Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar 125
13.0 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 390 Adventure
17.5 pts
Unweighted: 15 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air‑cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 124.4 cc | 398.63 |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, 2-Valve, Twin Spark BSVI Compliant Engine | 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, DOHC, Internal Combustion Engine |
| Power | 8.68 kW (11.8 PS) @ 8500 rpm | 46 PS @ 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 10.8 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 39 Nm @ 6500 RPM |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 L | 14.5 |
| Mileage | 51.46 Kmpl | 30 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | Split: 144 / Single: 146 | 182 |
| Seat Height | 795 | 830 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Switchable ABS |
| Front Brake | 240 mm Disc | Disc Front 320 mm 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | 30mm Telescopic forks | Adjustable (30 step Damping) - Inverted Telescopic Fork, 43 mm dia (open cartridge), Travel - 230 mm |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum | Disc Front 240 mm 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Hydraulic Suspension | WP Apex Split Piston, Travel - 230 mm |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 80/100 × 17 Tubeless | 90/90-21 |
| Rear Tyre | 100/90 × 17 Tubeless | 140/80-18 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Spoke |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | 12 V HS1 35/35 W | LED headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | DC, 12V, 4Ah VRLA | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/black-2.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM-390-Adventure_White.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cyan.avif | — |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/red-3.avif | — |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/gold.avif | — |
| Cluster | Fully Digital LCD | — |
| Color Options | Racing Red Tan Beige | #A50000, #C7A27C Black Race Red | #111111, #B00000 Black Cyan Blue | #111111, #00A3C7 Black Dark Grey | #111111, #5C6166 Black Gold | #111111, #B08D57 | Electronic Orange | #FF5F00 Ceramic White | #F2F2F2, #FF5F00 |
| Cons | The feature list feels basic compared to some newer 125cc motorcycles that offer fully digital displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and additional rider information. Engine vibrations become noticeable at higher RPMs and prolonged highway speeds. The motorcycle carries more weight than several competitors in the segment, which can make low-speed maneuvering feel slightly heavier. Rear suspension comfort can feel firm on badly broken roads, especially when riding solo. The design has evolved gradually over the years, so some buyers may find it less modern than newer rivals. Highway performance remains limited by the engine capacity, particularly when riding with a pillion or luggage at higher speeds. Lighting and instrumentation remain relatively simple on lower variants. | High Seat Height: The tall seat (830 mm or more) may be challenging for shorter riders to handle, especially when off-road. Vibrations: The single-cylinder engine can produce significant vibration at higher RPMs, which might reduce comfort on long rides. Wind Turbulence: Due to the slim fairing and windscreen design, riders can feel wind buffeting at high speeds. Limited Low-End Torque: While power is good, the engine’s torque at very low RPMs can feel a bit lacking, requiring frequent downshifts. Firm Suspension for City Use: The long-travel suspension is optimized for rougher roads but may feel harsh on smooth city streets. Electronics Complexity: With its rich electronics suite, it can be overwhelming for beginners or riders who prefer simplicity; also, more electronic components mean higher maintenance risk. Rear Seat Comfort: The pillion seat and footpeg position may not be very comfortable for long rides or standing on trails. Service Cost: Premium suspension, electronics, and design make its maintenance cost higher than typical commuter bikes. |
| Detailed Overview | The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is a motorcycle that combines the practicality of a commuter bike with styling elements that are usually associated with larger motorcycles. It is designed for riders who want a motorcycle for daily transportation but also prefer a sportier appearance and a slightly more engaging riding experience than a traditional commuter model. The bike carries the familiar Pulsar design language, including a muscular fuel tank, sporty graphics, split grab rails on selected variants, and body panels that give it a larger road presence than many motorcycles in the 125cc category. Power comes from a 124.4cc single-cylinder, air-cooled DTS-i engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The engine produces around 11.8 PS of power and 10.8 Nm of torque. The tuning focuses on providing a balance between fuel efficiency and usable performance. In city traffic, the motorcycle feels responsive enough for daily commuting, while the engine also has sufficient power for occasional highway rides. The 5-speed transmission helps maintain smoother engine operation at moderate cruising speeds and allows the rider to make better use of the available power across different road conditions. Fuel efficiency is one of the important aspects of the Pulsar 125. Under normal riding conditions, real-world mileage generally ranges between 50 and 60 km/l, depending on traffic, riding style, road conditions, and maintenance. The motorcycle is equipped with an 11.5-litre fuel tank, which provides a useful riding range and reduces the need for frequent fuel stops during daily commuting. The riding position is designed to balance comfort and control. The handlebar is positioned in a way that allows a slightly sporty feel without putting excessive pressure on the rider’s wrists. The footpegs and seat placement create a natural riding posture that works well for city riding as well as longer daily commutes. The seat is wide enough for both rider and pillion, and the overall ergonomics are intended to support regular use in different riding environments. Suspension duties are handled by telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers. The setup is tuned to absorb common road imperfections such as potholes, speed breakers, and uneven surfaces. This allows the motorcycle to remain comfortable during everyday riding while also maintaining stability on smoother roads. The chassis provides predictable handling characteristics, making the bike easy to maneuver in traffic and around corners at normal riding speeds. Braking performance depends on the variant selected. Higher variants are equipped with a front disc brake, while other versions use drum brakes. All variants use Combined Braking System (CBS), which helps distribute braking force between the front and rear wheels during braking. The motorcycle rides on alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres, which add convenience during punctures and routine maintenance. The instrument cluster combines analogue and digital elements. Riders can view information such as speed, fuel level, odometer readings, and other basic ride-related data. The layout remains straightforward and easy to read. Unlike some newer motorcycles in the segment, the Pulsar 125 does not focus heavily on connected technology or smartphone integration. The overall character of the motorcycle is shaped by its combination of commuter-friendly mechanics, sporty styling, practical ergonomics, and everyday usability. Its engine, suspension, braking system, and riding position are designed to handle regular commuting requirements while maintaining the visual identity associated with the Pulsar series. | The KTM 390 Adventure is a refined mid-sized adventure bike that skillfully balances on-road usability with real off-road capability, making it appealing for both everyday commuters and weekend explorers. The 2025 generation brings significant upgrades, including a more powerful 398.6-cc LC4c single-cylinder engine, which produces about 46 PS at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This increase in displacement over its predecessor provides smoother power delivery, better low-end grunt, and added reserve for spirited riding. One of the biggest draws of the 390 Adventure is its chassis and suspension setup, which is built to handle a variety of surfaces. It now runs on a 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel, both spoke-tubed, which improves its off-road capability. The front suspension is handled by WP APEX 43 mm USD forks with 200 mm of travel, while the rear gets a monoshock with 205 mm of travel, offering impressive compliance and control over rough terrain. Ground clearance has also been raised to 227 mm, giving it a more aggressive off-road stance. Despite its off-road chops, the 390 Adventure remains comfortable for everyday commuting and long-distance touring. Its seat height is lowered to 830 mm, making it more accessible for a wider range of riders. The ergonomic design includes an upright riding position, wide handlebars, and a well-padded seat, allowing for hours in the saddle without too much fatigue. Fuel capacity is 14.5 liters, which, when combined with its efficiency, gives it an impressive practical range — many riders estimate over 300 km on a full tank. Electronics are a highlight for this model. The 390 Adventure comes loaded with cornering ABS, switchable off-road ABS, traction control (MTC), ride-by-wire throttle, and several riding modes (such as Street, Rain, Off-road). It also includes a bi-directional quickshifter and slipper-assist clutch, making gear changes smoother and more seamless. The instrument cluster is a bright, 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity via KTM MY RIDE, allowing for turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and music control. On the road, the 390 Adventure excels with its agile frame and manageable weight (kerb weight is about 182 kg per KTM’s 2025 spec sheet), which contribute to confidence in both urban traffic and fast highway runs. The power delivery is linear yet responsive, making overtakes easy and enjoyable. Off-road, the bike’s long-travel suspension, tall wheels, and electronic aids allow it to tackle gravel, dirt trails, and light terrain with surprising competence. That said, there are some trade-offs. The fuel efficiency on real-world rides can be lower than claimed, especially when pushing hard or riding in mixed terrain: in a Team-BHP test, the observed economy dipped to ~20 km/l under aggressive or mixed usage. Also, some riders note that the seat could benefit from softer padding for very long rides, and wind protection is moderate despite the adjustable windscreen. In summary, the KTM 390 Adventure is a well-rounded and highly capable machine for riders who want an accessible, lightweight ADV that doesn’t compromise on performance or electronics. Whether you’re doing daily commuting, touring through highways, or exploring off-road trails, this bike gives you a compelling mix of versatility, modern tech, and genuine adventure DNA — all wrapped up in KTM’s signature ‘Ready to Race’ spirit. |
| Expert Review | he Bajaj Pulsar 125 takes the familiar Pulsar formula and adapts it for riders looking for everyday practicality with a slightly sportier feel than a conventional commuter bike. The 124.4cc engine delivers smooth low and mid-range performance, which suits city traffic and routine commuting, while still providing enough response for occasional highway use. What stands out most is how the motorcycle carries the visual proportions and road presence of a larger bike despite belonging to the 125cc category. The riding posture feels natural for daily use, and the suspension setup is tuned to balance comfort and stability across different road conditions. The motorcycle does not focus heavily on modern electronics or premium features, instead relying on straightforward mechanical simplicity and familiar riding characteristics. Engine refinement remains acceptable for regular use, though vibrations become more noticeable as speeds increase. The overall package is centered around everyday usability, balanced performance, and the established character associated with the Pulsar name., 4.3, MotoAutiv Team | The KTM 390 Adventure is powered by a 399cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing around 43–45 bhp and 37 Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox along with a slipper clutch and quickshifter. The engine delivers strong mid-range performance and builds speed quickly, making highway riding feel effortless, while in city conditions it needs more gear shifts to stay smooth. It uses a steel trellis frame with long-travel suspension, including USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, tuned more towards stability than softness, which works well on highways but can feel slightly firm on sharp bumps. The upright riding position, wide handlebar, and tall seat height (around 830–855 mm) give it a commanding stance, though shorter riders may find it difficult in traffic. Braking is handled by disc brakes with cornering ABS, offering controlled stopping performance. The bike also comes with features like traction control, riding modes, ride-by-wire throttle, and a TFT display with connectivity, while a 14.5-litre fuel tank, LED lighting, and windscreen support longer rides and varying road conditions., 4.4, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What engine does the Bajaj Pulsar 125 use? A: It is powered by a 124.4cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, DTS-i engine. Q: How much power does the Pulsar 125 produce? A: The engine produces approximately 11.8 PS of power and 10.8 Nm of torque. Q: What mileage does the Bajaj Pulsar 125 deliver? A: Real-world fuel efficiency generally ranges between 50–60 km/l depending on riding conditions and maintenance. Q: What is the top speed of the Pulsar 125? A: The motorcycle can reach an approximate top speed of around 100–105 km/h. Q: Is the Bajaj Pulsar 125 suitable for highway riding? A: Yes, it can handle occasional highway rides comfortably, although it is primarily designed for city commuting and everyday transportation. Q: Does the Pulsar 125 have a front disc brake? A: Yes, higher variants are equipped with a front disc brake, while some variants are available with drum brakes. Q: Does the Bajaj Pulsar 125 have ABS? A: No, the Pulsar 125 does not offer ABS. It uses CBS (Combined Braking System). Q: What suspension setup does the Pulsar 125 use? A: The motorcycle uses telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Pulsar 125? A: The motorcycle comes with a 11.5-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Bajaj Pulsar 125? A: Depending on the variant, kerb weight is approximately 140–142 kg. Q: Does the Pulsar 125 use tubeless tyres? A: Yes, all variants come equipped with tubeless tyres. Q: Is the Bajaj Pulsar 125 beginner-friendly? A: Yes, the motorcycle offers predictable power delivery, comfortable ergonomics, and manageable performance, making it suitable for new riders. Q: Does the Pulsar 125 have Bluetooth connectivity? A: No, the standard Pulsar 125 does not offer Bluetooth connectivity or smartphone integration. Q: What type of instrument cluster does the Pulsar 125 get? A: The motorcycle uses a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer and digital information display. Q: Is the Bajaj Pulsar 125 a commuter motorcycle or a sports bike? A: The Pulsar 125 is generally classified as a sporty commuter motorcycle. It combines commuter-bike practicality with styling and riding characteristics inspired by larger Pulsar models. | Q: What is the engine capacity, power & torque of the KTM 390 Adventure? A: The KTM 390 Adventure has a 373.2 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. In newer or updated versions, the displacement is ~398.6 cc, producing 46 PS and 39 Nm of torque. Q: What kind of transmission does KTM 390 Adventure use? A: The bike uses a 6-speed gearbox. Q: What’s the fuel tank capacity and how much fuel can KTM 390 Adventure carry? A: The 390 Adventure has a 14.5-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the seat height & ground clearance of KTM 390 Adventure? A: The standard seat height is 830 mm (or 855 mm on some variants) per the spec sheet. The ground clearance is about 200 mm. Q: What suspension setup does the 390 Adventure have? A: It is equipped with WP APEX 43 mm USD front forks and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear. Q: What are the braking systems and ABS features available in KTM 390 Adventure? A: The bike uses 320 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc. For safety, it comes with cornering ABS and off-road ABS mode. Q: What rider aids / electronics does the 390 Adventure come with? A: It features motorcycle traction control (MTC) with a 3D IMU, switchable ABS, a ride-by-wire throttle, and riding modes. Bajaj Auto It also has a slipper-assist clutch. Q: What kind of instrument cluster is fitted on the 390 Adventure? A: The bike comes with a 5-inch TFT display that shows information like speed, trip, fuel, gear position, and more. Q: Is the 390 Adventure suitable for touring and off-road use? A: Yes, with its long-travel suspension (170 mm front, 177 mm rear), decent ground clearance, and off-road ABS mode, it is designed to handle light to moderate off-road trails as well as long touring trips. Q: What is the kerb weight of the KTM 390 Adventure? A: The kerb (or wet) weight is around 183 kg according to Autocar India. Q: What is the mileage (fuel efficiency) of the 390 Adventure? A: According to Autocar India, the 390 Adventure’s claimed mileage is around 30 km/l. Some real-world riders report similar or slightly varied fuel efficiency. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Seat | 92170 Split Seat | 94229 Neon Single Seat | 107675 | R | 378405 STD | 397235 |
| Pros | The 124.4cc engine offers stronger performance than most basic commuter motorcycles, making overtakes and daily city riding feel easier without significantly affecting fuel efficiency. The motorcycle retains the familiar Pulsar design language, giving it a larger and more muscular appearance than many other bikes in the 125cc segment. Ride quality is well balanced for everyday use. The suspension setup handles potholes, speed breakers, and uneven roads reasonably well while maintaining stability at regular commuting speeds. The riding position strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness. The handlebar and footpeg placement allow comfortable daily commuting without feeling overly upright or aggressive. Fuel efficiency remains practical for daily use, with real-world mileage generally ranging between 50–60 km/l depending on riding conditions. The front disc brake variant provides better stopping confidence than many entry-level commuter motorcycles that rely entirely on drum brakes. Spare parts availability, service network reach, and maintenance costs are generally manageable due to the widespread presence of the Pulsar lineup across India. The motorcycle feels stable at moderate highway speeds compared to many lightweight commuter-focused alternatives. | Excellent Power-to-Weight Ratio: Its 373 cc engine delivers strong performance while keeping the bike relatively light, ideal for both touring and trails. Advanced Electronics Suite: Equipped with features like traction control, cornering ABS, quickshifter, and ride modes, a very modern setup. Long-Travel Suspension: WP APEX USD forks and a quality monoshock offer good suspension travel and ride comfort on rough terrain. High Ground Clearance: Good off-road capability thanks to its significant ground clearance (around 200 mm). Off-Road-Friendly Braking: Supermoto ABS mode lets you lock the rear wheel slightly helpful on dirt or gravel. Long Range for Touring: A reasonably large fuel tank combined with good fuel efficiency enables long-distance road trips. Comfortable Ergonomics: Upright seating, tall handlebars, and good seat height make it comfortable for long rides and standing on trails. Strong Build Quality: Solid trellis frame and quality components make the bike robust and durable for adventure use. |
| Starter | Electric & Kick | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 5‑speed | 6 Speed Manual |
