At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
- 124.45 cc Air-Cooled, 4-valve
- 12 PS @ 8500 rpm
- 46.9 km/l (ARAI)
- 12-litre tank
- 3 variants available
- ABS on top variant
Bajaj Pulsar 125
- 124.38 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 11.8 PS @ 8500 rpm
- 57 km/l (ARAI)
- 15-litre tank
- 3 variants available
- Starts ₹10,251 cheaper
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Bajaj Pulsar NS125 | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 124.38 cc |
| Cooling System | Air-Cooled | Air-Cooled |
| Max Power | 12 PS @ 8500 rpm | 11.8 PS @ 8500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 11 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 10.8 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 | 2 |
| Bore × Stroke | 52 × 58.6 mm | 52 × 58.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 ± 0.5 : 1 | 10.05 ± 0.3 : 1 |
| Spark Plugs | 1 | 2 per cylinder |
| Emission Standard | BS6 / OBD2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | 103 km/h | ~100 km/h |
| Riding Modes | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (ARAI) | 46.9 km/l | 57 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 12 litres | 15 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 2.6 litres | 2.5 litres |
| Riding Range | ~560 km | 700+ km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | CBS / Single-Ch ABS (top variant) | CBS |
| Front Brake | Disc – 240 mm | Disc – 240 mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum – 130 mm | Drum – 130 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 90/90-17 / 120/80-17 | 80/100-17 / 100/90-17 |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Fork | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Nitrox Mono Shock | Twin Gas Shock |
| Chassis | Perimeter Frame | Tubular Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 144 kg | 144–146 kg |
| Seat Height | 805 mm | 790 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 178 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1352 mm | 1320 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2012 × 810 × 1078 mm | 2055 × 755 × 1060 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Semi-Digital / Digital (variant) | Digital (variant dependent) |
| Headlight | Halogen / LED (variant) | Halogen / LED (variant) |
| DRLs | Yes | No |
| Turn Signals | Halogen | Bulb |
| Hazard Warning Lights | No | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes (LED BT variants) | Yes (select variants) |
| Call & SMS Alerts | No | Yes (Bluetooth) |
| USB Charging Port | Yes (variant dependent) | Yes (variant dependent) |
| Distance to Empty | No | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | No | Yes |
| Tachometer | Digital | No |
| Service Reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Side Stand Engine Cut-off | Yes | Yes |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹92,671 | ₹82,420 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹1,01,934 | ₹92,691 |
| Number of Variants | 3 | 3 |
| Standard Warranty | 5 Years / 75,000 km | 5 Years / 75,000 km |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
Pulsar NS125 Variants
Pulsar 125 Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- More powerful 4-valve engine (12 PS vs 11.8 PS)
- Higher torque output (11 Nm vs 10.8 Nm)
- Superior perimeter frame chassis for sharper handling
- Rear monoshock suspension for better ride quality
- Wider tyres (90/90-17 front, 120/80-17 rear)
- Significantly better ground clearance (178 mm vs 165 mm)
- Single-channel ABS available on top variant
- DRLs standard across all variants
- Digital tachometer on instrument cluster
- Higher top speed (~103 km/h)
Cons
- Lower ARAI mileage (46.9 km/l vs 57 km/l)
- Smaller 12-litre tank, shorter range (~560 km)
- Higher starting price (₹92,671 vs ₹82,420)
- No gear indicator on any variant
- No distance-to-empty display
- Call & SMS alerts not available
Pros
- Significantly better ARAI mileage (57 km/l)
- Much larger 15-litre tank for ~700 km range
- Considerably lower starting price (₹82,420)
- Lower top variant price (₹92,691 vs ₹1,01,934)
- Gear indicator standard
- Distance-to-empty display
- Call & SMS alerts via Bluetooth
- Twin spark plugs per cylinder for efficient combustion
- Same 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
Cons
- Slightly lower power (11.8 PS vs 12 PS)
- 2-valve engine less sporty at high rpm
- Conventional tubular frame, not perimeter
- Twin shock rear suspension less plush than monoshock
- Narrower tyres (80/100-17 front, 100/90-17 rear)
- Less ground clearance (165 mm vs 178 mm)
- No ABS option on any variant
- No DRLs on any variant
- No tachometer
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine & Performance
Both bikes share the same 124 cc family but differ meaningfully in design. The NS125 uses a 4-valve, DTS-i engine producing 12 PS and 11 Nm, tuned for sportier high-rpm character. The Pulsar 125 uses a 2-valve, twin-spark engine making 11.8 PS and 10.8 Nm, tuned for mid-range torque and efficiency. The NS125 has a slight numerical edge, but the difference is marginal in real-world riding — both feel lively in city traffic and reach similar top speeds of 100–103 km/h.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
This is the most dramatic difference in this comparison. The Pulsar 125 delivers an ARAI-certified 57 km/l — over 21% better than the NS125's 46.9 km/l. Combined with a much larger 15-litre tank versus the NS125's 12 litres, the Pulsar 125 achieves a theoretical range exceeding 700 km against just ~560 km for the NS125. This makes the Pulsar 125 a significantly more economical choice for daily long-distance commuters.
Chassis & Handling
The NS125's perimeter frame is a clear engineering advantage. It offers better torsional rigidity, improved cornering stability, and a more confident ride at speed compared to the Pulsar 125's conventional tubular frame. The NS125 also benefits from a rear monoshock absorber and wider tyres, while the Pulsar 125 uses a twin shock setup with narrower rubber. Ground clearance is also superior on the NS125 at 178 mm versus 165 mm.
Braking & Safety
Both bikes share the same 240 mm front disc and 130 mm rear drum brakes. The key distinction is safety electronics: the NS125 offers single-channel ABS on its top LED BT ABS variant at ₹1,01,934, while the Pulsar 125 is limited to CBS across all three variants with no ABS option whatsoever. For riders who prioritise braking safety, the NS125's top variant is the only choice in this comparison.
Features & Instruments
The two bikes offer a mixed bag of features across their respective variant ranges. The NS125 has the edge with DRLs standard across the range and a digital tachometer. The Pulsar 125 counters with a gear indicator, distance-to-empty display, and Call & SMS alerts via Bluetooth — all missing from the NS125. Both offer Bluetooth, USB charging, and LED headlights on their higher variants.
Price & Value
The Pulsar 125 starts at ₹82,420 — ₹10,251 cheaper than the NS125's entry price of ₹92,671. Even the Pulsar 125's top split-seat LED variant at ₹92,691 undercuts all three NS125 variants. The NS125 commands a premium for its perimeter frame, monoshock, wider tyres, and ABS option. For a budget-focused buyer who primarily wants mileage and range, the Pulsar 125 offers exceptional value.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Pulsar NS125 if…
- You want the sportiest ride in the 125cc Pulsar family
- The perimeter frame and monoshock matter for handling
- Wider tyres and better ground clearance are important
- ABS (on top variant) is a safety priority for you
- DRLs and a tachometer are important daily features
- You plan spirited city riding and occasional highway trips
- Budget allows for the ₹10,251 premium over Pulsar 125
Buy the Pulsar 125 if…
- Maximum fuel efficiency (57 km/l) is your top priority
- You want fewer fuel stops with a 15-litre tank (~700 km)
- Budget is tight — starts ₹10,251 cheaper
- A gear indicator and distance-to-empty display matter daily
- Call & SMS alerts via Bluetooth are useful for you
- You ride long daily distances where efficiency adds up
- You want the full Pulsar range top variant under ₹93,000
Overall Winner: It depends on your priorities. This is a close contest between two bikes from the same brand targeting different riders within the 125cc space. The Pulsar NS125 wins if you want sportier dynamics — a stiffer perimeter frame, monoshock rear, wider tyres, better ground clearance, and ABS on the top variant justify its ₹10,251 premium for riders who value handling confidence. The Pulsar 125 wins if efficiency and range are paramount — its 57 km/l ARAI mileage and 15-litre tank delivering 700+ km per fill make it the sensible daily commuter choice at a significantly lower price. Both share the identical 5-year / 75,000 km warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 is better for riders who want sportier dynamics — a perimeter frame, monoshock, wider tyres, better ground clearance (178 mm), and single-channel ABS on the top variant. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is better for riders who prioritise fuel efficiency (57 km/l vs 46.9 km/l), a larger 15-litre tank for longer range (700+ km), a lower starting price (₹82,420), and daily-use features like a gear indicator and distance-to-empty.
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 starts at ₹82,420 while the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 starts at ₹92,671 ex-showroom — a difference of ₹10,251 in favour of the Pulsar 125. The Pulsar 125 tops out at ₹92,691 for its split-seat LED variant, while the NS125 goes up to ₹1,01,934 for its ABS variant. Both prices may vary by city.
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 has significantly better ARAI certified mileage at 57 km/l compared to the Pulsar NS125's 46.9 km/l. The Pulsar 125 also has a larger 15-litre fuel tank (vs 12 litres) giving it a theoretical riding range exceeding 700 km compared to approximately 560 km for the NS125 — a difference of over 140 km per tank.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 produces slightly more power at 12 PS @ 8500 rpm and 11 Nm of torque compared to the Pulsar 125's 11.8 PS and 10.8 Nm. The NS125 also uses a 4-valve engine design which breathes more freely at high rpm, giving it a marginally sportier character. The real-world performance difference between the two is small, however.
Yes — but only on the top variant. The NS125 LED BT ABS variant (₹1,01,934) comes with single-channel ABS. The two lower NS125 variants use CBS. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 does not offer ABS on any of its three variants and uses CBS throughout the range.
Both the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 and the Bajaj Pulsar 125 offer an identical warranty of 5 years / 75,000 km. This is one area where neither bike has an advantage over the other, and both provide excellent long-term coverage for daily commuters.