Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
18.5 pts
Unweighted: 15 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 890 ADVENTURE R
15.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 889 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, SOHC 4-Valve, Air Cooled, BSVI Compliant DTS-i Ei Engine | 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Power | 11.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 104.6 PS @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 20 L |
| Mileage | 50 kmpl | 22.2 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 145 | 215 kg |
| Seat Height | 805 | 880 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Single channel ABS with 3 ABS ride modes | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | 240 mm (CBS/CBS premium) and 260 mm (ABS) front disc | Disc 320 mm |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | WP XPLOR-USD, Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum CBS | Disc 260 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | WP Xplor PDS shock absorber |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 90/90 - 17 | 90/90 - 21 |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80 - 17 | 150/70 - 18 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Halogen Headlamp | — |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V, 4Ah | — |
| 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 | — |
| Cluster | — | Electric starter |
| Color Options | Burnt Black | #1C1C1C Beach Blue | #4A7FA0 Burnt Red | #8B1A1A Pearl Mettalic white | #E8E8E6 Pewter Grey | #6E6E6E Fiery Orange | #F05A28 | ORANGE |
| Cons | Not as refined as competitors Air-cooled engine limitation Stiff braking | High Seat Height: With a tall seat (~880 mm), the bike can be challenging for shorter riders to manage, especially off-road. Wind Buffeting / Aerodynamics Issues: Some riders report significant wind turbulence and buffeting due to the screen design. Complex Electronics Overload: With so many electronic systems, new riders may be overwhelmed, and there may be occasional software glitches. Reddit users report issues like random throttle shut-offs. Reliability Concerns: There are reported cases of camshaft issues, throttle body problems, and other mechanical issues on the 890 platform. Maintenance Cost: As a premium mid-weight adventure bike, maintenance (especially for suspension, electronics, and engine) can be expensive. Limited Wind Protection: The stock screen offers minimal protection compared to more road-biased adventure bikes, making high-speed touring less comfortable. Weight: Though relatively light for its capabilities, it's still on the heavier side for serious off-road maneuvering, which some may find limiting. |
| 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 890 Adventure R is KTM’s assertive take on a mid-weight, rally-capable adventure bike that balances spirited performance with genuine off-road capability. At its heart is an 889cc parallel-twin engine that produces around 104.6 PS and 100 Nm of torque, delivering a strong and flexible ride both on highways and rough terrain. This powerplant is tuned for quick throttle response and ample mid-range, making the bike ideal for riders who want to explore off-road tracks or punch through tight elevation changes in the hills. Its 20-litre fuel tank gives it a very commendable range, making it well-suited for long-distance adventure rides. On the chassis side, the Adventure R stands out with a high 880 mm seat height and an impressive 263 mm of ground clearance, emphasizing its off-road lineage. The suspension setup is especially thoughtful: WP XPLOR USD forks at the front and a WP XPLOR PDS monoshock at the back provide a long travel, plush yet controlled ride capable of absorbing harsh terrain while maintaining composure during spirited cornering. Brakes are up to the task too, with large discs and Bosch 9.1 MP ABS offering various modes including cornering and an off-road ABS configuration. Electronics are where the 890 Adventure R shines. It features multiple ride modes like Street, Rally, and Off-road, Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC), Quickshifter+, Launch Control, and cornering ABS. For touring convenience, it also offers Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which uses radar to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead — a rare feature in this class. The 5-inch TFT display is clear, adjustable, and easy to read, offering a wealth of information such as ride mode status, fuel range, and navigation when paired with KTM’s Connect app. Comfort is balanced with the bike’s adventure nature: the raised handlebars, ergonomic footpegs, and broad windscreen give a comfortable riding posture for long journeys. That said, the tall seat and firm suspension may be challenging for shorter riders or those who predominantly ride on city streets. Despite its rugged build, the ride is refined enough that it feels just as at home on tarmac as it does off-road. The steel frame is strong without being overly heavy, contributing to the bike’s agility and stability. In summary, the KTM 890 Adventure R is a highly capable, rally-inspired adventure motorcycle that delivers on performance, electronics, and real-world off-road usability. It’s designed for adventurers who want serious capability without jumping up to 1200cc territory — providing a blend of horsepower, versatility, and technological sophistication that’s rare at this mid-weight level. |
| 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 | 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 890 Adventure R? A: It is powered by an 889 cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. Q: How much power and torque does it make? A: The engine produces around 104.6 PS at 8,000 rpm and 100 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and range? A: The 890 Adventure R comes with a 20-litre fuel tank. With its fuel consumption, it offers an estimated riding range of up to 444 km per full tank according to some sources. Q: What kind of brakes and ABS does the bike use? A: It features 320 mm front disc and 260 mm rear disc brakes. It uses Bosch 9.1 MP ABS with cornering ABS and also has a special off-road ABS mode. Q: What suspension setup is used on the 890 Adventure R? A: The bike is equipped with WP XPLOR USD 48 mm front forks and a WP XPLOR PDS rear monoshock. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance? A: The seat height is 880 mm. The bike has very high ground clearance of 263 mm, which is excellent for off-road riding. Q: What’s the kerb (wet) weight of the bike? A: The kerb weight of the 890 Adventure R is around 215 kg. Q: What type of instrument cluster is used? A: It uses a 5-inch TFT display that shows rider information, trip data, gear position, and more. Q: Is the bike good for both on-road touring and off-road? A: Yes. With its high ground clearance, long-travel suspension, and off-road ABS mode, it is very capable off-road. At the same time, its powerful engine and large tank make it suitable for long-distance touring. Q: What is the fuel efficiency / mileage of the 890 Adventure R? A: It is claimed to deliver around 22.2 km/l. Q: What common issues do owners report? A: Some owners mention speed wobble at high speeds (80 km/h+) under acceleration. Others report reliability concerns such as cylinder start issues, valve cover leaks, and electronic glitches (e.g., throttle or dash problems). |
| Fuel System | 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 | | 1580000 |
| Pros | Sporty NS design and road presence Good performance for daily use Fuel-efficient engine Comfortable and easy to handle Value-for-money positioning | High Power & Torque: The 889cc parallel-twin engine provides a strong, torquey character that works very well on and off road. Advanced Electronics: Features like multiple ride modes (Rally, Off-road, Street, Rain), cornering ABS, MTC traction control, and Quickshifter+ make the bike very versatile and safe. Capable Off-Road Performance: With long-travel WP XPLOR 48 mm USD forks and a high ground clearance (263 mm), the R is tuned for serious off-road riding. Excellent Suspension: The suspension is fully adjustable, offering great control whether you're on rugged trails or cruising highways. Good Fuel Efficiency for Touring: Owners report good fuel consumption (around 4.4 L/100km in some tests), which makes it practical for long-distance rides. Strong Build Quality: The steel frame, durable engine design, and rugged components make it reliable for adventure applications. Rally-Ready Ergonomics: Features like rally pegs, skid plate, and a 5-inch TFT display with GPS make it a true adventure machine out of the box. |
| Starter | Kick and Self Start | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual | 6 Speed Manual |
