Bajaj Pulsar 150 Vs KTM RC 125 - Which is Best for You?

Bajaj Auto and KTM are two leading motorcycle brands in India. The Pulsar 150 and the RC 125 are two best-selling motorcycles from the respective brands. This post, in the following sections, will compare the two bikes in brief.

Here goes:

Price

 

An account of Bajaj Pulsar 150 Vs KTM RC 125 cannot begin without comparing the prices.

As of now, the base price of the Pulsar 150 is Rs. 1, 22,761. The top trim of the bike is offered at Rs. 1, 31,620. 

On the other hand, the KTM RC 125 currently is offered at Rs. 2, 18,239.It is to be noted that the prices of both motorcycles are ex-showroom. On-road prices will differ from city to city.

Variants

 

The Pulsar 150 is offered in three variants by Bajaj Auto. 

KTM on the other hand offers the RC 125 compact sports bike in a single yet fully decked-out trim.

Colours

 

The Pulsar 150 is offered in the following colour options.

  • Lime Green (Neon) 
  • Red (Neon)
  • Silver (Neon)
  • Sparkle Black Red (Single Disc)
  • Sparkle Black Blue (Single Disc)
  • Sparkle Black Silver (Single Disc)
  • Sparkle Black Red (Ducal Disc)
  • Sapphire Black Blue (Dual Disc)
  • Sparkle Black Silver (Dual Disc).

The RC 125 is offered in two colour options namely Silver and Black.

Additional Read: Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 Vs KTM Duke 125 - Know Which Is The Best Bike For You

Looks

 

Unlike the latest generation of Bajaj bikes, the Pulsar 150 is yet to receive any design-related updates. However, the bike still is pleasing to the eyes. The fuel tank extensions, the split tail lamp, and the front fascia work in tandem to make the bike appealing. Furthermore, the split seat design, refreshing yet sporty decals and availability of single and twin-disc models sweeten the deal!

The RC 125, similar to other KTM bikes, entails an otherworldly design. The latest iteration of the bike draws inspiration from KTM’s supersport bike – the RC8!  The bike is known for its enhanced aerodynamics and low drag coefficient. The latest generation of bikes comes with a bubble-type visor. The fairing and the fuel tank designs are revised as well. The twin projector headlamps of the bike are replaced with a single halogen-bulb-equipped headlamp unit. The front fairing of the bike comes with the front turn indicators neatly integrated into it. The bike Trellis subframe has been re-engineered. The overall space and comfort levels offered by the bike’s seats are unmatched when compared to rivals.

Engine specifications

 

The engine of the Pulsar 150 is an air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. The engine came with a carburettor back in the day. But Bajaj replaced the carburettor with a fuel-injection system. This alteration was done to help the bike meet BS6 norms. The engine delivers a linear performance. The peak power produced by the engine is 15 bhp. The peak torque produced by the engine is 12 Nm. Bajaj paired the engine of the bike with a fine-tuned and sleek-shifting 5-speed transmission.

On the other hand, the engine of the RC 125 is a 124 CC, BS6-compliant, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder unit. The peak power and torque outputs of the engine are 14.75 bhp and 12 Nm respectively. KTM replaced the old air intake of the bike’s predecessor with a larger one. Increasing the size of the air intake allowed the engine to deliver more low-end torque. The radiator of the bike is also revised. The newly designed radiator unit now comes with two heavy-duty fans for better heat dissipation.

Onboard USPs

 

The Pulsar 150 offers a ‘back-to-basic-biking’ experience. It means that the bike is free from unwanted electronics. However, basic and essential features like the ones mentioned below:

  • Backlit switches
  • A side stand indicator
  • An analogue tachometer
  • A semi-digital instrument cluster with a medium-sized digital screen programmed to display ride-related information.

The RC 125 on the other hand comes with an array of Unique Selling Points. Some of them are mentioned below:

  • An LCD instrument cluster.
  • WP (APEX) series inverted fork suspension for the front wheel & mono-shock suspension for the rear wheel.
  • A 320 mm disc rotor for the front wheel & a 230 mm disc rotor for the rear wheel.
  • Dual channel ABS
  • 5-spoke alloy wheels, etc.
Additional Read: A Quick Comparison Between Bajaj Pulsar NS 125 Vs KTM Duke 125

Handling

 

The Pulsar 150 is the best Bajaj bike in terms of performance and handling. The bike has been on sale for decades. Hence, it is natural for the bike to come with impressive handling. The suspensions on the bike are set at ‘medium’. The travel factor of the front suspension has been increased in the latest iteration of the bike. The rear wheel suspensions are

The RC 125 is a compact sports bike from KTM. KTM is a brand that is known worldwide for its track-ready and track-only bikes. Hence, it is natural for the RC 125 to handle itself impressively on the corners and straight lines. Highway and city traffic weaving is a breeze on the bike. However, as the rider will sit with an aggressive stance, travelling approximately 150 KMS without a break will be uncomfortable. But on the bright side, the adjustable handlebar and comfortable seats do make riding easier!

Conclusion

 

Both bikes are great. However, if one wants a comparatively cheaper 150 CC bike then one can choose the Pulsar 150. On the other hand, the RC 125 is a great entry-level compact sports bike below 2.5 lakhs. To learn more, please take test rides of the bikes.

Apply for Loan Calculate Your EMI