The Pulsar brand has defined the Indian motorcycle market for over two decades, shaping riding clubs and stunt groups across the country. Senior cameraman Chandrakant still operates his 150cc model, a clear sign of the model’s long-term reliability. Now, in 2026, Bajaj has introduced the new Pulsar 125 and 150 to see if the brand retains its cultural relevance.
A New Structure and Visual Identity
The two new models look nearly identical from a distance, separated by small details and engineering choices. The 125 uses an air-cooled engine, while the 150 shifts to an oil-cooled unit. The 150 also features a belly pan and a split grab rail, whereas the 125 keeps a single-piece design. Both bikes now sit on a single-tube diamond frame rather than the old double-cradle layout.
Visually, the front end receives a complete overhaul. A “Z” signature headlamp anchors the design, with wolf-eye DRLs positioned above the LED unit. The rear section remains recognizably Pulsar, with a muscular tank and an upswept pentagon-shaped silencer that adds a sharper, more aggressive stance to the silhouette.
Cycle parts for both bikes share the new frame, which uses the engine as a stressed member. They both roll on 17-inch wheels wrapped in MRF Nylogrip rubber. Braking systems differ by variant: the 150 offers a 260 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc, while the 125 uses a 240 mm front disc paired with a rear drum. Suspension consists of conventional telescopic forks with a rear monoshock.
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Dimensions are practical for the segment. The 125 weighs 131 kg, while the 150 is approximately 10 kg heavier. Seat height remains identical at 795 mm, with fuel tank capacities of 11 litres and 15 litres respectively.
Features and Technology
Both 2026 models come with tiered feature sets. The top-spec 150 includes a 5-inch TFT display capable of mirroring Google Maps, while mid variants offer turn-by-turn navigation. The base model uses a standard 5-inch LCD screen. A USB Type-C charging port is available across the range, along with multiple ride modes and hazard lights.
The digital display serves a functional purpose beyond navigation; it can store digital copies of a driving licence, insurance, and pollution certificates for quick access to law enforcement.
Under the skin, the powertrains focus on refinement. The Pulsar 125 relies on a 124.58cc air-cooled engine producing 12.1 PS at 8,500 rpm and 11.4 Nm of torque. The 150 uses a 149.5cc oil-cooled unit that generates 14 PS at 8,000 rpm and 14.1 Nm of torque. Both use a five-speed gearbox. The most noticeable change is the exhaust note, which remains smooth and refined even as the revs climb, avoiding the harsh sounds typical of the older generation.
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The 150’s TFT display struggles with brightness in direct sunlight, requiring a change in posture to read clearly. However, a real-time efficiency indicator turns red when working the engine hard and green during cruising. Vibration levels are negligible, and a crawl feature allows the bike to travel at speeds as low as 30 km/h in fifth gear, useful for stop-and-go traffic.
Pricing and Competition
The new Pulsar 125 starts at Rs 92,990 for the base model and reaches Rs 1.04 lakh for the fully-loaded variant. This places it against the Honda SP125, TVS Raider 125, Hero Xtreme 125R, and Honda Shine 125. The 150 is priced from Rs 1.15 lakh up to Rs 1.23 lakh, competing with the TVS Apache RTR 160, Honda SP 160, and Yamaha FZ-S FI.
On the Road
One writer who received a unit of the 150 found the acceleration to be linear, with peak power arriving at 8,000 rpm. The rider noted that a top speed of approximately 95 km/h was observed before the road ran out, though the motorcycle likely possessed more capability. Overtakes were manageable with a timed gear downshift, yet the engine felt stressed under hard use.
