Bajaj Pulsar 125 review: VFM Pulsar reinvented
The classic Pulsar 125 has always been the most affordable way into Bajaj Pulsar ownership and while the 2026 model might look largely the same as before, underneath, it is actually all new.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 what’s changed under the skin?
Everything from stem to stern is all-new
To start with, gone are the double-cradle frame and twin shock absorbers, replaced by a lighter and stiffer diamond frame and monoshock, respectively. Complementing the new chassis is a brand-new motor. This engine started life as an engine from an N model of a similar displacement, but Bajaj has made certain changes to suit this application. For instance, the new 124.58cc engine on the smaller Pulsar has the lightest crank inertia among its peers – claims Bajaj – and the company has saved 1.2kg here alone, compared to before. Speaking of weight, the 125 weighs 131kg with its 11 litre fuel tank brimmed.
The new engine is also used as a stressed member of the chassis, and Bajaj has also peppered in the learnings it has made from the N range over here. For starters, the gearbox now has shorter, more tractable ratios and there’s also a low-rpm assist function, which raises engine rpm slightly to reduce stalling when you’re crawling at a higher gear at low speeds. Furthermore, the Pulsar 125’s higher variants also come equipped with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) which brings in silent start and a reasonably quick start/stop system.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Design and seating comfort - 8/10
Looks uncannily similar to the older bike; feels very similar to sit on too
Considering how much has changed underneath, it's especially commendable that the Pulsars look so similar to before. Bajaj’s design team has deliberately gone to great lengths to package everything neatly and retain the bikes’ instantly recognizable silhouette.
Pulsar hallmarks like a ‘wolf eye’ headlight, chunky tank, sharp tank extensions and a pointy tail, all continue and you won’t be mistaking them for anything other than a classic Pulsar. Overall quality is quite nice for the price that the Pulsar 125 commands.
The seating position also echoes the near-unchanged design and you’re sat very neutrally with the riding position best described as that of a textbook commuter. The only difference is that the pegs are set slightly rearward for the sporty touch that Pulsars are known for. With a perch that's just 795mm off the ground, the Pulsar 125 feels friendly and approachable for shorter folks as well as 5’11 me.
To cater to the needs of different riders, Bajaj will sell you a bike equipped with either a single-piece seat or split seats, depending on the variant you buy. Both options are spacious and decently padded, capable of accommodating two full-size people without them getting acquainted with each other too intimately.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Performance - 8/10
Engine is smooth and responsive; gearshifts can feel a little vague though
City traffic is where a majority of Pulsar riders spend their time, so we did the same and found that the bike behaves exactly as you’d expect from a commuter. The new engine is smooth with good low- and mid-range torque and paired with the super-light clutch, wading through the drudgery of traffic demands very little effort from the rider.
Even at highway speeds, the engine retains its smooth characteristics, and should you choose to venture out onto the highway, the Pulsar 125 is up for it. The upper limit of the 125’s comfortable cruising speed is 80-85kph in its top 5th gear, which is quite respectable considering the displacement.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 ride and handling - 8/10
Feels trustworthy and neutral
Coming to how the Pulsar behaves on the side of the tyre, the best way to describe it is neutral and predictable. Neither does it feel as flaccid as the previous-gen model, nor does it feel as agile as the N / NS models. The bike has a good sense of surefootedness, both around a corner as well as in a straight line, which is sure to inspire confidence in the varied sort of riders it will cater to.
The lowest variant of the 125 comes with a 130mm drum front brake whereas higher variants come with a 260mm disc brake, although there’s no ABS on offer here. All variants of the 125 come with a 130mm rear drum brake. The braking power is more than sufficient for the power on tap and the drum brake also works predictably.
However, for all its strengths, the Pulsar 125 is not perfect and there are some areas of improvement. The rear suspension feels slightly underdamped and springy, throwing you off the seat over larger road imperfections, and the gearshifts, too, felt a little rubbery and vague, lacking a snick feel.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Features - 8/10
Higher variants have a lot of tech
Following today’s market trends, humble commuters like these now also pack a dollop of tech. This includes a USB-C charging port, 4 riding modes (Sport, Tour, Road and Rain), Bluetooth connectivity for the dash via Bajaj’s app, which brings in a host of functions, and you can even cast your phone’s screen onto the TFT display, although some of these functions are still not available yet, and will be rolled out at a later date.
To control the TFT display on the top variants, you also have more comprehensive switchgear, whereas the colour LCD dash on the lower variants is paired to a simpler switch cluster. Both displays are informative and well-laid-out and bring an air of premiumness to the rider’s POV. Admittedly, most of these features aren’t going to add much value for most everyday riders, but for the few that want their motorcycle to double up as a gadget, they’re there.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Price and verdict - 8/10
It's an accomplished commuter with very few misses
Aside from a few foibles, the new Pulsar 125 is a good commuter which comes in at a price point that is more or less in line with the competition today. Prices start at Rs 92,990 and top out at Rs 1.04 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Compared to the bargain basement Pulsar 125 Neon, the 2026 bike’s price has risen quite significantly, but if you were to compare the actual Pulsar 125 base model, the increment is much smaller.
Given the huge demand for a bike that looks like a Classic Pulsar, and the fact that this new-gen model is such a quantum leap ahead compared to the old ones while costing just a few thousand rupees more, Bajaj seems to have a winner on its hands.
from Autocar India https://ift.tt/tUB8ypA
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