Quick Analysis
Aprilia SXR 125
8.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
23.5 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air‑cooled | Air cooled |
| Displacement | 125 cc (exactly 124.45 cc) | 124.45 cc |
| Engine Type | Single‑cylinder, 4‑stroke, SOHC, 3‑valve, air‑cooled. | 4-Stroke, SOHC 4-Valve, Air Cooled, BSVI Compliant DTS-i Ei Engine |
| Power | 9.61 PS @ 7500 rpm | 11.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 10.19 Nm @ 5400 rpm | 11 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7 l | 12 L |
| Mileage | 40 kmpl | 50 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 129 | 145 |
| Seat Height | 775 mm | 805 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Yes | Single channel ABS with 3 ABS ride modes |
| Front Brake | 220 mm disc brake | 240 mm (CBS/CBS premium) and 260 mm (ABS) front disc |
| Front Suspension | Hydraulic double‑telescopic fork | Telescopic |
| Rear Brake | 140 mm drum brake | 130 mm Drum CBS |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic shock absorber | Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70‑12 | 90/90 - 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 120/70‑12 | 120/80 - 17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | Halogen Headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12 V, 5 Ah | 12V, 4Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sxr_125_inner_banner_black-scaled.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/blue-1.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sxr_125_inner_banner_white-scaled.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/red-1.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sxr_125_inner_banner_blue-scaled.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/peal-mettalic-white-1.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pewter-grey-3.avif |
| Bike Image 5 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/orange-1.avif |
| Cluster | Fully digital, LCD | — |
| Color Options | VIBRANT BLUE |#0479cc ESSENCE WHITE|#fafaf7 ENIGMA BLACK|#000000 POWER RED|#f2180c | Burnt Black | #1C1C1C Beach Blue | #4A7FA0 Burnt Red | #8B1A1A Pearl Mettalic white | #E8E8E6 Pewter Grey | #6E6E6E Fiery Orange | #F05A28 |
| Cons | The suspension can feel a bit firm, transmitting bumps from rough roads more noticeably. Fuel tank capacity and mileage are modest, which may limit long-distance rides without refueling. Service network and spare-part availability may be limited in smaller towns or rural areas. The price is higher than many other 125 cc scooters, which may not feel justified for all buyers. Ride comfort with a pillion or on uneven roads can feel less plush compared to softer-suspension scooters. | Not as refined as competitors Air-cooled engine limitation Stiff braking |
| Detailed Overview | Riding the SXR 125 feels like getting the practicality of a scooter with a bit of Italian flair and some thoughtful engineering under the sheet metal. Its heart is a 124.45 cc, single‑cylinder, 4‑stroke, SOHC engine — simple, air‑cooled and fuel‑injected — which gives a modest but reliable amount of power. On paper it makes around 9.6 PS at about 7,500 rpm and about 10.2 Nm of torque at around 5,400 rpm. In everyday traffic and city commutes, that translates into smooth, manageable acceleration: not a rocket, but enough to merge confidently into traffic, overtake slower vehicles, or cruise through busy streets without feeling underpowered. The automatic CVT transmission with belt drive and dry centrifugal clutch adds to that convenience — you don’t worry about shifting gears, you just twist the throttle and the scooter takes care of the rest, which makes daily stop‑and‑go riding effortless. What stands out is how the scooter balances its compact design with comfort and practicality. The frame is a tubular single‑cradle chassis, with a hydraulic double‑telescopic fork up front and a hydraulic shock absorber at the rear. Coupled with 12‑inch alloy wheels wrapped in 120/70‑12 tubeless tyres front and rear, the suspension‑tyre set‑up gives the SXR 125 a stable and planted feel for a 125 cc scooter. On good roads it rides with composure — not floaty, but controlled and predictable. On rough patches, broken tarmac or potholes, the ride can feel a bit firm, but that firmness also helps the scooter stay stable under load or when cornering. It’s a practical compromise between comfort and handling. When it comes to braking and safety, Aprilia opted for a 220 mm front disc brake and a 140 mm rear drum brake, linked by a Combi Braking System (CBS). That front disc gives reassuring bite, and the CBS helps distribute braking force to ensure stability when you need to stop quickly — useful in chaotic city traffic or when a pedestrian or vehicle suddenly crosses your path. While it doesn’t offer dual‑disc or ABS, the braking setup is decent for the scooter’s performance envelope and gives enough confidence for everyday use. Dimensionally, the SXR 125 strikes a balance between being compact enough for narrow lanes and roomy enough for comfortable rides. The length is about 1,963 mm, width about 803 mm and height about 1,205 mm, with a wheelbase of 1,361 mm. Seat height sits around 775–780 mm, which tends to be manageable for most riders, making it easy to flat‑foot at signals or in traffic. The kerb weight is roughly 128–129 kg — light enough for easy manoeuvring in tight traffic or parking spots, but with enough heft to feel stable at moderate speeds or when carrying a pillion. Fuel tank capacity is 7 litres (with a small reserve), which might sound small, but given the scooter’s modest engine and claimed fuel efficiency of about 40 km/l (actual mileage depends on riding style and traffic), a full tank still gives you a decent city‑range before needing a refill — handy for daily commuting or short errands. Aprilia has entrusted the SXR 125 with a set of practical yet modern features that make ownership smoother. The instrument console is fully digital, showing speed, fuel level, trip‑meter/odometer, and low‑fuel warning. There’s a USB charging port for devices — thoughtful if you rely on your phone for navigation or music — and other useful touches like a passenger footrest, grab‑rail and under‑seat storage that can fit daily‑use items. Lighting is all LED (headlight, tail / indicators), improving visibility during night rides and giving the scooter a more premium appearance. Starting is via both electric self‑start and kick‑start, which adds flexibility and reliability, especially in city conditions or if the battery is low. In real riding conditions, the SXR 125 feels like a practical, everyday machine that doesn’t ask for much from the rider. It’s easy to live with — easy to ride, easy to park, and easy to maintain. For a rider doing daily commuting, office runs, college rides or city errands, it covers the essentials: smooth engine, manageable power, stable handling, reliable brakes, decent fuel economy, and comfort. What you lose in high-speed grunt or heavy-duty touring capability, you gain in convenience, simplicity, and urban friendliness. If you’re someone riding through congested roads, tight parking spots, mixed-quality streets — perhaps overlapping with the kind of roads and traffic you’d find in many Indian cities — the SXR 125 feels well-suited. It doesn’t pretend to be a sports bike, but it offers a balanced package: easy to ride, practical to use, and dependable enough for daily use, with a bit of European styling and feature-level polish to make it stand out in the scooter crowd. | The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 is built as a smaller-capacity motorcycle within the NS (Naked Sport) lineup, combining a compact engine with a perimeter frame and design elements inspired by larger Pulsar models. At its core, the motorcycle is powered by a 124.45 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that uses a 4-valve SOHC configuration and fuel injection to manage combustion. This engine produces around 12 PS of power at 8500 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm, figures that are broadly in line with other motorcycles in the 125cc segment. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which allows the rider to shift through gears depending on speed and riding conditions. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a chain drive system, a common setup in motorcycles of this category. The overall powertrain is designed to provide a mix of usable power and efficiency for everyday riding scenarios. The NS125 is built on a perimeter frame, a structure that surrounds the engine and distributes loads around it during cornering and regular riding. This type of frame is derived from larger NS models. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock suspension, which work together to absorb road irregularities such as bumps and uneven surfaces. For braking, the motorcycle features a front disc brake and a rear drum brake, supported by a combined braking system (CBS). In some variants, a single-channel ABS setup is also available, depending on the configuration. The braking system is designed to distribute stopping force between the wheels to maintain balance during deceleration. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres, which are commonly used for road grip and ease of maintenance. This wheel setup contributes to maneuverability and stability in both city traffic and open roads. In terms of dimensions, the Pulsar NS125 has a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres, providing a riding range between refueling stops that depends on fuel consumption and riding conditions. The motorcycle has a kerb weight of around 145 kg and a seat height of approximately 805 mm. Ground clearance is around 178 mm, intended to provide clearance over uneven road surfaces and speed breakers. The instrument cluster on the NS125 is typically a semi-digital console, combining an analog tachometer with a digital display for speed, fuel level, and trip information. Some variants also include Bluetooth connectivity features, offering additional ride data and navigation-related functions through a connected device. Lighting components include a halogen or LED headlamp setup depending on variant, and an LED tail lamp, along with design elements such as the wolf-eyed headlamp styling and split grab rails. |
| Expert Review | Aprilia SXR 125 has striking maxi-scooter styling and excellent high-speed stability, but is frequently criticized for its stiff suspension, sluggish initial acceleration, and high price compared to feature-rich rivals., 3.5, MotoAutiv Team | The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 occupies an interesting position in the 125cc segment - it borrows the perimeter frame, monoshock rear suspension, and streetfighter styling from its larger NS siblings, which gives it a hardware advantage that most competitors at this price point simply cannot match on paper. In real-world city riding, the 124.45cc air-cooled engine delivers adequate performance for stop-and-go traffic and college commutes, though it begins to show its limitations above 80 km/h where vibrations become noticeable through the handlebar and footpegs. The claimed ARAI efficiency of 56+ km/l is optimistic, most owners report figures closer to 34–45 km/l under mixed riding conditions, which is decent but not exceptional for a 125cc motorcycle. The addition of single-channel ABS on the top variant is a genuinely meaningful safety feature for the segment, though the base and mid variants still make do with CBS, and the rear drum brake across all variants feels like a cost compromise that affects overall braking confidence. Build quality and finish are adequate for the price but fall short of what the sporty design aesthetic suggests, plastics feel thin in places and panel gaps are inconsistent on some units. At roughly ₹93,000–₹1,02,000 ex-showroom, the NS125 is reasonably positioned, but buyers willing to stretch their budget slightly will find the NS160 a considerably more complete motorcycle in terms of performance and refinement., 3.2, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine type? A: The engine is a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 3-valve, air-cooled unit. Q: What is the engine displacement? A: The displacement is 124.45 cc. Q: What is the power output? A: The power output is approximately 9.61 PS at 7,500 rpm. Q: What is the torque? A: The torque is about 10.19 Nm at 5,400 rpm. Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 40 km/l, depending on riding style and conditions. Q: What type of cooling system does it have? A: It has an air-cooled system. Q: What type of transmission does it use? A: The scooter comes with an automatic CVT. Q: What type of fuel system does it have? A: It uses electronic fuel injection with petrol. Q: What are the front and rear brakes? A: The front brake is a 220 mm disc, and the rear brake is a 140 mm drum. Q: Does it have ABS? A: It has a Combined Braking System (CBS), not ABS. Q: What is the front suspension? A: The front suspension is a hydraulic double-telescopic fork. Q: What is the rear suspension? A: The rear suspension is a hydraulic shock absorber. Q: What are the tyre sizes? A: Both front and rear tyres are 120/70-12, tubeless. Q: What type of wheels does it have? A: The scooter has 12-inch alloy wheels. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The kerb weight is approximately 129 kg. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 775 mm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 7 litres. Q: What type of headlight does it have? A: The scooter comes with an LED headlight, and the tail/indicator lights are also LED. Q: What type of starter does it have? A: It has both electric and kick start. Q: What type of instrument cluster does it have? A: It has a fully digital instrument panel displaying speed, fuel level, trip meter/odometer, and low-fuel warning. Q: Is the Aprilia SXR 125 suitable for city commuting? A: Yes, its compact size, automatic transmission, and manageable power make it ideal for urban traffic. Q: Does it have under-seat storage? A: Yes, there is under-seat storage for small items or a helmet. Q: Are there any charging options for devices? A: Some variants come with a USB charging port for phones or devices. | Q: What mileage can I expect from the NS125? A: The bike is reported to deliver around 45–55 km/l, depending on riding conditions, maintenance, and usage. Q: Is the NS125 good for daily commuting? A: Yes, it is generally considered suitable for daily commuting, due to its manageable power, relatively lightweight feel, and fuel efficiency. Q: Is the NS125 comfortable for long rides? A: It can handle short to medium rides comfortably, but for longer highway rides, higher-capacity motorcycles may offer more relaxed cruising ability. Q: What type of engine does the NS125 use? A: The NS125 uses a single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine, which is a straightforward setup compared to liquid-cooled engines found in higher-capacity NS models. |
| Fuel System | Petrol + Electronic fuel injection | Electronic Fuel injection |
| Price Variants | | 122642 | Standard | 92760 | Disc Brakes, Alloy Wheels, CBS, Halogen headlamp LED Bluetooth | 97409 | Disc Brakes, Alloy Wheels, CBS, LED headlamp LED Bluetooth - ABS | 102111 | Disc Brakes, Alloy Wheels, Single channel ABS, LED headlamp |
| Pros | The SXR 125 has a bold, muscular design that stands out on the road and gives it a premium look. Its engine and CVT setup deliver smooth, reliable performance for city commuting, handling stop-and-go traffic with ease. The handling feels stable and composed, with a chassis and tyre setup that keeps the scooter planted even at moderate speeds. Front disc and CBS rear braking provide confidence-inspiring stopping power in urban traffic conditions. Comfortable riding posture with a seat height that suits most riders, making it easier to ride for longer periods. The build quality and finish feel more premium than typical scooters, giving a sense of durability. | Sporty NS design and road presence Good performance for daily use Fuel-efficient engine Comfortable and easy to handle Value-for-money positioning |
| Starter | Kick + Electric | Kick and Self Start |
| Transmission | Automatic | 5 speed manual |
