Quick Analysis
Bajaj Pulsar NS125
15.0 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TVS Apache RTR 310
16.5 pts
Unweighted: 12 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 124.45 cc | 312.2 cc |
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, SOHC 4-Valve, Air Cooled, BSVI Compliant DTS-i Ei Engine | Single Cylinder,4 Stroke, Fuel Injected, Liquid Cooled, Spark Ignited Engine |
| Power | 11.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm | 35.6 PS @ 9,700 rpm |
| Torque | 11 Nm @ 7000 rpm | 27.1 PS @ 7500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 11 litres |
| Mileage | 50 kmpl | 35 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 145 | 169 |
| Seat Height | 805 | 800 |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Single channel ABS with 3 ABS ride modes | Dual-channel ABS with cornering ABS |
| Front Brake | 240 mm (CBS/CBS premium) and 260 mm (ABS) front disc | Disc |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | 41 mm USD KYB fork, fully adjustable |
| Rear Brake | 130 mm Drum CBS | Disc |
| Rear Suspension | Monoshock | Solid Die-Cast Aluminium Swingarm directly hinged monoshocks, pre-load adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 90/90 - 17 | 110/70 - 17 (Michelin Road 5) |
| Rear Tyre | 120/80 - 17 | 150/60 - 17 (Michelin Road 5) |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | Halogen Headlamp | Adaptive Bi-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/2025/07/Fury-Yellow.avif |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/red-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Fiery-Red.avif |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/peal-mettalic-white-1.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Arsenal-Black.avif |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/pewter-grey-3.avif | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Anniversary-Edition.avif |
| Bike Image 5 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/orange-1.avif | — |
| Cluster | — | 5-inch TFT SmartXonnect with Ride Modes, Bluetooth, Navigation, GoPro, etc. |
| Color Options | Burnt Black | #1C1C1C Beach Blue | #4A7FA0 Burnt Red | #8B1A1A Pearl Mettalic white | #E8E8E6 Pewter Grey | #6E6E6E Fiery Orange | #F05A28 | Arsenal Black | #0B0B0B Fury Yellow | #FFC300 Sepang Blue | #0A4273 Fiery Red | #C1121F Anniversary Edition | #C5A059, #0A0A0A |
| Cons | Not as refined as competitors Air-cooled engine limitation Stiff braking | Vibrations: This is the most common complaint among owners. Vibrations are noticeable in the handlebars, footpegs, and seat, especially when pushing past 6,000–7,000 RPM. Small Fuel Tank: The 11-litre fuel tank (some reports suggest even less usable capacity) limits the bike's touring range, requiring frequent fuel stops. Expensive Top-End Variants: While the base price is competitive, the fully loaded BTO (Build-To-Order) kits can push the price significantly higher, sometimes rivaling the KTM 390 Duke. Service & Parts Availability: Some users have reported long wait times for spare parts and a lack of specialized technicians at certain service centers to handle the advanced electronics. Heat Management: In heavy stop-and-go traffic, some riders have noted that the engine can run quite hot, though this is common for high-compression 300cc+ engines. |
| 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 TVS Apache RTR 310 brings together a mix of performance-focused engineering and modern electronics, built on a platform that’s designed to handle both everyday riding and more demanding conditions. At its core is a 312 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces a little over 35 bhp and close to 29 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox along with a slipper clutch, which helps keep the bike stable during quick downshifts. The power delivery is tuned in a way that offers a strong mid-range, making it usable in city speeds while still having enough performance when pushed further. The bike also comes with multiple riding modes that adjust throttle response, ABS sensitivity, and traction control levels. These modes change how the bike behaves in different situations, whether it’s relaxed city riding or more aggressive use. Along with this, features like ride-by-wire throttle and cruise control add to the overall riding experience, especially on longer stretches where maintaining a constant speed becomes easier. Underneath, the Apache RTR 310 uses a trellis frame with a bolt-on subframe, which helps in maintaining structural rigidity while keeping the weight balanced. The suspension setup includes upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock, with adjustability available in certain variants. This allows riders to fine-tune the suspension based on their preference or road conditions. The setup tends to feel slightly firm, which can be noticeable on rough roads but contributes to better control at higher speeds. For braking, the bike gets disc brakes at both ends supported by dual-channel ABS. It also includes more advanced systems like cornering ABS and traction control, which use an IMU to track the bike’s lean angle and movement. These systems continuously adjust braking force and wheel spin, especially when the bike is leaned over or when grip levels are low. The tyres are wide and designed to offer better road contact, adding to stability during cornering and braking. In terms of dimensions, the bike has a relatively compact yet muscular stance. The seat height is around 800 mm, which should be manageable for a wide range of riders. The kerb weight is close to 170 kg, giving it a planted feel without making it too heavy to handle at low speeds. The fuel tank capacity is around 11 litres, which aligns with its performance-oriented nature rather than long-distance touring focus. On the feature side, the Apache RTR 310 includes a fully digital TFT display that shows a range of information such as speed, gear position, ride mode, navigation, and more. It also supports smartphone connectivity, allowing access to call alerts, music control, and ride data. Additional elements like all-LED lighting, different riding aids, and customizable settings reflect the bike’s focus on integrating technology with performance. |
| 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 TVS Apache RTR 310 presents itself as a hyper-naked streetfighter that prioritizes a high-tech riding experience through its extensive electronics suite and aggressive mechanical styling. The 312.2cc reverse-inclined engine is engineered for immediate throttle response and agility, making it a competitive option for urban environments and technical corners where flickability is key. While the inclusion of premium hardware like the Michelin Road 5 tyres and a bi-directional quickshifter enhances the overall performance profile, the bike's refinement is characterized by noticeable engine vibrations in the mid-to-high rev range and a relatively compact fuel capacity. The build-to-order customization platform allows for significant hardware upgrades, such as adjustable suspension and climate-controlled seating, though these additions shift the bike into a higher price bracket compared to its base configuration., 4.2, 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 TVS Apache RTR 310 comfortable for daily use? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 is reasonably comfortable for city rides, but its slightly sporty riding posture and firm seat can feel tiring during long traffic hours or extended rides. Q: How is the TVS Apache RTR 310 engine performance in real riding conditions? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 offers strong mid-range performance and quick throttle response. It pulls well in everyday riding, although low-speed smoothness could be better. Q: Does the TVS Apache RTR 310 heat up a lot in traffic? A: Yes, the TVS Apache RTR 310 does generate noticeable heat in slow-moving traffic, especially in hot weather, which is common for bikes in this performance segment. Q: Is the TVS Apache RTR 310 suitable for beginners? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 can be manageable for beginners if ridden carefully, but its power and features may feel overwhelming at first. The riding modes do help make it easier to handle. Q: How good are the brakes and safety features on the TVS Apache RTR 310? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 has strong braking performance and comes with features like ABS and traction control, which improve overall safety and rider confidence. Q: Is the TVS Apache RTR 310 good for long rides or touring? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 can handle occasional touring, but it’s not primarily designed for long-distance comfort. Windblast and seat firmness can become noticeable over time. Q: What mileage can you expect from the TVS Apache RTR 310 in real-world conditions? A: The TVS Apache RTR 310 typically delivers mileage in the mid-20s to low-30s km/l range, depending on riding style and conditions. Q: Are the electronics on the TVS Apache RTR 310 actually useful? A: Many features on the TVS Apache RTR 310, like riding modes, traction control, and cruise control, are genuinely useful, though some may not be used daily. Q: Is maintenance expensive for the TVS Apache RTR 310? A: Maintenance for the TVS Apache RTR 310 is slightly higher than simpler bikes due to its advanced components and performance-focused setup. Q: What is one downside of the TVS Apache RTR 310? A: One drawback of the TVS Apache RTR 310 is that it can feel a bit complex for riders who prefer a simple motorcycle, and low-speed refinement is not the best. |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel injection | 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 | Arsenal Black Base Without Quickshifter | 222740 Fury Yellow Base | 239890 Arsenal Black Base | 239890 Fiery Red Base | 244490 BTO 1 | 275000 BTO 2 | 285000 Limited Edition | 288190 |
| Pros | Sporty NS design and road presence Good performance for daily use Fuel-efficient engine Comfortable and easy to handle Value-for-money positioning | Feature-Rich Electronics: Riders frequently praise the 5-inch TFT display and segment-first features like cruise control, climatic control (heated/cooled) seats, and a 6D IMU that enables cornering ABS and traction control. Performance & Handling: The 312.2cc engine offers punchy mid-range power and instant throttle response. Users highlight its agility and light kerb weight (169kg), making it excellent for flicking through city traffic. Exceptional Grip: It comes standard with Michelin Road 5 tyres, which are highly rated by users for providing superior confidence in both dry and wet conditions. Smooth Quickshifter: The bi-directional quickshifter is often cited as one of the best in its class, offering seamless gear shifts without using the clutch. Aggressive Styling: Its "Cyborg" inspired design and twin LED headlights give it a massive road presence that consistently turns heads. |
| Starter | Kick and Self Start | Self Start Only |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual | 6-speed manual with bi-directional quickshifter |
