The acceleration is linear with Bajaj claiming a 0-60kmph acceleration time of 6 seconds. The clutch action is light which makes riding around in the city effortless and the gearbox is also a very slick unit. The bike could handle speeds of 45kmph in 5th gear from where it pulled cleanly. Only higher up in the rev range is where there are just a few vibes. In fifth gear at 85kmph is where I felt a very slight buzz at the handlebar but it was not something that really bothered me too much. I was able to get to an indicated top speed of 103kmph. 

This is also the first Pulsar to get an ISG (Integrated Starter Generator) system for silent starts and the start-stop feature when the bike comes to a standstill. It does work quite well but is only available on the top-spec variant. Bajaj does claim a fuel efficiency of 60kmpl although that is something we shall test later. Overall, this is quite a potent and usable engine for a bike in the 125cc sporty commuter segment.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Pulsar N125 is a nimble motorcycle with a short wheelbase, giving it sharp handling abilities. I started my day with a session at the Go-Kart track and was quickly tipping into corners and changing direction in the flash of an eye. With the 125kg kerb weight, it is a very light motorcycle and something that I had to get used to before pushing harder. It did feel a bit twitchy at first but once you get used to it is when it does become predictable and the tyres provide ample grip for the power that it delivers. Out on the road, the suspension has been tuned really well to soak in bumps and undulations in a plush manner. The handling and ride quality of the cheaper variant is likely to feel slightly different as it makes use of a skinnier tyre at the rear. The bike gets a disc brake at the front with the assistance of a Combined Braking System (CBS). The setup is quite good but you need to apply slightly more pressure on the front brake lever for better feedback and getting it to stop faster in case of an emergency. 

Features

On the top-spec variant, the bike gets a LCD screen with Bluetooth connectivity and a USB charging port. The screen displays ample information which is easy to read but I do wish that it also had a gear position indicator. The more affordable variant gets a much smaller LCD screen and misses out on Bluetooth connectivity.

Verdict

The base variant is priced at Rs 94,707 and the top-spec variant is priced at Rs 98,707, making it attractive pricing for a first time buyer. In comparison, the Xtreme 125R is priced starting at Rs 95,800 and the TVS Raider 125 is priced starting at Rs 84,869 (all ex-showroom prices). 

As an overall package, the N125 is a good motorcycle with a potent engine, good handling abilities and the best part about this Pulsar is that it has its own character as it does not share anything with other models from the lineup. If you are thinking of getting yourself an N125, we do think that getting the top variant for Rs 4000 more makes sense with the additional stuff that you are getting on offer.