The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N125 and the KTM 125 Duke are two of the most popular 125cc bikes in India, offering unique blends of performance, style, and features in their segment. Both bikes appeal to young riders and commuters, but they serve different needs. While the Pulsar N125 is celebrated for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and sporty design, the KTM 125 Duke focuses on performance with premium features and a racing lineage. This detailed comparison will cover essential aspects like engine specs, design, features, price, and overall ride experience to help you decide which bike suits your style and requirements best.
Engine and Performance
Bajaj Pulsar N125
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 is powered by a 124.4cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. This engine produces a peak power of around 11.8 bhp and a torque output of 10.8 Nm, which makes it suitable for daily commuting and occasional short trips. Its five-speed gearbox offers a smooth shifting experience, and the engine is optimized for efficiency, making it a great option for city commutes.
KTM 125 Duke
The KTM 125 Duke comes equipped with a 124.7cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that’s also fuel-injected. It generates a higher power output of 14.5 bhp and 12 Nm of torque, delivering a thrilling ride experience for a 125cc bike. Known for its performance-oriented setup, the 125 Duke’s six-speed gearbox ensures a punchy yet smooth ride, especially at higher RPMs. With its refined engine, the KTM 125 Duke is engineered to offer a sportier and more responsive feel on highways and city roads alike.
Design and Styling
Bajaj Pulsar N125
The Pulsar N125 has a sleek, sporty design that mirrors the aesthetics of its larger Pulsar siblings. It features a sharp headlight, muscular fuel tank, and a compact tail section, which gives it an aggressive stance. The N125 also sports split seats, a digital-analog instrument cluster, and alloy wheels, catering to those who want a stylish yet affordable 125cc bike.
KTM 125 Duke
KTM has incorporated its signature “ready to race” design into the 125 Duke. With its naked streetfighter look, the bike features a distinctive split LED headlight, a sharp tank design, and edgy bodywork. The 125 Duke’s overall design is more angular and aggressive than the Pulsar, and it also comes with premium features like a digital display with additional data points and a refined LED lighting system.
Suspension and Braking
Bajaj Pulsar N125
The Pulsar N125 is equipped with conventional telescopic front forks and dual gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. This suspension setup is tuned for comfort, making it ideal for city commutes. For braking, it features a front disc brake and rear drum brake combination, with an option for a single-channel ABS, which provides sufficient braking control for daily use.
KTM 125 Duke
In contrast, the KTM 125 Duke boasts WP inverted front forks and a mono-shock at the rear. This setup is calibrated for better handling and high-speed stability, providing an engaging riding experience even on winding roads. The 125 Duke comes with disc brakes on both wheels and is fitted with single-channel ABS as standard, ensuring precise and confident braking even at higher speeds.
Features and Technology
Bajaj Pulsar N125
The Pulsar N125 comes with a digital-analog instrument cluster that displays speed, fuel level, trip meters, and other basic information. It also offers a side-stand indicator, backlit switches, and an optional USB charging port, which are practical features for everyday commuters. While it doesn’t have advanced tech, the Pulsar N125’s feature set is well-suited to its price and audience.
KTM 125 Duke
The KTM 125 Duke is packed with more advanced features, including a fully digital LCD instrument console that shows a range of information like gear position, fuel consumption, trip details, and even service reminders. The Duke’s display is crisp and easy to read, adding to its premium feel. It also includes a side-stand cut-off sensor and high-quality backlit switchgear, enhancing the bike’s appeal to tech-savvy riders.
Price Comparison
Bajaj Pulsar N125
The Bajaj Pulsar N125 is priced more affordably, generally ranging between ₹80,000 and ₹1,00,000 (ex-showroom). This makes it a budget-friendly choice for those looking for a stylish and efficient daily commuter without compromising much on looks or performance.
KTM 125 Duke
On the other hand, the KTM 125 Duke comes with a premium price tag, generally priced around ₹1,80,000 (ex-showroom). While it is considerably more expensive than the Pulsar N125, it offers advanced features, better performance, and a brand name associated with racing heritage.
Fuel Efficiency
Bajaj Pulsar N125
The Pulsar N125 excels in fuel efficiency, with a mileage of around 50-55 km/l, depending on riding conditions. This is a major advantage for city riders looking to minimize fuel expenses while enjoying a sporty ride.
KTM 125 Duke
The KTM 125 Duke, being performance-focused, delivers slightly lower fuel efficiency, averaging around 40-45 km/l. Riders will find the Duke’s fuel economy reasonable for a bike in this category, though it is less economical than the Pulsar N125.
Ride Quality and Comfort
Bajaj Pulsar N125
The Pulsar N125 offers a comfortable ride with a well-padded seat and upright riding posture, making it a great choice for city commutes. Its suspension is softer, which absorbs bumps efficiently, providing a smoother experience on uneven roads.
KTM 125 Duke
In contrast, the 125 Duke offers a stiffer suspension setup, giving it a sporty feel but slightly less comfort over potholes and bumps. The bike’s aggressive stance and slightly rear-set footpegs make it more suitable for spirited riding, though it may not be as comfortable for extended rides in city traffic.
Conclusion
Choosing between the 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N125 and the KTM 125 Duke largely depends on your priorities. The Pulsar N125 is a practical, budget-friendly commuter bike with a sporty look and excellent fuel efficiency, ideal for urban riders. On the other hand, the KTM 125 Duke, with its performance-oriented setup, aggressive styling, and premium features, caters to enthusiasts seeking a thrill-packed 125cc bike. For those willing to invest more for premium performance and tech, the KTM 125 Duke stands out. However, if value and fuel efficiency are your focus, the Bajaj Pulsar N125 offers remarkable appeal in the 125cc segment.
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