In the bustling streets of India’s cities and the winding roads of its countryside, a new contender has emerged to capture the hearts of young riders and commuters alike.
Bajaj Auto, the renowned two-wheeler manufacturer, has unveiled its latest offering – the Pulsar N125.
This new entrant in the highly competitive 125cc segment is set to shake up the market with its blend of sporty aesthetics, peppy performance, and attractive pricing.
A Design That Turns Heads
The Pulsar N125 is a visual treat, drawing inspiration from its larger siblings in the Pulsar lineup while carving out its own distinct identity.
At first glance, the muscular fuel tank and sharp, aggressive lines catch the eye, giving the bike a premium look that belies its entry-level positioning.
“We wanted to create a bike that would make young riders proud,” says Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, during the launch event in Mumbai. “The Pulsar N125 is not just a commuter; it’s a lifestyle statement.”
The bike’s front end is dominated by a sleek, wolf-eyed LED headlamp, flanked by eyebrow-like LED DRLs that give it a menacing look.
The sculpted fuel tank features knee recesses for better ergonomics, while the split seat design adds a touch of sportiness.
At the rear, a stylish LED tail lamp and split grab rails complete the sporty appearance. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with tubeless tires, adding to its premium feel.
Heart of a Performer
Underneath its stylish exterior, the Pulsar N125 packs a punch with its new 124.4cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine.
This powerplant has been tuned to deliver a perfect balance of performance and efficiency, producing a respectable 12 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.
“The engine has been developed from the ground up to meet the demands of today’s riders,” explains Pradeep Shah, Head of R&D at Bajaj Auto.
“It offers brisk acceleration for city riding, while also being capable of maintaining highway speeds comfortably.”
The engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a gear shift pattern that Bajaj claims is optimized for smooth shifts and better fuel efficiency.
Speaking of which, the company boasts an impressive claimed fuel economy figure of 65 kmpl under standard testing conditions.
Ride and Handling
Bajaj has paid special attention to the Pulsar N125’s ride and handling characteristics.
The bike is built around a new perimeter frame that offers improved rigidity and better stability at higher speeds.
Suspension duties are handled by conventional telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock absorber at the rear.
This setup strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness, soaking up road imperfections while still offering responsive handling.
Braking is taken care of by a 240mm disc brake at the front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear. An optional front and rear disc brake setup is also available, equipped with single-channel ABS for added safety.
“We’ve tuned the suspension to offer a plush ride in the city without compromising on handling,” says Amit Nandi, President of the Motorcycle Business at Bajaj Auto.
“The Pulsar N125 is equally at home navigating through traffic or taking on twisty roads on weekend rides.”
Features That Impress
Despite its competitive pricing, the Pulsar N125 doesn’t skimp on features. The bike comes equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster that includes an analog tachometer and a digital display for speed, fuel level, odometer, and trip meters.
Other notable features include:
- LED headlamp and tail lamp for better visibility
- USB charging port for on-the-go device charging
- Engine kill switch, a feature often missing in this segment
- Wide rear tire for improved stability and aesthetics
“We’ve packed the N125 with features that are typically found in more expensive motorcycles,” Nandi proudly states. “It’s about giving our customers more value for their money.”
Safety First
In an era where road safety is paramount, Bajaj has ensured that the Pulsar N125 is equipped with essential safety features. The optional single-channel ABS provides added confidence during hard braking, especially in wet conditions.
The bike also features Bajaj’s Anti-Slip Clutch, which prevents wheel hop during aggressive downshifts and makes the clutch lever lighter, reducing rider fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
Targeting the Youth
The Pulsar N125 is clearly aimed at young, aspirational riders who want a sporty looking and performing motorcycle without breaking the bank. It’s positioned as an upgrade for those moving up from 100-110cc commuters, as well as first-time buyers who want something with a bit more pep.
“The 125cc segment is the new sweet spot in the Indian motorcycle market,” explains Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director at Bajaj Auto. “It offers the perfect balance of performance, efficiency, and affordability that today’s young riders are looking for.”
Bajaj is also targeting college students and young professionals with the N125, positioning it as a lifestyle product rather than just a means of transportation.
The company plans to leverage social media and influencer marketing to reach this demographic.
Competitive Pricing and Market Positioning
In a segment where every rupee counts, Bajaj has priced the Pulsar N125 aggressively.
The base variant with front disc and rear drum brake is priced at ₹99,999 (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the dual-disc variant with single-channel ABS comes in at ₹1,04,999.
This pricing puts the Pulsar N125 in direct competition with established players like the Honda SP 125 and the Hero Glamour.
However, Bajaj is banking on the Pulsar brand’s sporty image and the N125’s feature list to give it an edge in this crowded segment.
“We believe the Pulsar N125 offers the best value proposition in its class,” says Sarang Kanade, President of Motorcycle Business at Bajaj Auto. “It’s a Pulsar through and through, bringing the thrill of performance biking to a wider audience.”
Production and Availability
Bajaj plans to manufacture the Pulsar N125 at its state-of-the-art facility in Waluj, Maharashtra. The company has invested in new production lines to ensure high quality and meet the expected demand.
“We’re starting with a production capacity of 20,000 units per month,” reveals Kanade. “But we have the flexibility to ramp up quickly if demand exceeds our projections.”
The Pulsar N125 will be available across Bajaj’s extensive dealership network in India, with deliveries set to begin next month.
The company also has plans to export the bike to select international markets, particularly in South Asia and Africa, where the Pulsar brand already has a strong presence.
Looking Ahead – Bajaj Pulsar N125
With the launch of the Pulsar N125, Bajaj has reaffirmed its commitment to the Pulsar lineup, which has been a cornerstone of the company’s success for over two decades.
The N125 is seen as a strategic move to capture a larger share of the entry-level performance segment and introduce a new generation of riders to the Pulsar brand.
As India’s two-wheeler market continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on performance and features even in smaller displacement categories, the Pulsar N125 seems well-positioned to make its mark. It represents a bold step by Bajaj to redefine what riders can expect from an entry-level sports commuter.
Only time will tell if the Pulsar N125 will achieve the same iconic status as its larger siblings. But one thing is certain – it has certainly raised the bar in the 125cc segment, giving riders more bang for their buck and injecting a dose of excitement into the daily commute.
As the sun sets on the launch event, with the gleaming Pulsar N125 on display, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air.
Bajaj has thrown down the gauntlet, and now it’s up to the Indian motorcycle market to respond. One thing’s for sure – the entry-level performance segment just got a whole lot more interesting.