At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Hero Super Splendor XTEC
- 124.7 cc Air-Cooled, 2-valve
- 10.8 PS @ 7500 rpm
- 69 km/l (ARAI)
- 12-litre tank
- 2 variants available
- Bluetooth on all variants
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
- Sporty Pulsar design & 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Hero Super Splendor XTEC | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 124.7 cc | 124.38 cc |
| Cooling System | Air-Cooled | Air-Cooled |
| Max Power | 10.8 PS @ 7500 rpm | 11.8 PS @ 8500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 10.6 Nm @ 6000 rpm | 10.8 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 | 2 |
| Spark Plugs | 1 | 2 per cylinder |
| Compression Ratio | 9.9 : 1 | 10.05 ± 0.3 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 52.4 × 57.8 mm | 52.0 × 58.6 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 (OBD2B) | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | 95 km/h | ~100 km/h |
| Riding Modes | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (ARAI) | 69 km/l | 57 km/l |
| Mileage (Real-world) | 55–60 km/l | 45–50 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 12 litres | 15 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 1.0 litre | 2.5 litres |
| Riding Range | ~750–820 km | ~700+ km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | CBS | CBS |
| Front Brake | Drum (130 mm) / Disc (240 mm) | Disc – 240 mm (all variants) |
| Rear Brake | Drum – 130 mm | Drum – 130 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 80/100-18 / 100/80-18 | 80/100-17 / 100/90-17 |
| Wheel Size | 18-inch alloy | 17-inch alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Hydraulic | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | 5-step Adjustable Hydraulic | Twin Gas Shock |
| Chassis | Tubular Double Cradle | Tubular Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 122–123 kg | 144–146 kg |
| Seat Height | 793 mm | 790 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1267 mm | 1320 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2045 × 740 × 1110 mm | 2055 × 755 × 1060 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Digital (all variants) | Semi-Digital / Digital (variant dependent) |
| Headlight | LED (all variants) | Halogen / LED (variant dependent) |
| DRLs | Yes (all variants) | No |
| Brake / Tail Light | LED | LED |
| Hazard Warning Lights | No | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes (all variants) | Yes (Carbon Fibre variants only) |
| Call & SMS Alerts | Yes (all variants) | Yes (select variants) |
| USB Charging Port | Yes (all variants) | Yes (Carbon Fibre variants only) |
| Distance to Empty | Yes | Yes |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Tachometer | No | No |
| Service Reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Clock | Yes | Yes |
| Side Stand Engine Cut-off | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹82,876 | ₹82,420 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹86,611 | ₹92,691 |
| Number of Variants | 2 | 3 |
| Standard Warranty | 5 Years / 70,000 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
Super Splendor XTEC Variants
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Significantly better ARAI mileage — 69 km/l vs 57 km/l
- Bluetooth and USB charging on all variants including base
- LED headlamp and DRLs on all variants
- Fully digital console on all variants
- Distance-to-empty indicator standard
- Lighter by ~21–24 kg (122–123 kg vs 144–146 kg)
- Better ground clearance at 180 mm vs 165 mm
- 5-step adjustable rear suspension
- Competitive starting price (₹82,876)
- Lower top variant price (₹86,611 vs ₹92,691)
- 5-year / 70,000 km warranty
Cons
- Lower peak power (10.8 PS vs 11.8 PS)
- Less torque (10.6 Nm vs 10.8 Nm)
- Smaller 12-litre tank (vs 15 litres)
- Only 2 variants — limited flexibility
- Conservative commuter styling
- No hazard warning lights
- Drum front brake on base variant
- Shorter warranty coverage (70,000 km vs 75,000 km)
Pros
- Higher peak power — 11.8 PS @ 8500 rpm
- More torque at 10.8 Nm @ 6500 rpm
- Twin spark plug setup for responsive performance
- Disc brake on all 3 variants including base
- Larger 15-litre fuel tank
- Wider rear tyre (100/90-17) for better grip
- Higher top speed (~100 km/h)
- Sporty muscular Pulsar design
- Lowest starting price at ₹82,420
- Outstanding 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
- Longer 1320 mm wheelbase for highway stability
Cons
- Much lower mileage (57 km/l vs 69 km/l ARAI)
- Significantly heavier at 144–146 kg
- Bluetooth only on top 2 Carbon Fibre variants
- USB charging not on base Neon variant
- Halogen headlamp and no DRLs on base variant
- Semi-digital console on base variant
- Lower ground clearance (165 mm)
- No ABS option on any variant
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine Character
Both bikes use similar 124–125 cc air-cooled, 2-valve engines, but with very different tuning philosophies. The Super Splendor XTEC is optimised for efficiency at 10.8 PS, making it smooth and frugal in city traffic. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is tuned for performance at 11.8 PS @ 8500 rpm with a twin spark plug setup and higher compression ratio, giving it a noticeably more spirited, rev-happy character. The Pulsar 125 feels more alive when pushed, while the XTEC delivers relaxed, predictable power.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The Super Splendor XTEC leads decisively on mileage — 69 km/l ARAI vs 57 km/l for the Pulsar 125, a difference of over 21%. Real-world figures are approximately 55–60 km/l vs 45–50 km/l. However, the Pulsar 125's significantly larger 15-litre tank (vs 12 litres) partially compensates, giving it a comparable estimated range of ~700+ km. The XTEC still edges ahead at ~750–820 km on a full tank, and will require less frequent fuel stops in practice.
Connectivity & Features
The Super Splendor XTEC wins clearly on accessible connectivity. Bluetooth, USB charging, LED headlamp, DRLs, and a fully digital console are standard on all variants including the base drum brake. The Pulsar 125's base Neon variant at ₹82,420 has a semi-digital console, halogen headlamp, no DRLs, no Bluetooth and no USB charging — these features only appear on the Carbon Fibre variants at ₹90,670 and above. For feature accessibility at lower prices, the XTEC wins convincingly.
Weight & Ground Clearance
The Super Splendor XTEC is dramatically lighter at 122–123 kg versus the Pulsar 125's 144–146 kg — a difference of up to 24 kg. This is a very significant gap that makes the XTEC far more manageable at low speeds and in tight city conditions. The XTEC also has superior ground clearance at 180 mm vs 165 mm. The Pulsar 125 counters with a longer 1320 mm wheelbase for better highway stability, and wider 100/90-17 rear tyres for more planted cornering feel.
Braking
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 has a disc brake on all three variants — even the base Neon at ₹82,420 comes with a 240 mm front disc. The Super Splendor XTEC's base drum variant needs an upgrade to the ₹86,611 disc variant for front disc brakes. However, both bikes only offer CBS (no ABS), and the rear brake is a 130 mm drum on both. If front disc braking matters at the lowest price point, the Pulsar 125 has the edge.
Warranty & Value
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 has a marginally better warranty at 5 years / 75,000 km vs the XTEC's 5 years / 70,000 km. Both bikes start at nearly identical prices (₹82,420 vs ₹82,876 — a difference of just ₹456), but the XTEC's top variant at ₹86,611 is ₹6,080 cheaper than the Pulsar 125's top variant at ₹92,691. The XTEC delivers its full connected feature set within a tighter, more affordable price band.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Super Splendor XTEC if…
- Fuel economy is a top priority — 69 km/l saves significant fuel costs daily
- Bluetooth and USB charging from the base variant matter
- LED headlamp and DRLs are important to you at any price point
- A lighter bike (122–123 kg) makes daily city riding easier
- Better ground clearance (180 mm) is useful on your roads
- You want a compact, affordable connected commuter with strong range
- Lower top variant cost (₹86,611) fits your budget better
Buy the Bajaj Pulsar 125 if…
- More power (11.8 PS) and a sportier riding character matter to you
- You want a front disc brake on every variant including the base
- Sporty Pulsar styling and a muscular road presence appeal to you
- A 15-litre tank gives you the comfort of fewer fuel stops
- The 5-year / 75,000 km warranty gives maximum long-term coverage
- Wider rear tyres and a longer wheelbase suit your riding style
- You're comfortable upgrading to a Carbon Fibre variant for connectivity
Overall: Two very different 125cc bikes at nearly the same price. The Hero Super Splendor XTEC is the better daily commuter for most riders — dramatically better fuel efficiency (69 vs 57 km/l), a much lighter chassis, Bluetooth and LED lighting on all variants, better ground clearance, and a more affordable price range (₹82,876–₹86,611). The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is the right pick if you want more power, spirited performance, a front disc on every variant, the iconic Pulsar design, a larger tank and a marginally stronger warranty at a similar entry price. Choose the XTEC for efficient daily commuting; choose the Pulsar 125 for a more engaging, sporty experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Hero Super Splendor XTEC is better for most daily commuters who want superior mileage (69 km/l), a lighter bike, Bluetooth connectivity from base, LED lighting and better ground clearance within a tighter price band. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is better if you want more power (11.8 PS), a sporty character, a front disc on every variant, a larger 15-litre tank and the iconic Pulsar style at a nearly identical starting price.
The starting prices are almost identical: Bajaj Pulsar 125 at ₹82,420 and Hero Super Splendor XTEC at ₹82,876 — a difference of just ₹456. However, the XTEC tops out at ₹86,611 while the Pulsar 125's top Carbon Fibre Split Seat LED variant reaches ₹92,691 — a gap of ₹6,080 at the top end. Both prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
The Hero Super Splendor XTEC has significantly better ARAI mileage at 69 km/l versus the Bajaj Pulsar 125's 57 km/l — a difference of 12 km/l or about 21%. Real-world figures are approximately 55–60 km/l for the XTEC vs 45–50 km/l for the Pulsar 125. The Pulsar 125 partially compensates with a larger 15-litre tank, but the XTEC's estimated range of ~750–820 km still edges ahead.
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 makes more power at 11.8 PS @ 8500 rpm compared to the Hero Super Splendor XTEC's 10.8 PS @ 7500 rpm. The Pulsar 125 also produces marginally more torque at 10.8 Nm vs 10.6 Nm. Its twin spark plug engine gives it a more performance-oriented feel and a higher top speed of ~100 km/h versus ~95 km/h for the XTEC.
Yes, the Hero Super Splendor XTEC offers Bluetooth with call and SMS alerts on both its drum and disc variants — including the base drum variant at ₹82,876. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 offers Bluetooth only on its two higher Carbon Fibre variants at ₹90,670 and ₹92,691; the base Neon variant at ₹82,420 does not have Bluetooth connectivity.
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 has a marginally better warranty at 5 years or 75,000 km compared to the Hero Super Splendor XTEC's 5 years or 70,000 km. Both bikes offer the same 5-year duration, but the Pulsar 125 covers 5,000 km more — a minor but relevant advantage for very high-mileage commuters who ride 15,000–20,000 km per year.