When it comes to bikes that are sporty, stylish, and budget-friendly in India, Bajaj Pulsar is one of the first names that comes to mind. Over the years, the Pulsar series has become more than just a bike—it’s an emotion for many Indian riders. From college entrances to late-night tea breaks with friends, the Pulsar has been a trusted companion on our roads.
Now, for those who are new to biking or planning to buy their very first ride, the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is a fantastic choice. It’s light in weight, easy to handle, but still packs in enough power and looks to keep things exciting. Simply put, it offers a great balance of performance, design, and everyday usability.
For today’s generation, a bike is not just about getting from one place to another. It’s a part of their personality. They want something that looks sharp, runs well, gives decent mileage, and turns heads on the road. Bajaj clearly understands this mindset and introduced the NS 125 as the youngest member of the popular NS family—taking design cues from the bigger NS160 and NS200 models, but made more beginner-friendly.
Talking about the design, the NS 125 looks sporty and modern. It features a bold tank design, aggressive streetfighter styling, sleek graphics, and a stylish underbelly exhaust. From a distance, most people won’t believe it’s only a 125cc bike—it has the appearance of a much larger model, and that’s a big plus.
Under the tank, it runs on a 124.45cc air-cooled engine using Bajaj’s trusted DTS-i technology. This engine delivers 11.8 PS of power at 8500 RPM and 11 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM. Whether you’re riding through heavy city traffic or cruising on open roads, the NS 125 gives you smooth acceleration and a responsive feel.
One of the key strengths of this bike is its perimeter frame, which is normally seen in higher-end models. It improves the bike’s stability and handling, especially while taking turns. The front telescopic forks and rear mono-shock suspension make the ride comfortable, even on rough or uneven roads.
For safety, the Pulsar NS 125 comes with a front disc and rear drum brake setup supported by CBS (Combined Braking System). This setup helps new riders stop more safely and confidently. The bike weighs about 144 kg, giving it solid road grip while still being manageable in daily traffic.
Fuel efficiency is another strong point. The NS 125 offers around 45 to 50 km per litre, which is impressive for a bike with sporty performance. It also has a 12-litre fuel tank, so you can easily go a whole week without refueling if you use it for daily commutes.
Style-wise, the NS 125 truly stands out. It comes with split seats, sharp graphics, LED tail lamps, and sporty grab rails—giving it a premium, street-ready vibe. Whether it’s your first bike or your second one for daily use, it has that “big bike” look without the big bike cost.
In short, if you’re searching for a bike that is stylish, affordable, fuel-efficient, and reliable for everyday use—and even fun for the occasional long ride—then the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 should definitely be on your list. It’s more than just a bike; it’s your first step into the bold and energetic Pulsar world.
Pros of Bajaj Pulsar NS 125
The Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 offers some impressive advantages that make it an excellent choice for beginners and a reliable city commuter:
Sporty Design
The NS 125 stands out with its aggressive and muscular styling. It carries the DNA of the larger NS series, giving it a strong road presence. Despite being an entry-level bike, it doesn’t look like one at all.
High-Revving Engine
This bike is powered by a 124.45cc air-cooled engine that delivers smooth acceleration and maintains decent performance even at higher speeds — especially useful during highway rides.
Perimeter Frame
A perimeter frame in this price segment is quite rare. It significantly enhances handling and provides confidence while taking sharp corners, adding to the bike’s sporty appeal.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite its sporty nature, the NS 125 is fuel-efficient. In real-world riding conditions, it easily delivers a mileage of 45–50+ kmpl, making it a practical choice for daily use.
Strong Build Quality
Bajaj hasn’t cut any corners in terms of build quality. The bike features sturdy body panels, a premium paint job, and an overall solid feel — living up to the reputation of the Pulsar brand.
Cons of Bajaj Pulsar NS 125
However, there are a few drawbacks that are worth considering:
No LED Headlamp
In 2025, LED lighting has become standard in many 125cc bikes. Unfortunately, the NS 125 still uses a halogen headlamp, which feels outdated in comparison.
No Rear Disc Brake
The rear braking system is a drum setup, whereas several competitors now offer rear disc brakes. For enthusiasts, this can be seen as a downside.
Slightly Expensive
With a price tag of around ₹1 lakh (ex-showroom), the NS 125 is a bit on the higher side for its segment. Bikes like the TVS Raider and Hero Xtreme 125R offer more features at similar or lower prices.
Lack of Smart Features
Features like Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and smartphone pairing are missing — something that many modern-day riders expect in a bike at this price point.
Should You Buy the Bajaj Pulsar NS 125?
If you’re a beginner looking for a stylish and sporty 125cc bike that visually resembles a 150cc model, the NS 125 is definitely worth considering. It offers reliable performance, good mileage, and that signature NS-series feel.
However, if your priorities include modern tech features like LED lights, rear disc brakes, or smartphone connectivity, then options like the TVS Raider or Hero Xtreme 125R might offer better overall value.
Conclusion
The Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 is an ideal choice for those seeking a stylish, dependable, and performance-oriented daily bike on a budget. It may not be loaded with high-end features, but it nails the essentials — and does so with confidence. If you’re looking to step into the NS lineup, this is a smart and practical starting point.
