Quick Analysis
Aprilia SR 125
3.5 pts
Unweighted: 3 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Bajaj Pulsar NS160
26.5 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air-cooled | Oil-cooled |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 160.3 cc |
| Engine Type | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 3-valve | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, Twin Spark, DTS-i FI |
| Power | 10.11 PS @ 7300 rpm | 12.5 kW (17 PS) @ 9000 rpm |
| Torque | 10.33 Nm @ 5500 rpm | 14.6 Nm @ 7,250 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 6L | 12 L |
| Mileage | 40 kmpl | 40.36 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 118 | 152 |
| Seat Height | 780 | 804 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | No, CBS | Dual-channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc (220 mm) | Dual Channel ABS, 300 mm Disc |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork | 37 mm Upside Down (USD) Fork (130 mm travel) |
| Rear Brake | Drum (140 mm) | 230 mm Disc(ABS) |
| Rear Suspension | Mono-shock / Hydraulic Shock absorber | Nitrox Mono-shock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70-R14 | 100/80-17 Tubeless |
| Rear Tyre | 120/70-R14 | 130/70-17 Tubeless |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | H4 Blue Tinge (12V 55/60W), With AHO (Auto Headlamps On) |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V / 5 Ah | DC, 12V, 4 Ah VRLA |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Vibrant-Blue.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pearl-White-3.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Power-Red.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pewter-grey.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Strom-Grey.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wine-Red-3.avif |
| Cluster | Fully digital instrument cluster | Semi-digital LCD |
| Color Options | Power Red | #C1121F Storm Grey | #5A5A5A Vibrant Blue | #1E4ED8 Essence White | #F5F5F5 | Ebony Black | #1B1B1B Pearl Metallic White | #F1F1ED Cocktail Wine Red | #7A1023 Pewter Grey | #6A6D70 |
| Cons | More expensive than many 125cc scooters, making it a premium purchase. Under-seat storage is smaller than what some rivals offer. Torque and overall performance may feel limited for riders who often travel with a pillion or heavy luggage. Suspension can feel slightly firm for some riders, especially on very bad roads. Service network and parts availability may not be as widespread as mass-market brands. | Limited Top-End Performance – While strong in the mid-range, the motorcycle is not as exciting at higher RPMs as some performance-focused rivals. Engine Vibrations at Higher Speeds – Mild vibrations can become noticeable through the handlebar and footpegs during prolonged high-speed riding. Seat Comfort Could Be Better for Touring – The seat works well for commuting, but longer highway rides may feel tiring for some riders. Feature List Not Segment-Leading – Certain competitors offer Bluetooth connectivity, riding modes, TFT displays, or traction control systems. Pillion Comfort Is Average – The rear seat is usable for daily travel but may not feel ideal for extended two-up journeys. Wind Blast at Highway Speeds – As a naked street motorcycle, riders experience noticeable wind pressure at higher speeds. Gearbox Feel Could Be Smoother – Some riders report that gear shifts do not feel as refined as certain competitors in the segment. Headlamp Performance Could Be Better – While modern-looking, some users feel the headlamp throw could improve for highway night riding. |
| Detailed Overview | The Aprilia SR 125 is a 125cc scooter that focuses more on performance and handling than typical everyday scooters. It is powered by a 124.45 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces around 10.11 PS and 10.33 Nm, paired with a CVT automatic transmission. This setup gives it a slightly quicker and more responsive feel in city traffic. It can reach a top speed of around 90 km/h, which is in line with most scooters in this segment. One of the key differences is its 14-inch wheels, combined with wide tyres, which help improve stability and control while riding. The suspension setup includes telescopic forks at the front and a rear monoshock, which supports better handling but feels slightly firm on rough roads. Braking is handled by a front disc and a rear drum with a combined braking system. The scooter weighs around 118 kg and has a ground clearance of about 155 mm, which is manageable for most city conditions. It comes with a 6-litre fuel tank, and in real-world use, mileage usually falls between 35 to 40 km/l depending on riding conditions. In terms of features, the SR 125 gets a fully digital instrument cluster that shows basic information like speed, fuel level, and trip data. It also includes LED lighting elements, but does not offer advanced connectivity features. Practical aspects like under-seat storage are limited, and overall dimensions are compact enough for easy city use. The overall setup makes it feel more focused on riding experience and stability rather than comfort and utility. | The Pulsar NS160 has always felt slightly different from the average 160cc motorcycle, mainly because it borrows a lot from bigger street bikes instead of following the usual commuter-bike formula. Even today, the exposed perimeter frame, sharp tank shrouds, and underbelly exhaust give it a more mechanical and purposeful look than most motorcycles in its category. It does not look minimal or commuter-focused, and that visual character plays a big role in how the bike is perceived on the road. The motorcycle uses a 160.3cc single-cylinder engine with fuel injection and oil cooling. On paper, the numbers are fairly competitive for the segment, but the way the engine delivers power is more important than outright figures. Most of the usable performance sits in the mid-range, so the bike feels responsive in regular riding conditions like overtaking traffic, accelerating out of corners, or riding through open city roads. It does not chase extremely high top-end performance, but the engine feels energetic enough to keep the motorcycle engaging without becoming difficult to manage in daily use. A large part of the NS160’s identity comes from its chassis. Bajaj uses a perimeter frame instead of the simpler setups seen on many commuter motorcycles, and that changes the way the bike behaves while riding. The front end feels more planted while cornering, and the motorcycle remains fairly stable even when pushed harder than a typical city commuter usually would be. This is one of the reasons many riders still consider the NS160 one of the more enjoyable bikes in the segment from a handling perspective. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. The tuning is not especially soft, so the bike tends to feel firmer over rough roads and sharp potholes. On smoother roads, though, that same firmness helps the motorcycle feel controlled and stable. The wider tyres also contribute to that sense of grip and confidence, particularly while leaning into turns or riding at higher speeds. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends, and newer versions include dual-channel ABS. The braking feel is predictable during regular riding, and the addition of dual-channel ABS helps the motorcycle feel more secure during sudden braking situations, especially on wet or uneven surfaces. Despite the aggressive styling, the riding posture is not overly committed. The handlebar is positioned high enough to avoid putting excessive pressure on the wrists, and the seat height remains manageable for most riders. That balance makes the NS160 usable for everyday commuting while still retaining the slightly sporty feel the design suggests. The split-seat layout and compact tail section add to the visual appeal, although pillion comfort is average rather than especially spacious. The instrument console includes a digital display with information such as speed, fuel level, trip readings, and gear position indication. Recent updates have also added LED lighting and Bluetooth-based navigation support on certain variants, although the feature list remains less extensive than some newer competitors that focus heavily on connected technology. Overall, the NS160 feels more like a street motorcycle adapted for daily use than a commuter bike trying to look sporty. Its strongest points continue to be the chassis behaviour, mid-range performance, and the overall riding feel rather than outright specifications alone. |
| Expert Review | The Aprilia SR 125 is positioned as a sporty 125cc scooter in India, focusing more on performance and handling than basic commuting needs. Its 124.45 cc engine delivers slightly stronger acceleration compared to typical scooters in this segment, which suits riders looking for a more engaging ride in city conditions. The use of 14-inch wheels and a firm suspension setup gives it better stability on roads, though it can feel slightly stiff over rough surfaces. In terms of features, it remains fairly simple, with a digital display and essential functions rather than advanced connectivity options. Its design and riding posture are closer to a motorcycle-style feel, which appeals to younger riders but may not suit everyone looking for comfort-focused commuting. Practical aspects like storage space and mileage are average for the segment. Overall, its relevance in India comes from offering a different riding experience within the 125cc scooter category, rather than focusing purely on convenience or efficiency., 4.0, MotoAutiv Team | The Pulsar NS160 still feels like one of the more engaging motorcycles in the 160cc segment, mainly because of the way its chassis behaves. The perimeter frame gives the bike a planted feel through corners, and the steering remains predictable even when ridden aggressively in traffic or on twisty roads. Its 160cc oil-cooled engine performs best in the mid-range, where throttle response feels lively enough for quick overtakes and daily commuting, although the top-end performance is less exciting than some rivals. The riding position strikes a reasonable compromise between sporty and comfortable, so the motorcycle does not become tiring in regular use. Ride quality is slightly on the firmer side, especially over sharp bumps, but the suspension setup helps the bike feel stable at higher speeds. The NS160 also benefits from mature styling that still looks purposeful without appearing overly aggressive. At the same time, the feature list now feels simpler compared to newer competitors offering connectivity features and more advanced electronics., 4.3, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: Is the Aprilia SR 125 worth buying for city use in India? A: The Aprilia SR 125 works well in city traffic because of its quick acceleration and stable handling, but the ride can feel slightly stiff on bad roads. Q: Does the Aprilia SR 125 give good mileage in real-world conditions? A: In daily use, the Aprilia SR 125 usually delivers around 35–40 km/l, depending on traffic, riding style, and maintenance. Q: Is the Aprilia SR 125 comfortable for long rides? A: The Aprilia SR 125 is not mainly built for long rides, as the seat and suspension are on the firmer side, which can feel tiring over distance. Q: How is the service and maintenance of the Aprilia SR 125 in India? A: The Aprilia SR 125 may have higher maintenance costs compared to scooters like Activa, and service availability can be limited in smaller cities. Q: Does the Aprilia SR 125 have enough under-seat storage? A: The Aprilia SR 125 has limited under-seat storage, which may not fit a full-face helmet easily. Q: Is the Aprilia SR 125 good for beginners? A: The Aprilia SR 125 can be suitable for beginners, but its sharper throttle response feels slightly more aggressive than typical scooters. Q: How does the Aprilia SR 125 perform on bad roads? A: The Aprilia SR 125 handles well due to its bigger wheels, but the stiff suspension means bumps are more noticeable. Q: What are common issues reported with the Aprilia SR 125? A: Some users mention vibrations at higher speeds and slightly expensive spare parts in the Aprilia SR 125. Q: Is the Aprilia SR 125 better than other 125cc scooters? A: The Aprilia SR 125 offers better handling and a sportier feel, but it may fall behind in comfort, features, and practicality. Q: Who should consider buying the Aprilia SR 125? A: The Aprilia SR 125 suits riders who prefer a sporty riding feel over comfort and daily convenience. | Q: What is the engine capacity of the Bajaj Pulsar NS160? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 160.3cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, oil-cooled engine. Q: Is the Pulsar NS160 suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes. Its upright riding posture, manageable dimensions, and responsive mid-range performance make it practical for city riding. Q: What mileage does the Pulsar NS160 deliver? A: Most riders report real-world fuel efficiency between 40–50 kmpl, depending on riding style, traffic, and maintenance. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 have dual-channel ABS? A: Yes. Recent versions come equipped with dual-channel ABS. Q: Is the Pulsar NS160 beginner-friendly? A: Yes. The motorcycle's predictable handling and manageable power delivery make it approachable for riders upgrading from commuter motorcycles. Q: What is the top speed of the Pulsar NS160? A: Under suitable conditions, the motorcycle can reach approximately 115–120 km/h. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the NS160? A: The motorcycle comes with a 12-litre fuel tank. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 have Bluetooth connectivity? A: Selected newer variants offer Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation support. Q: How comfortable is the NS160 for long rides? A: The motorcycle can handle occasional highway rides comfortably, although the firmer suspension and compact seat may feel tiring over very long distances. Q: What type of motorcycle is the Pulsar NS160? A: It is classified as a streetfighter-style street motorcycle with sporty handling and commuter-friendly ergonomics. Q: How is the NS160 different from the Pulsar N160? A: The NS160 feels sportier and sharper in handling due to its perimeter frame and riding dynamics, while the N160 focuses more on refinement and everyday comfort. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 vibrate at high speeds? A: Mild vibrations can be felt at higher RPMs and sustained highway speeds, particularly through the handlebars and footpegs. Q: Is the NS160 good for college students and young riders? A: Many riders prefer it for its sporty styling, manageable performance, and relatively affordable running costs. Q: Does the Pulsar NS160 have LED lighting? A: Recent versions include LED lighting elements, though equipment may vary depending on the variant and model year. Q: Are spare parts and servicing easily available? A: Yes. Bajaj has a widespread dealership and service network across India, making maintenance and spare parts access relatively convenient. |
| Fuel System | Fuel-injected | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | hp.e | 111419 STD | 112543 | Single Channel | 122897 Dual Channel USD | 131305 |
| Pros | Sporty and premium design that stands out compared to regular 125cc scooters. Strong handling with a more motorcycle-like feel, giving confidence in corners and during quick lane changes. Comfortable riding posture with good ergonomics for both short commutes and longer weekend rides. Smooth and responsive engine thanks to liquid cooling and fuel injection. Disc brakes at both ends with CBS offer stable and predictable braking performance. Good suspension travel that handles rough city roads better than most scooters in this segment. Alloy wheels and wider tyres provide excellent grip and stability. | Strong Mid-Range Performance – The 160cc oil-cooled engine delivers responsive acceleration in the mid-range, making overtakes and urban riding feel effortless. Sharp Streetfighter Styling – Inspired by the larger NS-series motorcycles, the aggressive tank extensions, exposed perimeter frame, and muscular stance give the NS160 a sporty road presence. Good Handling Balance – The perimeter frame and suspension setup help the motorcycle feel stable while cornering and manageable in city traffic. Comfortable Riding Position – Despite its sporty appearance, the upright ergonomics and wide handlebar make it suitable for daily commuting and occasional longer rides. Refined Engine Character – The engine remains smooth through most of the rev range and provides predictable throttle response for everyday riding conditions. Dual-Channel ABS Availability – Recent versions include dual-channel ABS, improving braking confidence and safety during sudden stops. Good Ride Quality – The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections effectively without making the motorcycle feel overly soft. Value-Oriented Feature Package – LED lighting, digital instrumentation, and sporty hardware help the NS160 offer a modern specification list within the segment. |
| Starter | Kick + Self-start | Electric |
| Transmission | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
