We’ve known for some time that Bajaj is working on an updated Pulsar 150 and a Pulsar 125. While these bikes were earlier anticipated by August 12, we now expect them to hit the market on August 24. The two models had recently been spotted arriving at dealerships, making the launch imminent.
- Will get a new engine and chassis
- Monoshock suspension to replace the current twin-shock
- Expected to get many features from the recently launched N160
What to expect from the new Pulsar 125 and 150?
Revised design and lots of new features
An earlier leak gave us a very detailed look at both motorcycles. From them, we understood that Bajaj has revised the design heavily on both, with the 150 (at least) getting an updated oil-cooled engine. Power figures are unknown at this time, but the improved cooling should mean improvement on the performance front. For reference, the current Pulsar 125 is powered by a 124.4cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine producing 11.8hp and 10.8Nm; the current Pulsar 150 packs a 149.5cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine producing 14hp and 13.3Nm.
The chassis, however, is going to be brand-new, with a single-downtube frame replacing the twin-cradle frame units seen on the current Pulsars. Suspension is expected to be a conventional RSU (right-side-up) telescopic fork at the front, but the current rear twin-shock will be replaced with a monoshock unit. Braking duties appear to be handled by a front disc brake and a rear drum brake, which tacitly confirms that at least the base variants will only get single-channel ABS.
Looks and features-wise, classic Pulsar fans have a lot to look forward to. The familiar Pulsar silhouette is being retained, but Bajaj appears to have modernised the design more with a reworked headlight cowl, side panels and a new fully digital LCD instrument cluster. However, it is entirely possible that higher variants would get a TFT instrument cluster, like on the updated Pulsar N160’s top variant. Another minor change is the heel-toe gear shifter on the current Pulsars being replaced with just a toe shifter. Both the dealership sightings have shown us Pulsars with single-piece seats, but it’s likely that the higher variants of the 150 – if not both – will also have split-seat versions.
Bajaj has tried to comprehensively update/replace the classic Pulsar(s) many times in the past but inevitably had to keep them alive owing to their demand while adding new branches to the stable. It remains to be seen if these two will finally get the job done. We should know more closer to August 24.
Image credits: Rushlane and Akram Saifullah
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
