Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Pulsar brand carries weight in India. It’s the motorcycle equivalent of that kid in school who aced academics, sports, and also managed to have a social life. So when Bajaj says the N250’s gotten an upgrade for 2025, it’s not just about slapping on new paint and calling it a day. This time around, they’ve gone under the skin—and the results? Surprisingly legit.
This ain’t a half-baked refresh. It’s a full-course rework, blending performance tweaks with some serious tech upgrades, without losing that raw, hooligan Pulsar DNA.
Engine That’s Got Grit
Let’s start with what makes this bike tick.
The 249cc oil-cooled single-cylinder engine remains unchanged in displacement and output—but that’s not a bad thing. Why fix what ain’t broke? It still pumps out 24.5 bhp and 21.5 Nm, which may not sound earth-shattering on paper, but it’s how it delivers that power that matters.
The motor’s tuned for a beefy mid-range, which is where most Indian riders live—overtaking autos, darting past buses, or weaving through late-evening bumper-to-bumper mayhem. On highways, it holds its own at 100+ km/h without sounding like it’s gasping for air. That’s more than we can say for a few “premium” competitors.
And yes, it’s got a slipper clutch, so even if you’re a little too enthusiastic while dropping gears, you won’t be flung off like a rodeo cowboy. That feature alone makes it way more forgiving for beginners—or just people who ride like beginners on Monday mornings.
Suspension & Handling: The Real Glow-Up
This is where the 2025 model struts its stuff.
Bajaj’s finally given the N250 USD forks up front, and man, they make a difference. Better stability, more feedback, and a touch of premium feel when you slam on the brakes or tip it into a corner. Combined with the wider 140-section rear tyre, the grip’s improved, especially during spirited cornering—or panic swerves when a dog appears out of nowhere.
This is still a streetfighter, not a track toy. But the way it holds its line now? It feels more planted, more confident. Like it’s grown up a little.
Rider Aids: ABS Modes and Traction Control, On a Pulsar?
Yep. And not just gimmicky stuff either.
You get three ABS modes: Road, Rain, and Off-Road. It adjusts braking response based on surface conditions, something you usually see on bikes twice this price. There’s also traction control, which, let’s be honest, will probably save a few over-ambitious throttle hands in wet conditions.
The fact that all this is selectable on the fly via new handlebar buttons? Total win.
Tech & Connectivity: Finally Feels 2025
Gone is the half-digital, half-analogue console. Enter: a slick new LCD dash.
Not just there for looks—it’s fully loaded with Bluetooth, turn-by-turn nav, call/SMS alerts, and ride data. Clean layout, decent visibility in sunlight, and thankfully, it doesn’t look like someone crammed a smartwatch into your dashboard.
And yes, dedicated switches for ABS and traction modes are finally here. No awkward menu dives. No stopping and fumbling. Just tap and go.
Design & Colors: Still a Streetfighter, Just Sharper
Still looks aggressive, still has that muscular streetfighter stance, but now with more polish.
Three color options:
Color Variant | Fork Finish | Look |
---|---|---|
Glossy Red | Gold USD forks | Sporty, head-turning |
Pearl White | Gold USD forks | Fresh, clean, premium |
Stealth Black | Black USD forks | Understated and badass |
Reworked decals, sharper tank extensions, and subtle design touches make the bike look more expensive than it is. For ₹1.51 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), you’re getting aesthetics that match bikes in the ₹1.8–2 lakh bracket.
Pulsar vs Rivals: Who’s the Real Boss?
Let’s see how the 2025 N250 stacks up:
Feature | Pulsar N250 | Gixxer 250 | Hornet 2.0 |
---|---|---|---|
Engine Power (bhp) | 24.5 | 26.5 | 17 |
ABS Modes | Yes (3) | No | No |
Traction Control | Yes | No | Yes |
Slipper Clutch | Yes | Yes | No |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | No | Yes |
Price (Ex-Delhi) | ₹1.51 lakh | ₹1.92 lakh | ₹1.40 lakh |
Sure, the Gixxer’s got a slightly stronger engine. But it also costs a chunk more and skips on rider modes. Hornet’s cheaper, but it’s just not in the same league performance-wise.
Bang for buck? N250 takes the crown.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get One?
If you want a 250cc bike that’s practical enough for office commutes but still fun enough to rip on weekend rides—without needing a second mortgage—this is a solid pick.
You’re getting safety features that used to be unheard of at this price. The engine’s proven, the chassis is sharper, and the tech finally feels modern.
Is it perfect? No. Some might want more top-end punch. Some might prefer a TFT dash over an LCD. But for what it costs? It’s hard to beat.
FAQs
Is the new Pulsar N250 beginner-friendly?
Yes—thanks to the ABS modes, traction control, and slipper clutch, it’s a great bike to learn on without feeling too limiting as you improve.
Does it have a slipper clutch?
Expect around 35–38 km/l depending on how aggressive you ride and the traffic.
What’s the mileage like?
Yes, via Bluetooth. You get turn-by-turn navigation, SMS/call alerts, and ride stats.
Can I connect it to my phone?
Yes, via Bluetooth. You get turn-by-turn navigation, SMS/call alerts, and ride stats.
Which color looks best?
Subjective—but that Glossy Red with gold forks does turn heads.