Bajaj’s smallest performance motorcycle is the NS125, which was introduced in the Indian market recently. And one of its biggest threats comes from its sister brand in the form of the KTM 125 Duke. So, here we compare the specs and features of the two motorcycles to help you decide on which one you should buy.
Styling
Most smaller displacement motorcycles look to their bigger siblings for design inspiration, and these 125cc offerings aren’t much different. The Pulsar NS125 has the same styling as the NS160 and NS200. Although it does get different badging as well as grey wheels and frame unlike the white wheels and frame offered on the other NS models. On the other hand, the KTM 125 Duke looks similar to the 200 Duke. It gets the a muscular tank covered with edgy tank shrouds, an exposed sub-frame and a headlight fitted with an LED DRL. The only differentiating elements between the 125 Duke and 200 Duke are the paint scheme, black wheels and colour of the frame.
Features
In terms of features, the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 comes with a part digital part analogue instrument cluster, LED tail lamp, and turn indicators as well as single-channel ABS. The fuel tank capacity stands at 12-litres.
Meanwhile, the KTM offers a bigger 13.5-litre fuel tank, fully-digital display, LED lighting for the tail lamp and turn indicators and an LED DRL fitted in the headlamp. It also comes with a single-channel ABS as standard.
Engine
Now, the KTM 125 Duke is built on a tubular trellis frame that houses a 124cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 14.3bhp and 12Nm.
Meanwhile, the Pulsar NS125 uses a perimeter frame and comes with a 124cc single-cylinder engine as well. However, it is much different than the KTM’s unit. This motor is air-cooled, has two valves (compared to the 125 Duke’s 4-valve engine), and produces lesser power- 11.83bhp and 11Nm. Moreover, it comes with a five-speed gearbox while the KTM 125 Duke gets a six-speed unit.
Cycle parts
Here too the KTM 125 Duke is a step ahead. It rides on 110/70 front and 150/70. In comparison, the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 features a comparatively smaller 80/100 section tyre for the the front and a 100/90 tyre for the rear.
Suspension duties on the 125 Duke are done by WP-sourced upside down forks at the front and monoshock at the rear. Braking hardware consists of a 300mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc. On the other hand, the Pulsar NS125 features telescopic forks and a monoshock at the rear. And its braking setup consists of a 240mm disc at the front with a drum brake at the rear.
Pricing
The Pulsar NS125 and 125 Duke are part of the same performance commuter segment. Although, the biggest determining factor when choosing between the two is the pricing. The more affordable of the two motorcycles is the Pulsar NS125. It comes with a price tag of Rs 93,818. And while the KTM 125 Duke gets premium cycle parts, features and a more powerful engine, at Rs 1.60 lakh, it demands a whopping premium of Rs 66,502 over the Pulsar NS125.
All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi
