We’ve known for some time that Bajaj is working on an updated Pulsar 150, and a Pulsar 125. Earlier expected by August 12, we now expect them to arrive on August 24. The two models had recently been spotted arriving at dealerships, making the launch imminent.
- Will get a new engine and chassis
- Replaces the current twin-shock with a monoshock suspension
- 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 the 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 of power and 10.8Nm of torque; the current Pulsar 150 is powered by a 149.5cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 14hp and 13.3Nm of torque.
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 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 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. Though 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