The Bajaj Pulsar N250 is a standout offering in the fiercely competitive Indian motorcycle market, embodying the spirit of performance, style, and affordability that the Pulsar lineage has championed since its inception in 2001. Launched as part of Bajaj Auto’s refreshed 250cc platform, the N250 is a naked streetfighter designed to cater to enthusiasts seeking a blend of power, agility, and modern technology. Introduced alongside its semi-faired sibling, the Pulsar F250, in October 2021 and significantly updated in 2024, this motorcycle has quickly carved a niche for itself in the quarter-litre segment. With its aggressive styling, torquey engine, and a suite of advanced features, the Pulsar N250 appeals to both urban commuters and highway riders who crave a thrilling yet practical ride.
Bajaj Auto, headquartered in Pune, has a storied history of delivering motorcycles that resonate with the Indian youth, and the Pulsar N250 is no exception. It builds on the brand’s legacy of innovation, offering a motorcycle that balances raw performance with everyday usability. The 2024 update brought significant enhancements, including upside-down forks, a fully digital instrument cluster, traction control, and multiple ABS modes, making it a formidable contender in its class. Priced competitively, the N250 targets riders who want more than what 150cc or 200cc bikes offer but aren’t ready to leap into the premium 300cc-plus segment. This detailed exploration dives into the bike’s technical prowess, design elements, variants, pricing across metro cities, and how it stacks up against its rivals.
Technical Specifications
The Bajaj Pulsar N250 is engineered to deliver a punchy yet refined riding experience. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of its technical specifications, compiled from trusted sources like BikeDekho and BikeWale, ensuring accuracy as of April 10, 2025.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 249.07 cc, Single-Cylinder, 4-Stroke, SOHC, 2-Valve, Oil-Cooled, FI (Fuel-Injected) |
| Displacement | 249.07 cc |
| Max Power | 24.5 PS @ 8750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 21.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 72 mm x 61.17 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 ± 0.3:1 |
| Cooling System | Oil-Cooled |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, Assist and Slipper Clutch |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 44 kmpl |
| Mileage (Owner Reported) | 39 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 Litres |
| Riding Range | Approximately 616 km (based on ARAI mileage) |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 1989 mm x 743 mm x 1050 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1342 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm |
| Seat Height | 800 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 164 kg |
| Frame | Tubular Steel Frame |
| Suspension (Front) | 37 mm Upside-Down (USD) Forks (2024 update) |
| Suspension (Rear) | Monoshock with Nitrox |
| Brakes (Front) | 300 mm Disc, Dual-Channel ABS |
| Brakes (Rear) | 230 mm Disc, Dual-Channel ABS |
| Tyres (Front) | 110/70-17, Tubeless |
| Tyres (Rear) | 140/70-17, Tubeless |
| Top Speed | 132 kmph (claimed) |
These specifications highlight the N250’s focus on delivering a robust yet manageable performance package, tailored for Indian roads.
Design and Exteriors
The Bajaj Pulsar N250 boasts a design that screams aggression and modernity, staying true to its streetfighter DNA. Its naked styling sets it apart from the semi-faired Pulsar F250, offering a raw, unfiltered aesthetic that appeals to riders who love a minimalist yet bold look. The front fascia is dominated by a single-pod projector LED headlight, flanked by sleek LED DRLs shaped like brows, giving it a predatory stance. The muscular fuel tank, adorned with sharp shrouds and striking graphics, enhances its road presence, while the split-seat design adds a sporty touch and ensures comfort for both rider and pillion.
The bike’s side profile is clean yet purposeful, with a sculpted tank that flows seamlessly into the compact tail section. The bipartite LED taillamps provide a distinctive glow, ensuring visibility and adding to the premium feel. The 2024 model introduces Champagne Gold USD forks, which not only improve handling but also elevate the visual appeal. Available in three colour options—Brooklyn Black, Pearl Metallic White, and Glossy Racing Red—the N250 caters to varied tastes, with the red variant being exclusive to the top-spec model. The 17-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in wider tubeless tyres (110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear), complete the package, offering both style and grip.
Interiors and Ergonomics
While motorcycles don’t have “interiors” in the traditional sense, the rider interface and ergonomics of the Pulsar N250 are worth exploring. The riding position is upright yet mildly sporty, thanks to the clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs. This setup strikes a balance between comfort for daily commutes and agility for spirited rides. The handlebar is positioned to reduce wrist strain, making it ideal for city traffic, while the footpegs allow riders to grip the tank with their knees, enhancing control during cornering.
The split-seat design is both functional and stylish, with adequate padding to support long rides. At 800 mm, the seat height is accessible to a wide range of riders, and the 165 mm ground clearance ensures it can tackle speed bumps and rough patches with ease. The bike’s lightweight tubular steel frame, weighing in at 164 kg, contributes to its nimble handling, making it a joy to flick through urban streets or lean into highway curves.
Advanced Features
The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 is packed with cutting-edge features that set it apart in the 250cc segment. The most notable upgrade is the fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, a first for a Bajaj motorcycle in this range. This console displays essential data like speed, odometer, fuel level, and mileage, while also offering turn-by-turn navigation, call/SMS alerts, and battery status via smartphone pairing. The cluster’s menu is navigable via a button on the left switchgear, adding to rider convenience.
Safety and control are enhanced with dual-channel ABS featuring three modes—Rain, Road, and On/Off-Road—allowing riders to tailor braking intervention to conditions. The On/Off-Road mode reduces ABS at the rear for controlled slides, a feature rare in this segment. Additionally, the traction control system, another first for Bajaj, minimizes wheel slippage on slippery surfaces like gravel, boosting confidence. The bike also includes a tank-mounted USB charging port, backlit switchgear for night visibility, and an assist and slipper clutch that eases gear shifts and prevents rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.
Variants
The Pulsar N250 is streamlined into a single variant in India, with updates rolled out to keep it competitive. Below is the variant breakdown as of April 2025:
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Pulsar N250 Dual-Channel ABS (2024) | Equipped with USD forks, digital cluster, traction control, and 3 ABS modes. Available in Brooklyn Black, Pearl Metallic White, and Glossy Racing Red. |
Unlike some competitors offering multiple trims, Bajaj has consolidated the N250 into a feature-rich single variant, ensuring value across the board.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Bajaj Pulsar N250 varies slightly across metro cities due to differences in ex-showroom costs, RTO charges, and insurance. Below is the on-road price as of April 10, 2025, based on data from BikeDekho and BikeWale:
| City | Ex-Showroom Price (INR) | On-Road Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 1,52,467 | 1,75,918 |
| Mumbai | 1,50,632 | 1,82,974 |
| Bangalore | 1,53,312 | 1,85,015 |
| Chennai | 1,51,910 | 1,80,632 |
| Kolkata | 1,50,829 | 1,78,974 |
These prices reflect the 2024 variant with dual-channel ABS and all advanced features, making the N250 an attractive proposition in the sub-2 lakh segment.
About the Bike
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Bajaj Pulsar N250 lies a 249.07 cc single-cylinder engine, a fuel-injected, oil-cooled unit that churns out 24.5 PS at 8750 rpm and 21.5 Nm at 6500 rpm. This powertrain is designed for versatility, delivering strong low- and mid-range torque that makes it adept at city overtakes and highway cruising. The engine’s refinement is notable, with minimal vibrations up to 7000 rpm, though some buzz creeps in near the redline around 8000 rpm. Paired with a 5-speed gearbox and an assist-and-slipper clutch, gear shifts are smooth, and the clutch pull is light, reducing fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.
However, the absence of a sixth gear is a point of contention among riders. At speeds above 110 kmph, the engine feels strained, and fuel efficiency drops, a drawback that a taller sixth gear could have mitigated. Despite this, the N250 achieves a respectable top speed of 132 kmph, positioning it as a strong performer in its class. The oil-cooling system, while effective, lacks the sophistication of liquid cooling, leading to noticeable heat in heavy traffic or during aggressive riding—a trade-off for its price point.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for Indian buyers, and the Pulsar N250 delivers admirably. The ARAI-claimed mileage stands at 44 kmpl, while real-world tests and owner reports peg it closer to 39 kmpl. In city conditions, expect around 35-37 kmpl, while highway cruising at 70-80 kmph can push it to 42-45 kmpl. With a 14-litre fuel tank, the bike offers a theoretical range of over 600 km, making it suitable for long rides without frequent refueling. This efficiency, combined with its performance, makes the N250 a practical choice for daily commuters and weekend explorers alike.
Ride and Handling
The N250’s handling is one of its strongest suits, thanks to its lightweight frame and updated suspension. The 37 mm USD forks introduced in 2024 provide superior front-end stability and absorb road imperfections better than the conventional telescopic forks of the previous model. The rear Nitrox monoshock complements this setup, offering a plush ride over potholes while maintaining composure during cornering. The wider tyres (110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear) enhance grip, giving riders confidence to lean into turns or navigate wet roads.
The bike’s low centre of gravity and 1342 mm wheelbase ensure nimble handling in traffic, while the 165 mm ground clearance prevents scraping on speed breakers. However, the seat, while supportive, can feel firm on rides exceeding a couple of hours, and the low-set handlebar may strain wrists during extended city rides—a minor ergonomic quirk that taller riders might notice.
Safety and Braking
Safety is a priority on the N250, with dual-channel ABS as standard. The 300 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc, sourced from Gremica, offer progressive bite and excellent stopping power. The three ABS modes—Rain, Road, and On/Off-Road—cater to diverse conditions, with the latter allowing controlled rear slides for off-road enthusiasts. The traction control further bolsters safety by preventing wheel spin on loose surfaces, a feature that rivals like the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V lack in this price range. These additions make the N250 one of the safest options in its segment.
Competitors and Market Position
The Bajaj Pulsar N250 faces stiff competition in the 250cc naked bike segment. Its closest rivals include the Suzuki Gixxer 250, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Yamaha FZ25, and KTM 250 Duke. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Suzuki Gixxer 250: Priced around INR 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), the Gixxer 250 offers a refined 249cc engine with 26.5 PS and a 6-speed gearbox. It edges out the N250 in power and top-end performance but lacks traction control and ABS modes, and its price is higher.
- TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: At INR 1.47 lakh, the Apache delivers 20.8 PS from its 197.75cc engine, with a 5-speed gearbox. It boasts adjustable suspension and ride modes but falls short in displacement and power compared to the N250.
- Yamaha FZ25: Priced at INR 1.55 lakh, the FZ25’s 249cc engine produces 20.8 PS and features a 5-speed gearbox. It’s known for reliability but lacks the N250’s modern features and performance punch.
- KTM 250 Duke: At INR 2.06 lakh, the 248.8cc Duke pumps out 30 PS and includes a 6-speed gearbox and liquid cooling. It outperforms the N250 but comes at a significant premium, targeting a different buyer demographic.
The N250’s price-to-performance ratio is its trump card, offering features like USD forks, traction control, and a digital cluster at a lower cost than most rivals. It bridges the gap between 200cc and premium 250cc bikes, appealing to riders upgrading from models like the Pulsar NS200 or Apache RTR 160.
Ownership Experience
Owners of the Pulsar N250 praise its torquey engine, comfortable ergonomics, and value proposition. The light clutch and smooth gearbox make it a breeze in traffic, while the suspension handles India’s varied roads well. Maintenance costs are low, with Bajaj’s extensive service network ensuring easy access to spares and support. Common critiques include the lack of a sixth gear, occasional heat from the oil-cooled engine, and a firm seat on long rides—issues that don’t overshadow its overall appeal.
Verdict
The Bajaj Pulsar N250 is a compelling package for riders seeking a blend of performance, technology, and affordability in the 250cc segment. Its aggressive styling, punchy engine, and advanced features like traction control and ABS modes make it a standout, while its competitive pricing ensures wide accessibility. While it misses out on a sixth gear and liquid cooling, these are minor trade-offs for a bike that delivers so much for under INR 2 lakh on-road. Whether you’re weaving through city traffic or cruising on the highway, the N250 proves why the Pulsar name remains synonymous with excitement and value in India’s two-wheeler market.
