Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
17.5 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
JAWA 42
16.5 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 294.7 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, SOHC 4-Valve, Air Cooled, BSVI Compliant DTS-i Ei Engine | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC |
| Power | 11.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 27.3 PS |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 26.8 Nm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 13.2 L |
| Mileage | 50 kmpl | 33 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 145 | 184 |
| Seat Height | 805 | 788 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Single channel ABS with 3 ABS ride modes | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | 240 mm (CBS/CBS premium) and 260 mm (ABS) front disc | Disc Front 280 mm, Caliper - Front 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic Forks, Ø 35 mm |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum CBS | Disc Front 240 mm, Caliper - Rear 1Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Twin Shock Absorber, Gas Filled with Adjustable Preload |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 90/90 - 17 | Alloy/Spokes wheel - 90/90-18, 51P |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80 - 17 | Alloy/Spokes Wheel - 120/80-17, 61P |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy/Spokes |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Halogen Headlamp | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V, 4Ah | MF Battery |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/blue-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42voyagerred.webp |
| Bike Image 10 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42cosmicrockdt.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/red-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42asteroidgrey.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/peal-mettalic-white-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42odysseyblack.webp |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pewter-grey-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42nebulablue.webp |
| Bike Image 5 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/orange-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42celestialcoppermatte.webp |
| Bike Image 6 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42allstarblackmatte.webp |
| Bike Image 7 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42celestialcoppermattedt.webp |
| Bike Image 8 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42starshipbluedt.webp |
| Bike Image 9 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42infinityblackmattedt.webp |
| Color Options | Burnt Black | #1C1C1C Beach Blue | #4A7FA0 Burnt Red | #8B1A1A Pearl Mettalic white | #E8E8E6 Pewter Grey | #6E6E6E Fiery Orange | #F05A28 | Vega White | #F5F5F5 Voyager Red | #8B1E2D Asteroid Grey | #6B6F76 Odyssey Black | #0F0F10 Nebula Blue | #1F3A5F Celestial Copper Matte | #A65E2E Orion Red Matte | #6E1A1F Sirius White Matte | #EDEDED All Star Black Matte | #1C1C1C Cosmic Rock Dual Tone | #5A4A3F Celestial Copper Matte Dual Tone | #B87333 Starship Blue Dual Tone | #2E4A7D Infinity Black Matte Dual Tone | #2B2B2B Cosmic Carbon Dual Tone | #3A3A3A Ivory | #F8F1D4 |
| Cons | Not as refined as competitors Air-cooled engine limitation Stiff braking | It’s not a performance-focused bike: top-end acceleration and high-speed punch are modest compared to sportier or more powerful motorcycles. If you crave quick bursts or aggressive overtakes, the 42 might feel a bit reserved. At around 180+ kg kerb-weight, it’s not the lightest manoeuvring at very low speeds or parking sometimes feels a bit heavyish for inexperienced riders. While suspension is comfortable and balanced, it doesn’t offer sporty handling or sharp cornering agility. On twisty roads or aggressive riding, the bike doesn’t inspire a sport-bike vibe. For fully-loaded touring (pillions, luggage, rough terrain), the comfort and power are only average: it’s more of a commuter-plus or mild-tourer than a long-distance tourer. Because it aims for balance, it doesn’t shine in any single category. It may leave riders who want either pure vintage simplicity or modern performance wanting more. Tubeless/Alloy wheel + disc-brake setup is good, but tyre size and ground clearance (typical of this class) might limit comfort on severely broken or off-road conditions. Maintenance and running costs, while reasonable for a 300 cc class bike, will still be higher than basic commuter bikes fuel, maintenance, and insurance will be more than a small-capacity commuter. |
| Detailed Overview | 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. | The Jawa 42 is built around a 294cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces around 27 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. It uses a 6-speed gearbox, and the power delivery feels focused more on low and mid-range speeds rather than high-speed riding. The engine is paired with a fuel injection system, which helps in smoother throttle response during regular use. The bike also comes with a double cradle frame, which forms the base of its structure and supports its overall balance on the road. In terms of dimensions, the bike has a seat height of around 788 mm, which makes it accessible for a wide range of riders. The kerb weight is close to 182 kg, depending on the variant, and the fuel tank capacity stands at 13.2 litres. These numbers place it in line with other motorcycles in the same category. The riding position is set up with a slightly forward-leaning handlebar and mid-set foot pegs, which creates a neutral stance for both city rides and occasional longer trips. The suspension setup includes telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. This setup is quite common in this segment and is tuned to handle everyday road conditions. The bike rides on either spoke wheels with tube tyres or alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, depending on the variant chosen. Wheel size remains consistent, with a 18-inch front and 17-inch rear combination, which affects the way the bike handles uneven roads and corners. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes on both ends. The front gets a 280 mm disc, while the rear has a 240 mm disc. The bike is available in both single-channel and dual-channel ABS options, again depending on the variant. This gives buyers a choice based on their budget and requirement. The braking setup is designed to offer controlled stopping without being overly sharp or aggressive. On the feature side, the Jawa 42 keeps things simple. It uses a single-pod instrument cluster that shows basic information like speed, fuel level and other essential indicators. Lighting is mostly halogen-based, though some variants may include LED elements for the tail lamp. The overall feature list is not very extensive, and the focus remains on core riding functions rather than added technology. The bike is available in multiple colour options, including both single-tone and dual-tone finishes. Some colours are limited to higher variants that come with alloy wheels and dual-channel ABS, while simpler colours are offered with spoke wheels and single-channel ABS. This variation in colours and variants also affects the overall pricing and positioning of the bike within its segment. |
| Expert Review | 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 | The Jawa 42 carries a design that draws from older Jawa motorcycles, but the finish and small details give it a slightly updated feel without changing the overall character. The riding position is upright and comfortable for daily use, with an easy seat height, though the seat can feel firm after longer rides. Its 294cc liquid-cooled engine responds quickly at low speeds, making city riding smooth, but it starts to feel a bit stressed when pushed harder on open roads. The gearbox works well most of the time, although mild vibrations can be noticed at higher revs. Handling is simple and predictable, with stable straight-line behaviour, while the suspension feels slightly stiff over rough patches. Braking setup varies across variants, and while it does the job, the feel at the lever is something riders may take time to get used to., 3.8, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | 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. | Q1. Is the Jawa 42 good for daily commuting? Yes, the Jawa 42 works very well as a daily ride. Its engine is smooth in the low and mid-range, the riding posture is comfortable, and the bike feels easy to handle in traffic once it’s moving. The 6-speed gearbox also helps during mixed city and highway use. Q2. What is the real-world mileage of the Jawa 42? In normal riding conditions, most owners get somewhere around 30–35 km/l. Mileage can vary based on traffic, riding style, and how often you ride in lower gears. Q3. Can the Jawa 42 handle long highway rides? Absolutely. The bike maintains a relaxed rhythm at cruising speeds, and the liquid-cooled engine stays stable on longer stretches. The seat and riding triangle are designed to reduce fatigue, making weekend trips and short tours comfortable. Q4. Is the engine reliable for long-term use? The 294.7 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine is built to be durable and refined. With regular maintenance and quality engine oil, the bike holds up well over the years and remains smooth even with daily use. Q5. How is the suspension comfort on bad roads? The suspension tuning leans toward comfort. The front forks and adjustable rear shocks absorb bumps reasonably well, making the bike suitable for broken city roads and uneven surfaces. Q6. Does the Jawa 42 vibrate at high speeds? The bike handles vibrations better than many retro-styled motorcycles. Mild buzz may appear at very high speeds, but cruising at moderate highway speeds remains smooth and manageable. Q7. Is the seat height suitable for shorter riders? Yes, the seat height is around 788 mm, which most riders can comfortably manage. Even shorter riders usually find it easy to place their feet on the ground. Q8. How are the brakes on the Jawa 42? With disc brakes at both ends and ABS, braking performance is confident and predictable. It offers good stopping power and remains stable even during sudden braking. Q9. Is the Jawa 42 heavy to manage? The weight feels slightly noticeable when pushing it while parked, but once moving, the bike becomes easy to maneuver. Its balance and geometry help it feel lighter than it actually is. Q10. What is the service cost like? Service costs are generally moderate for a 300 cc bike. Routine maintenance, oil changes, and consumables stay within a reasonable range, though prices can vary slightly between dealerships. Q11. Is the Jawa 42 suitable for beginners? Yes, it can be a good choice for new riders. The power delivery is smooth, the handling is friendly, and it doesn’t intimidate you with sudden acceleration. It’s a comfortable, approachable motorcycle for learning and improving skills. Q12. Does the Jawa 42 have tubeless tyres? Yes, the alloy wheel variants come with tubeless tyres, which is a major advantage for daily riders as they make puncture handling much easier. Q13. What is the fuel tank capacity? The bike carries a 13.2-litre tank, giving a comfortable riding range for both city commutes and weekend rides. Q14. What makes the Jawa 42 different from other retro bikes? It stands out for blending classic looks with a smoother, more modern engine feel. The liquid-cooled DOHC engine, 6-speed gearbox, and better high-speed refinement give it a more contemporary riding character while still keeping the vintage charm. |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel injection | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | 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 | Vega White Single Channel Spoke | 159431 Voyager Red Single Channel Spoke | 161275 Aestroid Grey Single Channel Spoke | 161275 Odysse Black Single Channel Spoke | 161275 Vega White Dual Channel Spoke | 168650 Asteroid Grey Dual channel ABS Spoke wheels | 170493 Odyssey Black Dual channel ABS Spoke wheels | 170493 Voyager Red Dual channel ABS Spoke wheels | 184942 Ivory | 184950 Sirius White Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 189142 Cosmic Rock Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 192942 Celestial Copper Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 195142 Nebula Blue Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 195142 Starship Blue Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 195142 Celestial Copper Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 195142 All Star Black Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 198142 Infinity Black Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels Dual Tone | 198142 Cosmic Carbon Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 198142 Orion Red Matte Dual channel ABS Alloy wheels | 198142 |
| Pros | Sporty NS design and road presence Good performance for daily use Fuel-efficient engine Comfortable and easy to handle Value-for-money positioning | The 294.7 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC engine delivers smooth, usable power. It’s strong enough for city traffic and highway cruising without being overly aggressive ideal for a daily ride or a relaxed weekend cruise. The 6-speed gearbox is a big plus: it helps keep the engine relaxed at higher speeds and offers flexibility for tight city riding, which makes the bike versatile whether you’re commuting or touring. Suspension and chassis setup balance comfort and stability nicely. The telescopic front forks and adjustable twin rear shocks soak up urban bumps and rough roads reasonably well, yet the bike remains composed on smoother roads. Handling and ergonomics suit a wide range of riders. Seat height and geometry keep the bike manageable in traffic or tight spots; once moving, the weight feels stable but not cumbersome. Disc brakes (front and rear) with ABS give reliable stopping power and good braking confidence good for unpredictable traffic or sudden stops. The 13-litre fuel tank and respectable real-world mileage make it practical for daily use without frequent fuel stops. Blend of retro styling and modern engineering: it gives the classic-bike look and relaxed feel but with contemporary performance, maintenance comfort, and features like alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. Comfortable riding posture makes it suitable for both short commutes and longer rides; it's not tiring or too aggressive, which broadens the use-case beyond just city or weekend use. |
| Starter | Kick and Self Start | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual | 6-Speed |
