Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
15.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 390 ADVENTURE X
13.0 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air cooled | Liquid Cooled |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 398.63cc |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, SOHC 4-Valve, Air Cooled, BSVI Compliant DTS-i Ei Engine | 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, DOHC |
| Power | 11.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 46 PS @ 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 39 Nm @ 6500 RPM |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 14.5 |
| Mileage | 50 kmpl | 30 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 145 | 181 |
| Seat Height | 805 | 825 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Single channel ABS with 3 ABS ride modes | Switchable ABS |
| Front Brake | 240 mm (CBS/CBS premium) and 260 mm (ABS) front disc | Disc 320mm |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | WP APEX USD forks, 43 mm diameter, 200mm travel |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum CBS | Disc 240mm |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | WP APEX Monoshock, 205mm wheel travel Adjustable for Preload (10 steps) |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 90/90 - 17 | 100/90 - 19 |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80 - 17 | 130/80 - 17 |
| 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 | 12V / 8AH |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/blue-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM-390-Adventure-X_White.webp |
| 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 | Electronic Orange | #FF5F00 Ceramic White | #F2F2F2, #FF5F00 |
| Cons | Not as refined as competitors Air-cooled engine limitation Stiff braking | Tall Seat Height: At 825 mm, the seat may be uncomfortable or difficult to reach for shorter riders, especially off-road. Lack of Cornering ABS: Unlike the standard 390 Adventure, the X variant skips cornering ABS, which reduces safety margin when leaning hard. Limited Traction Control: Fewer electronic aids compared to higher-spec ADVs, could be less forgiving on unpredictable terrain. Vibrations at High RPMs: The single-cylinder engine can produce noticeable vibrations when pushed hard, affecting comfort. Moderate Wind Protection: The windscreen and fairing design might not deflect wind strongly enough at high speeds. Suspension Can Feel Harsh on Pavement: While great off-road, the long-travel suspension may feel firm or bouncy on uneven city roads. Maintenance Cost: Premium suspension components and tech might lead to higher service costs compared to simpler commuter bikes. Limited Pillion Comfort: The seat design and limited rear padding may not provide much comfort for a passenger over long distances. |
| 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. | There are some motorcycles that feel layered with features, and then there are ones like the KTM 390 Adventure X, where the focus shifts more towards the core mechanical setup. It uses a 373cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces around 46 PS and 37 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox along with a slipper clutch and quickshifter. At lower speeds, the engine feels slightly restrained, but as the revs build, it starts to respond more actively, which becomes noticeable on open roads where maintaining higher speeds feels more natural. The bike is built on a steel trellis frame, supported by long-travel suspension at both ends. It gets upside-down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, tuned to keep the bike stable over varying surfaces. On smoother roads and highways, the setup feels composed, while on broken patches or sharp bumps, especially at lower speeds, some of the impact comes through. With around 200 mm of ground clearance, the bike can handle speed breakers and uneven roads without much concern. The riding position is upright and fairly relaxed. A wide handlebar, neutral foot peg placement, and a flatter seat help create a posture that does not put much pressure on the rider, even over longer distances. The seat height is around 825 mm, which makes it slightly more accessible compared to the standard version, especially in city riding conditions. The kerb weight is close to 177 kg, and once the bike is in motion, it feels balanced and predictable. Braking is managed by disc brakes at both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS. The setup provides a consistent and controlled braking feel in regular riding situations. The bike rides on a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, both with tubeless tyres, a combination that keeps it stable on uneven roads while still being more suited to paved surfaces. The instrument cluster is a digital unit that shows basic riding information like speed, fuel level, gear position, and trip data in a clear layout. Compared to the standard version, the Adventure X keeps things simpler by not including features like traction control or riding modes. The focus remains on essential functionality rather than additional electronic layers. With a fuel tank capacity of around 14.5 litres, the bike offers a usable range for both daily use and longer rides. It also comes with LED lighting and a windscreen that helps reduce wind impact to some extent at higher speeds. Overall, the KTM 390 Adventure X is structured around its engine, chassis, and suspension, keeping the riding experience straightforward while still covering a mix of city roads, highways, and occasional rough surfaces. |
| 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 390 Adventure X is powered by a 373cc 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 feels slightly dull at lower RPMs but picks up strongly in the mid-range, making highway riding feel effortless, while in city conditions it requires more gear shifts to stay smooth. It uses a steel trellis frame with long-travel suspension that is tuned on the firmer side, offering stability at higher speeds but transmitting sharper bumps at lower speeds. The upright riding posture, wide handlebar, and 825 mm seat height make it relatively accessible, while the bike remains balanced once in motion. Braking is handled by disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, offering consistent stopping performance. Compared to the standard version, it comes with a simpler electronics setup, missing features like traction control and riding modes, but still includes essentials like a TFT display and quickshifter. With a 14.5-litre fuel tank and road-focused wheel setup, it is designed for highway use along with occasional rough roads., 4.3, 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 specification of the KTM 390 Adventure X? A: The 390 Adventure X is powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. According to KTM India, its displacement is 398.63 cc, producing 46 PS @ 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm torque @ 6,500 rpm. Q: What type of transmission does KTM 390 Adventure X use? A: It uses a 6-speed gearbox, according to KTM’s technical specs. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and the expected range of KTM 390 Adventure X? A: The Adventure X comes with a 14.5 litre fuel tank. This gives it decent range for touring, especially when combined with its efficient engine. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance of KTM 390 Adventure X? A: The seat height is 825 mm, according to several official sources. The ground clearance is 228 mm, which helps its off-road credentials. Q: What suspension setup does the 390 Adventure X use? A: It features WP APEX 43 mm USD front forks with 200 mm of travel, and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear. Q: What brakes and ABS features are on KTM 390 Adventure X? A: The bike uses a 320 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc, per KTM’s spec sheet. It also offers switchable ABS, including an Off-Road mode, but does not have cornering ABS on this X variant. Q: What electronic rider aids are offered in KTM 390 Adventure X? A: The Adventure X includes Ride-by-Wire throttle, a Quickshifter+, and switchable off-road ABS. Unlike the standard 390 Adventure, it doesn't include features like cornering ABS or full traction control (MTC). Q: What does the instrument panel look like in KTM 390 Adventure X? A: It comes with a 5-inch TFT display that provides essential ride information and adapts to ambient light. Q: Is the KTM 390 Adventure X good for off-road riding? A: Yes, with its 19″ front / 17″ rear wheel setup, high ground clearance, and off-road ABS, it’s designed to tackle dirt trails and gravel while remaining very capable on-road. Q: What is the kerb / wet weight of KTM 390 Adventure X? A: The kerb (fully fueled) weight is around 176 kg, per KTM’s UK technical spec sheet. Q: What is the rated fuel efficiency / mileage of KTM 390 Adventure X? A: The mileage is claimed to be around 30 km/l for the 390 Adventure X. Some real-world owners report 21–25 km/l, depending on conditions. Q: Are there some known issues or drawbacks reported by owners? A: Yes, several riders mention vibrations at higher RPMs, particularly in the footpegs and handlebar. Also, some users believe KTM has compromised on certain parts quality (e.g., the side stand assembly) to cut costs. |
| 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 | STD | 343250 |
| Pros | Sporty NS design and road presence Good performance for daily use Fuel-efficient engine Comfortable and easy to handle Value-for-money positioning | Lightweight & Nimble: Being a small-displacement ADV, it’s easier to manage than larger dual-sport bikes, making it ideal for both urban and trail use. Good Power for Class: Its ~398 cc single-cylinder engine provides enough punch for highway cruising and off-road sections without being too intimidating. Long-Travel Suspension: Equipped with WP APEX USD forks and a capable rear monoshock, it offers very good travel for handling rough terrain. High Ground Clearance: With around 228 mm of ground clearance, the 390 Adventure X is well-suited for mild to moderate off-road trails. Off-Road ABS Mode: Switchable ABS allows the rear wheel to slide slightly in off-road mode, which provides more control on loose surfaces. Modern Tech Features: Features like Quickshifter+, ride-by-wire throttle, and a 5-inch TFT display add a premium, tech-savvy feel. Good Fuel Range: With a 14.5 L fuel tank and decent efficiency, it offers a respectable touring range for a mid-sized ADV. Durable Build: Trellis frame and quality components contribute to its rugged build, making it reliable for adventure rides. |
| Starter | Kick and Self Start | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual | 6 Speed Manual |
