Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar 125
12.5 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TVS Apache RTR 180
17.0 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air‑cooled | Oil-cooled |
| Displacement | 124.4 cc | 177.4 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, 2-Valve, Twin Spark BSVI Compliant Engine | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SI, fuel-injected |
| Power | 8.68 kW (11.8 PS) @ 8500 rpm | 17.13 PS @ 9000 rpm |
| Torque | 10.8 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 15.5 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 L | 12 L |
| Mileage | 51.46 Kmpl | 45 |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | Split: 144 / Single: 146 | 140 |
| Seat Height | 795 | 790 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Single-channel ABS (Super-Moto) |
| Front Brake | 240 mm Disc | 270 mm dia Petal Disc |
| Front Suspension | 30mm Telescopic forks | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum | 200 mm dia Petal Disc |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Hydraulic Suspension | Monotube inverted gas-filled shock (MIG) with spring aid |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 80/100 × 17 Tubeless | 90/90–17 tubeless |
| Rear Tyre | 100/90 × 17 Tubeless | 120/70–17 tubeless |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy wheels |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | 12 V HS1 35/35 W | Halogen HS1 35/35 W with AHO + LED position lamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | DC, 12V, 4Ah VRLA | 12 V, 6 Ah MF |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/black-2.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/white.jpeg |
| 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 | Digital console with SmartXonnect (Bluetooth, ride modes, GTT) |
| 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 | Gloss Black | #111111 Pearl White | #F2F2EE |
| 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. | The engine still produces noticeable vibrations at higher RPMs and highway cruising speeds, especially compared to more refined rivals. The design has not changed drastically over the years, so some riders may find it visually dated compared to newer streetfighters in the segment. Fuel efficiency is lower than most 160cc commuter motorcycles, particularly when the bike is ridden aggressively. The gearbox can feel slightly less refined compared to some Japanese competitors in the segment. The riding posture is sporty enough to feel slightly tiring during long-distance touring or extended city traffic rides. The bike faces strong competition from newer motorcycles offering more modern platforms, lighter chassis setups, and improved refinement. |
| 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 TVS Apache RTR 180 is positioned as a sporty street motorcycle that focuses on strong acceleration, responsive handling, and an engaging riding experience while still remaining practical enough for everyday use. It is powered by a 177.4cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The engine produces around 17 bhp and 15.5 Nm of torque, giving the motorcycle a strong mid-range performance that becomes especially noticeable during overtakes and highway riding. Power delivery feels energetic across the rev range, and the engine responds quickly to throttle inputs, which adds to the motorcycle’s sporty character. The RTR 180 also includes riding modes such as Sport, Urban, and Rain mode. Sport mode allows the engine to deliver its full performance potential, while Urban and Rain modes soften throttle response slightly to improve control in traffic or wet road conditions. This setup helps the bike adapt to different riding environments and adds a more modern feel to the overall package. In terms of design, the motorcycle follows the aggressive streetfighter styling approach seen across the Apache lineup. Sharp tank extensions, muscular body panels, LED tail lamps, and sporty graphics give the bike a strong road presence without making the design feel excessively bulky. The riding posture balances sportiness and practicality reasonably well, with a slightly forward-leaning stance that still remains manageable for daily commuting. The chassis and suspension setup contribute significantly to the bike’s riding behavior. The double cradle Synchro STIFF chassis provides stability during cornering and higher-speed riding, while the suspension setup is tuned to maintain a balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort. The front uses telescopic forks, while the rear receives a Monotube Inverted Gas-filled suspension. This combination helps the motorcycle remain stable during quick direction changes while also absorbing uneven roads and potholes reasonably well. Braking duties are handled by petal disc brakes at both ends along with single-channel ABS. The motorcycle uses a 270 mm front disc and a 200 mm rear disc setup, offering predictable stopping performance during city riding as well as highway use. Alloy wheels and tubeless tyres further improve practicality and grip, with the wider rear tyre helping maintain stability during cornering and acceleration. The fully digital instrument cluster adds several modern features to the motorcycle. Higher variants support TVS SmartXonnect connectivity, which includes Bluetooth pairing, navigation assist, call alerts, ride statistics, and lap timer functions. These additions help the RTR 180 stay competitive against newer motorcycles in the segment while improving convenience for everyday riders. In terms of dimensions, the motorcycle weighs around 140 kg and comes with a 12-litre fuel tank. The seat height remains accessible for most riders, helping maintain confidence during traffic conditions and low-speed maneuvering. Fuel efficiency generally stays around 40–45 km/l depending on riding conditions and throttle usage, which keeps the motorcycle practical enough for regular commuting despite its sporty tuning. Overall, the TVS Apache RTR 180 combines strong engine performance, sporty handling characteristics, modern riding features, and everyday usability into a motorcycle designed mainly for riders who prefer a more performance-oriented riding experience within the street motorcycle segment. |
| 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 TVS Apache RTR 180 feels like a motorcycle that still carries an old-school sporty character in a segment that has become increasingly refined and feature-focused. The 177.4cc engine has a strong mid-range punch, and the bike feels eager whenever the throttle is opened aggressively, especially during overtakes and highway riding. Its handling remains one of the strongest parts of the package, with the chassis feeling stable in corners and confident at higher speeds. The suspension setup also manages to strike a reasonable balance between sporty handling and everyday usability, so the motorcycle does not feel uncomfortable during regular commuting. However, the RTR 180 also shows its age in certain areas. Vibrations become noticeable at higher RPMs, the gearbox is not the smoothest in the segment, and the overall design now feels more familiar than fresh. Still, the motorcycle continues to appeal to riders who prefer a rawer and more mechanical riding feel rather than an overly refined commuter-style experience., 4.3, 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 of the TVS Apache RTR 180? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 177.4cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine. Q: What is the power output of the Apache RTR 180? A: The bike produces around 16.8 bhp of power and approximately 15.5 Nm of torque. Q: What mileage does the TVS Apache RTR 180 give? A: Real-world mileage usually stays around 35–45 km/l depending on riding style and traffic conditions. Q: What is the top speed of the Apache RTR 180? A: The motorcycle has an approximate top speed of around 120 km/h. Q: Does the TVS Apache RTR 180 have ABS? A: Yes, the bike comes with single-channel ABS. Q: What type of brakes does the Apache RTR 180 use? A: The motorcycle gets disc brakes at both the front and rear. Q: What suspension setup does the Apache RTR 180 use? A: It uses telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Apache RTR 180? A: The bike comes with a fuel tank capacity of around 12 litres. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Apache RTR 180? A: The kerb weight of the motorcycle is approximately 141 kg. Q: Does the Apache RTR 180 get Bluetooth connectivity? A: Yes, newer variants support TVS SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity features. Q: Does the Apache RTR 180 have LED lights? A: Yes, the motorcycle gets LED DRLs and LED tail lamps. Q: Is the TVS Apache RTR 180 suitable for highway riding? A: Yes, the strong mid-range performance and stable chassis make it suitable for highway usage and touring. Q: Does the Apache RTR 180 have riding modes? A: No, the RTR 180 does not offer multiple ride modes like some newer Apache models. Q: What type of tyres does the Apache RTR 180 use? A: The motorcycle uses tubeless tyres mounted on alloy wheels. Q: Is the Apache RTR 180 suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes, although it has a sporty character, it can still be used comfortably for regular commuting and city riding. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | Single Seat | 92170 Split Seat | 94229 Neon Single Seat | 107675 | Disc | 125590 Limited Edition | 128490 |
| 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. | The 177.4cc engine delivers strong mid-range and top-end performance, which makes the bike feel quick during overtakes and highway riding. The power delivery feels more aggressive compared to smaller commuter-focused Apache models. The motorcycle still carries the sharp and sporty handling character the Apache series is known for. It feels stable while cornering and remains confidence-inspiring at higher speeds. Braking performance is one of the stronger areas of the RTR 180, especially with the single-channel ABS setup that improves control during sudden braking situations. The bike offers a sporty riding experience without becoming too extreme for everyday commuting. It can handle both city rides and occasional highway touring comfortably. The exhaust note has a deeper and more sporty tone compared to many motorcycles in the segment, which adds to the riding feel without sounding overly loud. The digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, and SmartXonnect features on newer versions help the motorcycle feel updated despite being an older model in the lineup. Suspension tuning balances sporty handling and road comfort reasonably well for Indian riding conditions. |
| Starter | Electric & Kick | Electric |
| Transmission | 5‑speed | 5-speed manual gearbox |
