At first glance, you might look at the new generation Bajaj Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150 and think, “Wait, isn’t this just the classic Pulsar?”. You wouldn’t be wrong about the exterior styling, but beneath the familiar tank shape and bikini fairing lies an entirely overhauled motorcycle.
We took both the new Pulsar 125 and 150 out through the busy streets of Pune to see if modern mechanical updates has preserved the iconic Pulsar DNA or does it feel like an entirely new bike.
The Design: Why Keep the Classic “OG” Looks?
Bajaj made an intentional design choice here. In Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets across India, the original silhouette of the Pulsar is still revered as a dream bike. Entire generations grew up wanting that distinct stance, and Bajaj chose to honour that nostalgic equity rather than completely reinvent the aesthetic.
Essentially, the Pulsar range sticks to the OG design and feel, the Pulsar N series of motorcycles offer more performance but still keeping practicality in mind. And the Pulsar NS range goes all out when it comes to performance, but in true Bajaj style still keeps things pocket friendly.
What Stays:
- The signature muscular fuel tank shape.
- The classic headlight cowl profile.
- Clip-on handlebars and familiar, comfortable ergonomics.
What’s New:
- All-LED Headlamps: Giving the classic face a crisper, more modern night signature.
- Subtle Tail Lamp Redesign: Freshened up while keeping the recognizable twin-strip vibe.
- New Colour TFT Display: Sharp and easily legible even under harsh midday sunlight.
- Tech Additions: The top-spec Pulsar and 125/150 gets an LCD display and Google Maps screen mirroring and a tightly sealed, weatherproof USB-C charging port right at the front console.
What’s Under the Skin?
While the classic bikes relied on engineering concepts and materials choices that date back over two decades, the 2026 update re-engineers the platform from the ground up:
- Stressed-Member Chassis: Unlike the older bikes that used a conventional double cradle frame, the new platform integrates the engine as a stressed member, which help with massive weight savings. The new 125 is almost 15 kgs lighter while the new 150 is 9 kgs lighter.
- Friction-Reducing Piston Coating: The internal pistons now feature specialized low-friction coatings commonly reserved for larger capacity engines, engineered to prolong piston ring life and maximize thermal efficiency.
- Cooling Differences: The Pulsar 150 receives a front-mounted oil air cooler, whereas the 125 relies on air cooling to manage its lower thermal output.
Riding the Pulsar 125: Refined, Peppy City Commuter
Swinging a leg over the 125, the upright yet slightly engaged riding position feels natural. At 5’11”, there is plenty of room, with relaxed elbows and comfortable natural knee positions.
- Engine Refinement: The biggest takeaway is how smooth and quiet the new powertrain runs. It may lack high-speed punch on open highways, but within city traffic, it feels light, responsive, and surprisingly peppy off the line.
- Gearbox: Crisp and positive gear shifts up and down, offering a reassuring physical click with zero second-guessing.
- Ride & Handling: The front telescopic forks are set up plush and soft, swallowing Pune’s potholes effortlessly. The rear monoshock/suspension is tuned slightly firmer—which keeps it from bottoming out when carrying a pillion. It feels remarkably flickable when filtering through bumper-to-bumper congestion.
- The Pulsar 125 should return close to 50 kmpl real world mileage while the Pulsar 150 should return close to 45 kmpl real world mileage.
Riding the Pulsar 150: The True “OG” Grunt Returns
Switching over to the Pulsar 150 immediately reveals the extra character. While it shares the same platform architecture and refined nature as the 125, that 25cc displacement difference packs a noticeably bigger punch.
- Sound & Character: While the 125 sounds gentle at idle, the 150 brings back that deep, bassy exhaust rumble that defined the original Pulsar generation.
- Tractable Performance: The low-end torque is substantial better than the 125. Even if you get caught in a gear too high, the engine pulls cleanly without knocking or stuttering. Bajaj claims 85% of torque is available from 3000 RPM and that really shows.
- Highway & Wet Manners: Sprints from 0 to 80 km/h feel punchy, and the bike can easily cruise at 80 km/h in top gear with enough in reserve for overtakes. Even in heavy rain, tire grip and front single-channel ABS with rear disc braking inspire high confidence on slick tarmac.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature / Metric | Pulsar 125 new gen | Pulsar 150 new gen |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Oil-cooled |
| Exhaust Note | Muted, intake-dominated roar | Deeper, traditional Pulsar bass |
| Display Features | High-contrast Colour TFT(Base) | TFT with Google Maps mirroring |
| Charging | Optional in Base variant | USB-C Port standard |
| Braking | Commuter brake setup (Combi) | Single-Channel ABS |
| Best Suited For | Pure mileage & budget city commuting | Still mileage centric but more engaging |
The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If your priority is purely budget, low initial purchase cost, and maximum fuel economy, the Pulsar 125 is an exceptionally refined, comfortable city commuter.
However, if you are on the fence, spend the extra money and get the Pulsar 150.
The marginal price and mileage gap are heavily outweighed by the 150’s extra low-end torque, bass-heavy exhaust note and USB-C port. While a rider might outgrow the output of the 125 after a year, the Pulsar 150 retains that timeless mechanical soul that will keep you grinning on your daily commute.
Pulsar 150 image gallery
Pulsar 125 image gallery
