Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
14.0 pts
Unweighted: 14 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH ROCKET 3 STORM R
20.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, SOHC 4-Valve, Air Cooled, BSVI Compliant DTS-i Ei Engine | 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder |
| Power | 11.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 182 PS / 180 bhp (134 kW) @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 225 Nm (166lbft) @ 4,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 18 L |
| Mileage | 50 kmpl | 15 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 145 | 317 |
| Seat Height | 805 | 773 |
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 | Twin 320mm discs, Brembo M4.32 Stylema® 4-piston monobloc caliper, Optimised Cornering-ABS |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Showa 47mm USD 1 1 cartridge front forks, compression and rebound damping adjustment, 120mm wheel travel. |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum CBS | Single 300mm disc, Brembo M4.32 4-piston monobloc caliper, Optimised Cornering-ABS |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Fully adjustable Showa piggyback reservoir RSU with remote hydraulic preload adjuster, 107mm wheel travel. |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 90/90 - 17 | 150/80 R17 V |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80 - 17 | 240/50 R16 V |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Halogen Headlamp | DRLs LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V, 4Ah | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/blue-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rocket-3-r-my26-satin-baja-orange-rhs-629.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/red-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rocket_3_r_my24_granite_rhs_629px.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/peal-mettalic-white-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/rocket_3_r_my24_pacific_blue_rhs_629px.webp |
| 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 | — | colour TFT screen |
| Color Options | Burnt Black | #1C1C1C Beach Blue | #4A7FA0 Burnt Red | #8B1A1A Pearl Mettalic white | #E8E8E6 Pewter Grey | #6E6E6E Fiery Orange | #F05A28 | Carnival Red/Sapphire Black | #8a1d1c,#1a1c1c Satin Baja Orange / Matt Sapphire Black | #f2570a,#242424 Sapphire Black / Granite | #1f1c1e,#474747 Satin Pacific Blue / Matt Sapphire Black | #3d4c7d,#0f0f0f |
| Cons | Not as refined as competitors Air-cooled engine limitation Stiff braking | Extremely Heavy – Weight is very noticeable, especially during slow-speed riding and parking manoeuvres. Low Fuel Efficiency / Range – Fuel consumption is high, and range is relatively limited for long-distance touring. Expensive to Own – High purchase price and maintenance costs make it less accessible. Not Beginner-Friendly – Power delivery and size can feel overwhelming for inexperienced riders. Missing Features for Price – Some expected features like quickshifter or advanced connectivity may not be standard. |
| 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 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R is not a typical motorcycle, and it becomes clear as soon as you start riding it. The 2458cc engine is extremely large, and what you feel most is not top speed but the way it pulls from very low speeds. Even a small twist of the throttle moves the bike forward strongly, without needing to rev the engine much. Because of this, riding it feels different from smaller bikes, you don’t have to change gears often or plan overtakes carefully, as the engine already has enough power in almost any situation. At low speeds, the size and weight are noticeable. Moving the bike in parking areas or taking tight turns requires attention, and it doesn’t feel light or easy in these situations. But once the bike is moving, it becomes more stable and easier to manage than expected. It doesn’t feel quick to turn like smaller motorcycles, but it stays steady and predictable, especially on open roads. The long wheelbase and wide tyres help it feel planted rather than unstable. The riding position on the Storm R is slightly more upright compared to cruiser-style bikes. The footpegs are placed in the middle, which gives a bit more control and makes it feel closer to a roadster in some ways. Even then, the bike is not focused on fast cornering or aggressive riding. It prefers smooth inputs and steady riding rather than quick direction changes. In daily use, there are some clear limitations. The engine produces heat in slow traffic, and fuel consumption is on the higher side. The size of the bike also means it can feel difficult in crowded roads or narrow spaces. It is not something that easily fits into everyday city riding without effort. At the same time, these aspects come from the way the bike is built, rather than being separate issues. The overall riding experience feels controlled despite the power. The throttle response is smooth, and the electronics work quietly in the background without making the bike feel complicated. Once you get used to it, the bike behaves in a predictable way, even though the engine is very powerful. Overall, the Rocket 3 Storm R is shaped around its engine and the way it delivers power. Most of its design and riding feel come from managing that large amount of torque, rather than trying to behave like a typical motorcycle used for daily riding. |
| 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 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R delivers a riding experience that feels more about managing immense torque than chasing outright speed. Its 2458cc inline-triple produces massive low-end pull that arrives instantly, making overtakes effortless without needing high revs. What stands out is how controlled this power feels, despite its size, the bike remains stable and composed once moving, with a chassis that holds its line confidently through corners if ridden smoothly. At low speeds, however, the weight and physical scale are always noticeable, requiring careful handling in tight situations. The mid-set ergonomics give it a slightly more active feel than a cruiser, but practicality takes a back seat to sheer presence and performance. Overall, it feels less like a conventional motorcycle and more like a machine built around delivering torque in its most extreme and refined form., 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: Is the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R difficult to ride in traffic? A: Yes, in slow traffic the weight and width are very noticeable. The bike feels manageable once moving, but tight U-turns and stop-go conditions require experience and control. Q: Can the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R be used for long-distance touring? A: It can, but the R variant is more roadster-focused with mid-set footpegs. For long touring, most riders prefer the GT version due to better ergonomics and comfort. Q: Is the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R too powerful for normal riding? A: The power is extreme on paper, but the throttle tuning is smooth and predictable. The real challenge is managing the torque, not the speed. Q: How does the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R feel at low speeds? A: It feels heavy and slightly intimidating at low speeds, especially for parking or maneuvering, but becomes stable and surprisingly balanced once in motion. Q: Can shorter riders handle the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R? A: It is possible due to a relatively accessible seat height, but the overall weight and size matter more than height when handling this bike. Q: Is the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R suitable for Indian road conditions? A: It handles highways very well, but poor roads, tight city lanes, and rough terrain can feel challenging due to its size and limited ground clearance. Q: What kind of mileage can you expect from the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R? A: Real-world mileage is typically low, often around 12–15 km/l, which is expected for a 2.5-litre engine. Q: Is the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R beginner-friendly? A: No, it is not recommended for beginners. The combination of weight and massive torque requires experience and confidence to handle safely. Q: What makes the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R different from other cruisers? A: Its engine size and torque output are unmatched in production motorcycles, giving it a completely different riding experience compared to traditional V-twin cruisers. Q: Does the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R feel like a cruiser or a performance bike? A: It sits somewhere in between—a power cruiser that mixes cruiser ergonomics with performance-focused acceleration and handling. |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel injection | Electronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control |
| 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 | 3R | 2403100 |
| Pros | Sporty NS design and road presence Good performance for daily use Fuel-efficient engine Comfortable and easy to handle Value-for-money positioning | Brutal Performance – Massive 2458cc triple engine delivers insane torque and acceleration that feels unmatched in this segment. Unique Road Presence – Muscular design and sheer size make it stand out like no other bike on the road. Surprisingly Stable Handling – Despite its size, the bike feels balanced and confidence-inspiring at speed and through corners. Comfortable Ride Quality – Plush suspension and relaxed ergonomics make it comfortable for cruising and long rides. Premium Build & Tech – High-end components, electronics, and overall finish give it a premium ownership feel. |
| Starter | Kick and Self Start | Self Start |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual | 6 speed |
