The entry-level sports bike segment in India is flooded with options, but some models really stand out. One such contender is the Pulsar NS 125, a bike designed to offer sporty looks, commendable performance, and an affordable price. With the growing competition among bikes under ₹1 lakh, it is natural to wonder if the Pulsar NS 125 really deserves the title of the best bike in this category. Let’s dig deeper into its design, performance, features, and more.

Pulsar NS 125 Design and Style

The Pulsar NS 125 carries forward the sporty DNA of its elder siblings in the Pulsar NS lineup. Its aggressive styling, sharp lines and sleek body panels make it an imposing bike on the road.

The signature wolf-eyed headlamp gives it a bold front profile.
The muscular fuel tank with 3D logo adds to its sporty appeal.
The dual-tone colour scheme further enhances its premium feel.

Compared to its rivals like the Hero Glamour Xtec or the Honda SP 125, the Pulsar NS 125 undoubtedly offers a more imposing presence on the road.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Pulsar NS125 is powered by a 124.45cc BS6-compliant engine that churns out 11.8 PS of power at 8500 RPM and 11 Nm of torque at 7000 RPM.

The engine offers smooth power delivery, making it perfect for city commutes.
Despite being a 125cc bike, it has a punchy throttle response, making it fun to ride.

The Pulsar NS 125 has a top speed of around 100 kmph, a feature that sets it apart in its class. Its 5-speed gearbox ensures seamless gear shifts, offering both comfort and performance.

Features and technology

When it comes to features, the Pulsar NS 125 comes equipped with:

A semi-digital instrument cluster that provides essential information such as speed, fuel level and trip details.
Nitrox mono-shock suspension for great ride quality.
CBS (Combined Braking System) for better safety during braking.

While some competitors offer fully digital consoles, the Pulsar NS 125 balances affordability with essential features, making it a practical choice.

Is Pulsar NS 125 the best bike under ₹1 lakh?

—

Fuel efficiency and maintenance

One of the main considerations for buyers in this price range is mileage. The Pulsar NS 125 offers an impressive fuel efficiency of around 50-55 kmpl depending on the riding conditions.

Maintenance costs are moderate, with Bajaj’s extensive service network ensuring easy availability of spare parts.
Regular servicing keeps the bike in top condition without putting a strain on your pocket.

Price and value for money

Pulsar NS 125 is priced at around ₹99,700 (ex-showroom), making it available at a price of just under ₹1 lakh.

It offers a blend of performance, style and affordability, making it a value for money proposition.
Compared to bikes like the TVS Raider and Honda SP 125, the Pulsar NS 125 offers a sporty option without compromising on practicality.

Pros and cons

Pros:

Sporty and aggressive design.
Responsive engine with decent top-end performance.
Comfortable ride quality with mono-shock suspension.
Fuel-efficient for daily commute.

Cons:

Lack of advanced features like ABS.
The semi-digital console feels a bit dated compared to rivals.

Competitive Analysis

The Pulsar NS 125 faces stiff competition from bikes like the Hero Glamour Xtec, Honda SP 125 and TVS Raider.

Hero Glamour Xtec: Offers better mileage, but lacks the sporty appeal of the Pulsar NS 125.
Honda SP 125: Known for its refinement, but falls short on aggressive design.
TVS Raider: Packs advanced features, but is priced a bit higher.

In terms of balance between performance, design and affordability, the Pulsar NS 125 holds its ground firmly.

Is this the best bike under ₹1 lakh?

After analysing all the aspects of the Pulsar NS 125, it is clear that this bike suits the buyer in many ways:

Sporty design.
Reliable performance.
Affordable ownership cost.

While it has some limitations, its overall package makes it a strong contender for the best bike under ₹1 lakh, especially for young riders and daily commuters looking for style and performance.

–

Final Thoughts

The Pulsar NS 125 brings the legacy of the Pulsar brand to the 125cc segment by combining style, performance, and practicality. If you are looking for a sporty, fuel-efficient, and budget-friendly bike, the Pulsar NS 125 is definitely worth considering.