Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
14.0 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 160 DUKE
18.0 pts
Unweighted: 14 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 164.2 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, SOHC 4-Valve, Air Cooled, BSVI Compliant DTS-i Ei Engine | Liquid Cooled, 4 stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC, Internal Combustion Engine |
| Power | 11.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 19 Ps @ 9500 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 15.5 Nm at 7500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 10.1 L |
| Mileage | 50 kmpl | 36.5 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 145 | 147 |
| Seat Height | 805 | 815 |
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, Radial caliper, 320mm |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | USD Front Fork, 138.2 mm |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum CBS | Disc, Floating caliper, 230mm |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Monoshock Suspension, 160.98 mm |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 90/90 - 17 | 110/70 - 17 |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80 - 17 | 140/60 - R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Halogen Headlamp | LED HEADLAMP |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V, 4Ah | 12 V 8 AH Maintenance free Exide/Amaron |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/blue-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/atlantic-blue.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/red-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/silver-matte.webp |
| 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 | — |
| Cluster | — | LCD Speedo |
| Color Options | Burnt Black | #1C1C1C Beach Blue | #4A7FA0 Burnt Red | #8B1A1A Pearl Mettalic white | #E8E8E6 Pewter Grey | #6E6E6E Fiery Orange | #F05A28 | Electronic Orange | #FF5A00 Silver Metallic Matte | #1F3F8B Atlantic Blue | #8A8F98 |
| Cons | Not as refined as competitors Air-cooled engine limitation Stiff braking | Short gearing limits top speed: The bike’s gearing is tuned for quick acceleration, but this hurts its highway performance and top-end speed. Firm seat: Multiple users note that the seat is firm, which may lead to discomfort on longer trips. Basic instrument console: The LCD display is functional but lacks the premium feel of a color TFT screen. Price premium: It’s relatively expensive for its displacement, making it less value-focused compared to some rivals. Rear ABS not always active: While it has dual-channel ABS, the supermoto mode allows disabling rear ABS, which may be a safety concern for some. |
| 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 KTM Duke 160 is a naked street motorcycle that sits in the 160cc segment and follows the same design language seen on larger Duke models. It uses a 164cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that is paired with a six-speed gearbox. The engine produces around 19 bhp and 14.7 Nm of torque, which places it among the more powerful options in its category. The power delivery is tuned to be responsive in city riding conditions, especially in the mid-range, which helps during frequent acceleration and overtaking. The gearbox is designed to offer smooth shifts, and the inclusion of a slipper clutch helps reduce wheel hop during downshifts. In terms of hardware, the Duke 160 is built on a lightweight steel trellis frame, which is a key part of its overall structure. This frame is combined with upside-down (USD) front forks and a rear monoshock suspension. The suspension setup is tuned to balance stability and everyday usability. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, fitted with tubeless tyres. For braking, it comes with a disc brake at both ends along with single-channel ABS, which is designed to improve safety during sudden braking situations. The design of the Duke 160 closely follows the sharp and angular styling seen across KTM’s lineup. It features a split LED headlamp with integrated daytime running lights, a sculpted fuel tank, and exposed frame elements that give it a mechanical look. The tail section is compact and slightly raised, and the overall stance of the bike is upright yet sporty. The seat height is around 818 mm, and the kerb weight is approximately 148 kg, which makes it relatively manageable in terms of handling and movement in traffic. On the feature side, the bike comes with a fully digital LCD instrument cluster that displays information such as speed, gear position, fuel level, and trip details. It also includes features like side-stand engine cut-off and an engine kill switch. The fuel tank capacity is around 13.4 litres, which is suitable for daily commuting as well as moderate-distance rides. The riding posture is slightly forward-leaning, with rear-set footpegs and a wide handlebar, which affects how the rider is positioned during longer journeys. Overall, the KTM Duke 160 is designed with a focus on combining a relatively compact engine with a lightweight frame and modern components. |
| 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 KTM Duke 160 is a sporty and sharp-looking bike that carries the same aggressive design as its bigger siblings, so it doesn’t feel like a small motorcycle on the road. Its 164cc engine feels smooth yet quick, especially in city riding where it responds well and makes traffic riding easy. The handling is one of its strongest points, it feels light, stable, and confident while taking turns, which makes it enjoyable for both new and experienced riders. The suspension manages a good balance between comfort and sportiness, though the rear brake could have offered better feedback. For daily use, it is practical enough with comfortable ergonomics, but the price feels slightly on the higher side for its segment. Overall, the Duke 160 focuses more on delivering a fun riding experience rather than being the most value-for-money option., 4.7, 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 is the engine capacity and power output of the KTM 160 Duke? A: It has a 164.2 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces about 19 PS at 9,500 rpm. Q: What is the torque figure of the 160 Duke? A: The peak torque is 15.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of KTM 160 Duke? A: The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 10.1 litres. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance of KTM 160 Duke? A: The seat height is 815 mm, and the ground clearance is 174 mm. Q: What kind of brakes and ABS does KTM 160 Duke come with? A: It comes with a 320 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc, and has dual-channel ABS (with off-road ABS mode). Q: Does the 160 Duke have a modern instrument cluster and connectivity? A: Yes, it features a 5-inch LCD screen with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, and KTM Connect app integration. Q: What is the kerb weight of the KTM 160 Duke? A: The kerb weight (unloaded weight) is around 147 kg. Q: What is the expected mileage of the 160 Duke? A: According to KTM, the mileage is around 37 km/l. Q: What is the price of the KTM 160 Duke? A: The ex-showroom price is approximately ₹ 1.74 lakh. Q: What features does KTM 160 Duke have to set it apart in the entry-level performance bike segment? A: It has premium features such as WP USD front forks, a trellis frame, off-road ABS mode, LED lighting, and a slipper & assist clutch. |
| 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 | STD | 174368 TFT | 182360 |
| Pros | Sporty NS design and road presence Good performance for daily use Fuel-efficient engine Comfortable and easy to handle Value-for-money positioning | Rev-happy, fun engine: The 164 cc liquid-cooled engine produces about 19 PS and feels very lively, especially when pushed. Excellent handling: Lightweight trellis frame (147 kg) paired with good-quality WP suspension gives very agile and precise cornering. Premium braking setup: It comes with a large 320 mm front disc and dual-channel ABS + supermoto mode for confident and versatile braking. Modern, useful features: Full LED lighting, slip-and-assist clutch, digital LCD display, and optional Bluetooth connectivity via KTM Connect. Good low-end tractability: A large portion of torque is available at low RPMs, which makes it very manageable in city traffic. Improved heat management: Bigger radiator keeps engine heat under check, even in traffic-heavy conditions. |
| Starter | Kick and Self Start | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual | 6 Speed Manual |
