2024 BAJAJ PULSAR N250 REVIEW, FIRST RIDE
The Bajaj Pulsar is a legend. There are no two ways about it. There's a certain heft attached to the Pulsar name that was built on the lore of the original Pulsar 150 and 180. Today, things are a little different. There are a total of 10 different Pulsar modes on sale right now. These are divided into three broad categories - Pulsar Classics, Pulsar N and Pulsar NS series. The folks at Bajaj are responsible for this categorisation of the Pulsar range and, as far as they say, each category serves a specific purpose. The Pulsar Classics, for example, have that old-school-looking body but with updated engines and colours. The NS series is purely based on performance, and the N series sort of strikes a balance between refinement and sportiness. The N series currently consists of the recently updated N150 and N160 as well as the top-of-the-line N250, which, too, has received an update. We've ridden this latest iteration of the Pulsar N250 and there's much to catch up on.
For starters, there are the three new colour options and updated graphics. Personally, I've always been a fan of the N series. They look sleek, menacing and there's a modernity to the overall design. The updated graphics do look slightly in your face, but I suspect that's more to set the N250 apart from the N160. My pick of the lot would be the Brooklyn Black, but the Glossy Racing Red and Pearl Metallic White look fairly dapper, too. One of the biggest changes one notices first is the golden coloured 37mm upside down fork that flanks that round projector LED headlamp and those eyebrow-ish looking DRLs. Then there are ABS riding modes, which, to be honest, just alters the sensitivity of the ABS according to the three modes on offer - Road, Rain and Offroad. These modes can be toggled through the updated switchgear, which feels even more well-sorted than before. There's a button just under a sign marked 'm' which, when pressed twice, can switch between said ABS modes. Bajaj has also added a traction control system, which can be switched off completely in 'Offroad' mode.
The updated N250 also comes with a fully-digital LCD screen that comes with Bluetooth connectivity that allows turn-by-turn navigation through the Bajaj Ride Connect app. There's also a provision to receive notification alerts and prompts if there is an incoming call. Honestly, this is one thing I wish hadn't changed. The older instrument cluster with the analogue RPM meter right in the middle fit in perfectly with the housing for the console. However, as is a sign of our times, everything seems to be going digital, but, it's not always a good thing, especially when it comes to aesthetics. Besides these changes, the N250 also comes with wider tyres at both ends, each of which have been increased by 10mm. The weight, too, is up by 2kg and now stands at 164kg. As far as changes and updates are concerned, that's pretty much it. Everything else on the Pulsar N250 remains the same as the previous iteration.
The 249cc, single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled motor still churns out 24bhp and 21.5Nm of torque. It's mated to a five-speed gearbox, which gets a slip-and-assist system. There's a 300mm petal disc at the front and a 270mm disc at the back, and thankfully, dual-channel ABS is now standard. At the front there's an LED projector headlamp, while the rear gets the ever so familiar signature Pulsar LED tail lamp and indicators. There's a USB Type-A charger right above the 14-litre fuel tank for easy access. The seat height sits at 800mm, while the ground clearance stands at 165mm. Now that the facts and figures are out of the way, it's time to answer the most important question of all. How do the changes to the N250 affect the ride and handling?
As soon as you get on the saddle, there's a feeling that this motorcycle has sporty intentions. The handlebar is set slightly forward, while the footpegs are set slightly back. The seat surface felt a bit hard after a while, but is fairly comfortable. The acceleration from the 249cc engine is strong right from the start. Bajaj claims that 85 percent of peak torque is available between 3,000rpm and 6,500rpm, and that certainly can be felt. In third gear, it's easy to ride at speeds of 20 to 25kmpl, and thanks to that torque coming in early, overtakes in almost any gear is a matter of just twisting the throttle and going. There's a gruffness to the engine that was enjoyable, and the sound from the exhaust note was a deep one. It's not an out-and-out performance-based machine, but it's up there. The front-end feels heavier thanks to the USD fork. Due to this, there's greater connect with the road and stability on open stretches. However, I did feel that the rear monoshock felt a bit soft compared to the front suspension. Also, the turning radius from a standstill isn't that great, but that was to be expected from such a change. Overall, the performance felt quite brisk. In the handling department, the N250 feels slightly heavy, but not in a deal-breaker sort of way. The ride, too, felt quite well sorted and controlled, over open stretches and slightly broken roads.
Given the price now stands at Rs 1.51 lakh (ex-showroom), which is a hike of just Rs 829 from the previous model, it's hard not to recommend the Pulsar N250. If anything, Bajaj has made the case for the N250 even stronger than before without really having to increase the price to an exorbitant amount. Just for that, Bajaj deserves praise and N250 your undivided attention.
Bajaj Pulsar N250 specifications:
- Engine - 249cc, single-cylinder, air and oil-cooled
- Power - 24bhp@8750rpm
- Torque - 21.5Nm@6500rpm
- Gearbox - 5-speed
- Wheelbase - 1342mm
- Ground clearance - 165mm
- Fuel capacity - 14 litres
- Seat height - 800mm
- Price - Rs 1.51 lakh (ex-showroom)