Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
11.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TVS Apache RTR 200 4V
16.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air cooled | Oil-cooled with ram-air assist |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 197.75 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, SOHC 4-Valve, Air Cooled, BSVI Compliant DTS-i Ei Engine | SI, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, fuel-injected |
| Power | 11.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 20.8 PS @ 9,000 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 17.25 Nm @ 7,250 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 12 litres |
| Mileage | 50 kmpl | 37 |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 145 | 151 |
| Seat Height | 805 | 800 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Single channel ABS with 3 ABS ride modes | Dual-channel ABS with RLP |
| Front Brake | 240 mm (CBS/CBS premium) and 260 mm (ABS) front disc | 270 mm dia Petal Disc |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic fork with preload adjuster |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum CBS | 240 mm dia Petal Disc |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Monotube mono-shock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 90/90 - 17 | 90/90–17 tubeless |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80 - 17 | 130/70–17 tubeless (radial) |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Halogen Headlamp | AHO LED with LED position lamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V, 4Ah | 12 V, 6 Ah VRLA |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/blue-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Granite-Grey.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/red-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Glossy-Black-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 | — | Digital with SmartXonnect, riding modes & navigation |
| Color Options | Burnt Black | #1C1C1C Beach Blue | #4A7FA0 Burnt Red | #8B1A1A Pearl Mettalic white | #E8E8E6 Pewter Grey | #6E6E6E Fiery Orange | #F05A28 | Granite Grey | #5F6368 Matte Black | #1A1A1A Glossy Black | #111111 |
| Cons | Not as refined as competitors Air-cooled engine limitation Stiff braking | Engine vibrations are still noticeable at higher RPMs and highway cruising speeds, especially when compared to more refined Japanese competitors. The overall design has evolved slowly over the years, so some riders may find the styling less fresh compared to newer streetfighters in the segment. The seat cushioning and sporty riding posture can feel slightly tiring during long-distance touring. Rear seat comfort is average, especially for longer rides with a pillion. The gearbox, while usable for daily riding, does not feel as slick or refined as some competitors. Some riders feel the motorcycle could have offered slightly more outright power considering the segment and pricing. Service experience and long-term fit-and-finish quality can vary depending on dealership location. |
| 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. | Not every 200cc motorcycle tries to behave like a full-sized performance machine, but the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V clearly leans in that direction with the way it has been engineered. The motorcycle combines a compact streetfighter layout with features and chassis components that are usually expected from more performance-focused bikes. From the riding position to the electronics package, most parts of the bike are designed to make the riding experience feel sharper and more interactive rather than purely commuter-oriented. The motorcycle is powered by a 197.75cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 4-valve engine paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The engine produces close to 20.5 bhp in Sport mode along with around 17 Nm of torque. The power delivery is tuned to feel energetic through the mid and upper rev range, which becomes noticeable during overtakes and fast acceleration. Unlike motorcycles that focus heavily on relaxed low-end tuning, the RTR 200 4V encourages the rider to explore the higher RPM range where the engine feels more responsive and eager. The oil-cooling system, combined with ram-air assistance, helps maintain engine temperatures during longer rides and more aggressive riding conditions. One of the major additions on the motorcycle is its ride-by-wire system and riding modes. Riders can switch between Sport, Urban, and Rain modes depending on road conditions and riding style. Sport mode delivers the sharpest throttle response and full performance output, while Urban and Rain modes soften acceleration and adjust ABS intervention for smoother control. This setup changes the character of the motorcycle quite noticeably and gives the rider more flexibility during daily commuting, wet roads, or highway riding. The RTR 200 4V also places heavy focus on handling dynamics. The motorcycle uses a double cradle split synchro stiff frame that is designed to improve stability during cornering and fast direction changes. Newer variants receive upside-down front forks, while the rear uses a preload-adjustable monoshock suspension. Together, the setup gives the bike a planted front-end feel while maintaining enough comfort for city roads and uneven surfaces. The shorter wheelbase and relatively lightweight chassis help the motorcycle feel agile in traffic and responsive during cornering. Braking hardware includes petal disc brakes at both ends along with dual-channel ABS. The braking system is designed to offer controlled stopping performance without feeling overly aggressive during everyday riding. The motorcycle rides on alloy wheels fitted with tubeless tyres, using a wider rear tyre setup that improves grip and stability during acceleration and cornering. In terms of design, the Apache RTR 200 4V follows a muscular streetfighter appearance with sharp tank extensions, split seats, exposed engine sections, aggressive graphics, and LED lighting elements. The overall bodywork gives the motorcycle a compact but sporty stance. The riding posture is slightly leaned forward, though not extreme enough to make daily commuting uncomfortable. Technology is another major part of the package. The fully digital instrument cluster supports TVS SmartXonnect connectivity with Bluetooth pairing, navigation assist, call alerts, ride statistics, crash alert system, and voice assistance. Adjustable clutch and brake levers, LED headlamp setup, and race-inspired styling details further add to the premium feel of the motorcycle. The bike comes with a 12-litre fuel tank and a kerb weight of around 151–152 kg depending on the variant. Fuel efficiency usually remains around 35–45 km/l depending on riding conditions, traffic, and throttle usage. Overall, the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V combines sporty engine tuning, modern electronics, agile chassis dynamics, and streetfighter styling into a motorcycle designed around active and engaging road 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 | On paper, the Apache RTR 200 4V may not look dramatically more powerful than some of its rivals, but the way it delivers performance makes the motorcycle feel far more energetic once you start riding it. The throttle response is sharp, the chassis reacts quickly to steering inputs, and the bike feels surprisingly eager when pushed through corners. TVS has clearly tuned it for riders who enjoy an active riding style rather than relaxed commuting. Even the exhaust note and riding posture add to that sporty feel. At the same time, it still remains manageable enough for everyday use, with decent low-speed rideability and useful features like ride modes, Bluetooth connectivity, and adjustable levers. The suspension setup keeps the motorcycle stable during aggressive riding, although the slightly firm setup and noticeable vibrations at higher RPMs remind you that refinement is not its strongest area. Overall, the RTR 200 4V comes across as a motorcycle built more around rider engagement and handling confidence than outright numbers or comfort-focused commuting., 4.5, 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 of the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V? A: The motorcycle is powered by a 197.75cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled, 4-valve engine. Q: What is the power output of the Apache RTR 200 4V? A: The bike produces around 20.5 bhp in Sport mode along with approximately 17.25 Nm of torque. Q: What mileage does the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V give? A: Real-world mileage generally stays around 35–45 km/l depending on riding style and traffic conditions. Q: What is the top speed of the Apache RTR 200 4V? A: The motorcycle has an approximate top speed of around 127–130 km/h. Q: Does the Apache RTR 200 4V have riding modes? A: Yes, the bike offers Sport, Urban, and Rain riding modes. Q: What type of cooling system does the Apache RTR 200 4V use? A: The motorcycle uses an oil-cooled engine setup with ram-air assistance. Q: Does the Apache RTR 200 4V have Bluetooth connectivity? A: Yes, higher variants support TVS SmartXonnect Bluetooth connectivity with navigation and ride analytics. Q: What type of brakes does the Apache RTR 200 4V use? A: The bike comes with petal disc brakes at both ends along with dual-channel ABS. Q: What suspension setup does the Apache RTR 200 4V use? A: The motorcycle uses USD front forks on newer variants along with a rear monoshock suspension. Q: Does the Apache RTR 200 4V get adjustable levers? A: Yes, the bike offers adjustable clutch and brake levers. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity of the Apache RTR 200 4V? A: The motorcycle comes with a fuel tank capacity of around 12 litres. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Apache RTR 200 4V? A: Depending on the variant, the kerb weight is around 151–152 kg. Q: Does the Apache RTR 200 4V have LED lights? A: Yes, the motorcycle gets LED headlamp, LED DRLs, and LED tail lamps. Q: Is the Apache RTR 200 4V suitable for highway riding? A: Yes, the strong mid-range performance, stable chassis, and riding modes make it suitable for highway touring and fast cruising. Q: What type of tyres does the Apache RTR 200 4V use? A: The motorcycle uses tubeless tyres mounted on alloy wheels. Q: Is the Apache RTR 200 4V suitable for daily commuting? A: Yes, despite its sporty character, the bike remains manageable for regular commuting and everyday riding. |
| 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 | USD | 141990 TFT | 147490 2 CHR Mode | 148120 Limited Edition | 149590 |
| Pros | Sporty NS design and road presence Good performance for daily use Fuel-efficient engine Comfortable and easy to handle Value-for-money positioning | The 197.75cc oil-cooled engine delivers strong acceleration and a lively top-end performance, making the bike feel energetic during overtakes, cornering, and highway riding. Handling is one of the strongest parts of the RTR 200 4V. The chassis feels agile in corners while still remaining stable at higher speeds, which gives the motorcycle a sporty and confidence-inspiring character. Ride modes such as Sport, Urban, and Rain mode help the bike adapt to different riding conditions by changing throttle response and ABS behavior. The suspension setup, especially the USD fork variant, improves front-end stability and gives the motorcycle a sharper handling feel compared to many rivals in the segment. Features like Bluetooth connectivity, navigation support, adjustable clutch and brake levers, riding analytics, and the fully digital display help the bike feel modern and feature-rich. The exhaust note has a sporty and deeper tone that adds to the overall riding experience without becoming excessively loud. Braking performance feels strong and predictable, especially with dual-channel ABS and petal disc brakes at both ends. Despite its sporty nature, the bike still manages reasonable fuel efficiency for a 200cc street motorcycle. |
| Starter | Kick and Self Start | Electric |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual | 5-speed manual |
