Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
13.0 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R
21.0 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
||
| Cooling System | Air cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 1350 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, SOHC 4-Valve, Air Cooled, BSVI Compliant DTS-i Ei Engine | 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, V 75° (EURO 5+) |
| Power | 11.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 140 kW (190 hp) @ 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 145 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
||
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 17.5 L |
| Mileage | 50 kmpl | 16.9 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
||
| Kerb Weight | 145 | 210 |
| Seat Height | 805 | 834 |
Brakes & Suspension |
||
| ABS | Single channel ABS with 3 ABS ride modes | Bosch 9.3 MP (incl. cornering-ABS and Supermoto ABS) |
| Front Brake | 240 mm (CBS/CBS premium) and 260 mm (ABS) front disc | 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper, brake disc Ø 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | WP APEX-USD Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum CBS | Brembo two piston, fixed caliper, brake disc Ø 240 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | WP APEX-linkage shock |
Tyres & Wheels |
||
| Front Tyre | 90/90 - 17 | Michelin Power GP, 120/70 ZR 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80 - 17 | Michelin Power GP, 200/55 ZR 17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Cast aluminium wheels 3.50 x 17"; 6.00 x 17" |
Features & Technology |
||
| Headlight | Halogen Headlamp | LED |
Other Specifications |
||
| Battery | 12V, 4Ah | 12V 11.2 Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/blue-1.avif | — |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/red-1.avif | — |
| Bike Image 3 | 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 | — |
| Color Options | Burnt Black | #1C1C1C Beach Blue | #4A7FA0 Burnt Red | #8B1A1A Pearl Mettalic white | #E8E8E6 Pewter Grey | #6E6E6E Fiery Orange | #F05A28 | Orange | #FF6600 |
| Cons | Not as refined as competitors Air-cooled engine limitation Stiff braking | High Running & Maintenance Cost: Premium components (tires, brakes, consumables) and insurance can be expensive, as noted in reviews. Prone to Rear Tyre Wear: In aggressive use (especially on a track or spirited riding), the rear Michelin Power GP rubber may wear out quickly. Windblast & Comfort: As a naked “beast,” it offers limited wind protection, which can make highway riding tiring or uncomfortable. High Seat Height: The seat height (834 mm) may not be ideal for shorter riders. Electronics / Reliability Quirks: Some users have reported occasional electronic gremlins, sensor issues, or clutch drag. Expensive Purchase Price: Given the power and components, it comes with a high price tag compared to some rivals. |
| 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. | What stands out about the KTM 1390 Super Duke R is how everything on the bike seems to be built around performance rather than routine use, and that becomes clear once you look at the mechanical setup. It uses a 1350cc V-twin engine that produces close to 190 bhp and around 145 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike also gets a quickshifter and slipper clutch, which help in smoother gear changes, especially when riding at varying speeds. The throttle is controlled electronically through a ride-by-wire system, which manages how the engine responds to inputs. The frame is a steel trellis unit, designed to keep the bike rigid while also managing weight. The overall kerb weight is around 200 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is about 17.5 litres. The seat height is approximately 834 mm, which may feel slightly tall for some riders, particularly in slow-moving traffic. The riding position is slightly forward-leaning but still within the naked bike layout, with wide handlebars that offer leverage while turning. For suspension, the bike uses fully adjustable WP Apex components. At the front, there are upside-down forks, and at the rear, a monoshock setup is used. Both ends can be adjusted for preload, compression and rebound, allowing changes based on road conditions or riding style. The bike runs on alloy wheels fitted with wide tyres, which are designed to provide grip during acceleration and cornering. Braking is handled by twin discs at the front and a single disc at the rear. The system includes dual-channel ABS, along with features like cornering ABS and traction control, which help maintain stability when braking or riding on different surfaces. These systems work in the background and adjust based on the situation. The electronics package includes a TFT display that shows information such as speed, ride modes and system settings. It also supports features like cruise control and smartphone connectivity. The bike offers multiple riding modes, allowing changes in throttle response and electronic support systems depending on riding conditions. The overall design follows a sharp and aggressive naked bike style, with exposed elements and minimal bodywork. The tank, frame and panels are shaped to give the bike a compact but muscular appearance. Instead of trying to balance multiple roles, the setup stays focused on delivering a specific type of riding experience, which is reflected in both its design and mechanical layout. |
| 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 | In a market where most motorcycles are built around everyday needs, the KTM 1390 Super Duke R represents a very different approach to motorcycling in India. Its large-capacity engine and aggressive naked design are not shaped around daily commuting, especially in dense city traffic, but around performance and rider engagement. This makes it relevant to a smaller group of riders who are looking for more than basic transport and are interested in high-performance machines. Over time, factors like improving road infrastructure, growing track culture and increased awareness among buyers have created space for such motorcycles in the country. While its usage may be limited in typical conditions, it reflects how the Indian market is gradually opening up to motorcycles that prioritise performance and riding experience over everyday practicality., 4.6, 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. | Q: What engine powers the KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: It is powered by a 1,350 cc liquid-cooled V-twin (LC8) engine. Q: What is KTM 1390 Super Duke R's power and torque output? A: The engine produces 190 PS (140 kW) at 10,000 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the 1390 Super Duke R? A: The seat height is 834 mm, and the dry (or “without fuel”) weight is around 200.5 kg per KTM specifications. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: The fuel tank can hold 17.5 litres. Q: What type of brakes and suspension does KTM 1390 Super Duke R use? A: It features twin 320 mm Brembo Stylema calipers at the front, a 240 mm Brembo disc at the rear, 48 mm WP APEX USD fork up front, and a WP APEX linkage monoshock at the rear. Q: What rider aids and electronics are included on KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: The 1390 Super Duke R comes with lean-angle (cornering) ABS, cornering traction control (KTM calls it MTC), wheelie control, launch control, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control, and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth (KTM Connect). Q: What riding modes are available in KTM 1390 Super Duke R? A: It offers 5 riding modes: Street, Sport, Rain, Track, and Performance (depending on the market version). Q: What is the ex-showroom price of the KTM 1390 Super Duke R in India? A: The Super Duke R is priced at ₹ 22.96 lakh (ex-showroom) in India. Q: What is the service interval for this model? A: According to KTM’s 1390 spec sheet, it has a long service interval, up to 15,000 km (depending on region/market). |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel injection | 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 | Standard | 2295800 |
| Pros | Sporty NS design and road presence Good performance for daily use Fuel-efficient engine Comfortable and easy to handle Value-for-money positioning | Massive Power & Torque: The 1,350cc LC-8 V-twin makes 190 PS (or ≈ 187 bhp) and 145 Nm of torque, delivering brutal acceleration and a very exciting powerband. Advanced Engine Technology: Uses variable valve timing (cam-shift) for a wider spread of performance, making the engine more flexible and usable across RPMs. Premium Brakes & Suspension: Equipped with Brembo Stylema calipers and high-quality WP Apex suspension, which gives excellent braking feel and handling. Modern Electronics Suite: Cornering ABS, cornering traction control (MTC), wheelie control, launch control, ride modes, quickshifter, and a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth make it very civilized for the performance it offers. Refined Ride for Its Power: Despite its raw power, reviewers note that the new 1390 feels easier to ride than earlier versions, thanks to improved ergonomics, electronics, and ride-height control. Long Service Interval: According to the spec sheet, the service interval is up to 15,000 km, which is very good for a high-performance bike. |
| Starter | Kick and Self Start | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual | 6 gears |
