Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
8.5 pts
Unweighted: 7 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Suzuki GSX‑8R
28.0 pts
Unweighted: 23 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 776 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, SOHC 4-Valve, Air Cooled, BSVI Compliant DTS-i Ei Engine | 4-stroke, parallel-twin, DOHC, 8-valve |
| Power | 11.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 82 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 78 Nm @ 6,800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 14L |
| Mileage | 50 kmpl | 23 km/l |
| Top Speed (km/h) | — | 230 |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 145 | 205 |
| Seat Height | 805 | 810 |
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 | Dual 310 mm discs, radial-mount 4-piston calipers |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Showa SFF-BP 43 mm upside-down fork |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum CBS | Single 240 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Showa link-type mono-shock, preload adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 90/90 - 17 | 120/70 ZR17 (Tubeless) |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80 - 17 | 180/55 ZR17 (Tubeless) |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Radial, Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Cast aluminium alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Halogen Headlamp | LED (projector-style, vertically stacked) |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V, 4Ah | 12 V, 8 Ah (Maintenance-free) |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/blue-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/241004_GSX_8R_WebsiteAdapts_colorSection_650x428px-09.jpg |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/red-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/All-New-Suzuki-GSX-8R-Revealed-To-Be-A-Brilliant-Badass-3.jpg |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/peal-mettalic-white-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/detail_ph04.jpg |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pewter-grey-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/suzuki-gsx-8r-rear-view5.avif |
| Bike Image 5 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/orange-1.avif | — |
| Cluster | — | 5-inch full-colour TFT display (Bluetooth-enabled, multiple ride modes, traction control, gear indicator) |
| Color Options | Burnt Black | #1C1C1C Beach Blue | #4A7FA0 Burnt Red | #8B1A1A Pearl Mettalic white | #E8E8E6 Pewter Grey | #6E6E6E Fiery Orange | #F05A28 | Metallic Triton Blue | #0052A5 Metallic Matt Sword Silver | #B0B5B9 Metallic Matt Black No 2 | #1E1E1E |
| Connectivity Features | — | Bluetooth, ride modes, traction control, TFT display |
| Cons | Not as refined as competitors Air-cooled engine limitation Stiff braking | Lacks the high-rev punch of inline-4 sportbikes. Slightly heavy at around 205 kg. Brakes could offer sharper feedback. Seat comfort isn’t ideal for very long rides. Wind protection is limited for high-speed touring. |
| 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 GSX-8R brings together Suzuki’s sportbike pedigree with practical everyday usability. At its heart lies a 776 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine featuring a 270° crank and Suzuki’s Cross Balancer shaft — helping deliver smooth, vibration-reduced power with strong mid-range punch. This motor produces around 82 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a bi-directional quick-shifter (up and down) as standard. Chassis-wise, it uses a steel diamond-style frame, cast aluminium 17″ wheels, and premium suspension: a Showa SFF-BP upside-down fork up front and a Showa link-type mono-shock at the rear (preload adjustable). Kerb weight is around 205 kg and seat height about 810 mm, with a 14-litre fuel tank. In terms of braking and tyres: twin 310 mm front discs with radial-mounted calipers, a single 240 mm rear disc, dual-channel ABS, and Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tyres (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear) ensure capable performance and grip. Feature-wise, it includes a full-colour 5″ TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, three ride modes (Active, Basic, Comfort), four-level traction control, low RPM assist, and Suzuki’s Easy Start system — packaged under the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.). Styling is aggressive yet functional: full fairing derived from wind-tunnel development, vertically stacked LED headlamps, exposed seat rails, and aerodynamic detailing. Available in three colour options for the Indian market: Metallic Triton Blue, Metallic Matt Sword Silver, and Metallic Matt Black No.2. Overall, the GSX-8R targets riders looking for more performance than a 650cc class sportbike, but with greater everyday usability than full-on liter-class superbikes. The ergonomics strike a balance — clip-ons and sporty lines, yet a comfortable setup for longer rides. The combination of modern electronics, strong mid-range power, and quality chassis and componentry make it a well-rounded middleweight sportbike for the Indian market. That said, some trade-offs exist: the fuel tank is modest (14 L), the seat height may be tall for shorter riders, and the weight means it isn’t the lightest in its class. Mileage in Indian use is claimed around 23.8 km/l (WMTC), though real-world urban figures may be lower. |
| Drive Modes | — | Active, Basic, Comfort |
| 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 Suzuki GSX-8R approaches the middleweight segment with a focus on balance rather than outright aggression, which makes it easier to manage in Indian riding conditions. Its 776cc engine delivers power in a smooth and predictable way, helping in city traffic where sudden bursts are not always useful. The riding position is slightly sporty but not extreme, so it doesn’t put too much strain during longer or slower rides. In traffic, the weight and size are noticeable, especially while filtering through tight spaces, though it feels more stable on open roads. The suspension is on the firmer side, which works well on good roads but can feel a bit stiff over uneven surfaces. Overall, it fits into a space where it tries to combine everyday usability with a sportbike feel without fully committing to either side., 4.4, 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 mileage? A: The mileage is around 23 kmpl (real-world mixed riding). Q: What is the engine capacity of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The engine displacement is 776 cc. Q: What is the maximum power of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The GSX-8R produces 82 bhp at 8,500 rpm. Q: What is the top speed of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The top speed is approximately 230 km/h. Q: Does the Suzuki GSX-8R have a quick-shifter? A: Yes, it comes with a bi-directional quick-shifter as standard. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The kerb weight is 205 kg. Q: How many ride modes does the GSX-8R have? A: It offers three ride modes, Active, Basic, and Comfort. Q: What is the seat height of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The seat height is 810 mm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The GSX-8R has a 14-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the price of the Suzuki GSX-8R in India? A: The ex-showroom price in India is ₹9.88 lakh. |
| Final Drive Type | — | chain |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel injection | Electronic fuel injection (EFI) |
| On-Road Price (Subsidy Adjusted, ₹) | — | 1132094 |
| 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 | 988551 | Single variant (Dual-channel ABS, bi-directional quick-shifter, ride-modes) |
| Pros | Sporty NS design and road presence Good performance for daily use Fuel-efficient engine Comfortable and easy to handle Value-for-money positioning | Strong mid-range torque from the 776 cc twin engine, great for both city and touring. Modern features like ride modes, traction control, and quick-shifter add premium feel. Comfortable riding posture, sporty yet practical for daily use. Good build quality and attractive design. Meets latest emission standards (OBD-2B compliant). |
| Starter | Kick and Self Start | Electric |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual | 6-speed, bi-directional quick-shifter, assist & slipper clutch |
| Vehicle Warranty (Years) | — | 2 |
