A Fresh Proposition

The Bajaj Pulsar N125 brings a breath of fresh air into the hotly contested 125-cc sporty commuter segment. We ride it on a go-kart track in Pune.

- Charan Karthik

THE BAJAJ PULSAR brand is deeply rooted into the minds of each and every gearhead in the country. Most of us have been attracted towards at least one Pulsar in our lives. If I was asked about my favourite Pulsar, it would be the OG Pulsar of the early 2000s, eyes closed. I still remember the time when Bajaj moved from circular headlights to the triangular headlights that had the plastic fairing around them. Later, Bajaj phased out the wire-spoke wheels and introduced the alloy ones. So, a new Pulsar being launched is always a moment I look forward to and this one was no different.

Bajaj now have a Pulsar that will suit every single one of us, literally. The Pulsar range now consists of 13 different motorcycles from the standard Pulsar 125 to the powerful Pulsar NS400Z. The latest one to join the range is the N125. When I mention it's new, I mean it's all-new. It gets a new frame, new pieces of design and styling bits, and a new 125-cc engine.

Personally, I always look forward to first ride experiences and the excitement arose even more when we got to ride the Pulsar N125 on a go-kart track. Since the bike is a sporty commuter, factors such as accessibility, dimensions, and ease of use are all on the positive side. For instance, the seat height of the N125 is 795 millimetres and I could easily flat-foot it. It also is an incredibly thin and light bike; it weighs just 125 kilograms (kerb) and its beefiest part is its front, especially the fuel-tank and the shrouds on it.

An aggressive design language has been adopted and sharp lines run all through the Pulsar's body like the elongated beak-like LED headlights and a tail that seems like it's been stretched out a bit.