2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 – Road Test Review – Is this the Segment Hero?

Bajaj Auto has launched the 2024 Pulsar N250 as the sibling of the Pulsar F250, the Bajaj Pulsar N250 stands out as one of the largest capacity bikes in the Pulsar line-up. Recently, it got a few new upgrades like an USD fork in the front, an LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity, a few ABS modes and traction control. With the addition of these features its also got fresh new color schemes with updated graphics.

Bajaj Pulsar N250 Engine Specifications

The Bajaj N250 comes with a cutting-edge 249.07cc air/oil-cooled engine. This is a single-cylinder engine that produces 24.5PS of power with a 21.5Nm of torque. Bajaj Pulsar N250 comes with a 5-speed gearbox and also comes with a slip-and-assist clutch for enhanced performance.

Updated Features on the New Pulsar N250

Bajaj Pulsar N250 gets an all new modern LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity for call & SMS alerts. It also gets turn-by-turn navigation. The console also displays information such as fuel level, distance to empty, mileage, speedometer, odometer, and a few more. Additionally, the bike is equipped with an LED projector headlight featuring ‘brow’-shaped LED DRLs and a convenient USB charging port.

Bajaj Pulsar N250 Details

The Bajaj Pulsar N250 comes with an all new front suspension setup. It gets 37mm USD forks in the front and a mono-shock setup at the rear. N250 is equipped with a 300 mm disc in the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear, which comes with dual-channel ABS as standard. The Pulsar N250  ABS comes with a few modes like Road, Rain, and On/Off Road. It also gets switchable traction control that can only be disabled in On/Off Road mode.

The Pulsar N250 gets tubeless tyre setup with a size of 110/70 R17 in the front and 140/70 R17 at the rear, this was a major upgrade from the previous generation’s which was 100/80-17 front and 130/70-17.

The fuel tank capacity on the Bajaj Pulsar N250 is 14 liters. The curb weight of the Pulsar N250 is 164kg and comes with a seat height of 800 mm with a ground clearance of 165 mm.

Overall, the Bajaj Pulsar N250 is a high-performance motorcycle that combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design, making it a top choice for riders looking for both style and substance.

Pulsar N250 Ride Review

The Pulsar N250 is an ideal bike for navigating the city streets, boasting one of the smoothest gear shifts in its class. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the Pulsar N250 does not feature a ride-by-wire setup, yet it still delivers exceptional throttle response, making it one of the top performers in its category.

One of the standout features of the N250 that impressed us was its Exhaust Note. The deep bass in the sound makes it one of the best sounding single cylinder motorcycles on the market. The Pulsar N250 is equipped with 3 ABS modes: Road, Rain, and Off-road. We had the opportunity to test all three modes, as Bajaj provided a gravel track to test the ABS off-road mode. The difference in braking performance was significant, providing riders with increased confidence when braking on gravel or challenging road conditions.

The instrument cluster on the Bajaj Pulsar N250 is packed with a wealth of information, but it can feel a bit cluttered due to the numerous functions it offers. We believe that Bajaj could have improved the user experience by adding an extra button to easily toggle between features and modes. During our test ride, we found it challenging to switch between modes and activate/deactivate the Traction Control system, as the switch required both single and double presses, which we found to be somewhat confusing for the rider and also I belive for the bike to understand the number of press. Overall, we feel that a more intuitive design for the instrument cluster and additional switch would greatly enhance the riding experience on this motorcycle.

After upgrading the tire size from 130/70 to 140/70, we observed that the N250 exhibited improved agility and responsiveness in corners. The new Front USD front fork effectively navigates potholes, enhancing the overall riding experience. However, we did notice that the rear suspension could benefit from being slightly softer, as it currently feels too firm.
During our ride, we observed significant vibration in both the footpeg and seat for both the rider and pillion on the N250. If you plan on taking this bike on longer highway rides, you will need to acclimate to the vibration after crossing the 5000 rpm mark. Over time, it can become quite bothersome. Additionally, the seat on the N250 is quite stiff. Bajaj could improve the cushioning to enhance comfort, especially since this motorcycle is intended for city use. We noticed the stiffness of the seat after riding just 10km, indicating a potential issue for longer rides.

Competition to the Bajaj Pulsar N250

The Pulsar N250 competes with models such as the KTM Duke 250, Suzuki Gixxer 250 and the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V. It can also compete with the Pulsar NS200 which is also from Bajaj in terms of the pricing

Price of the Bajaj Pulsar N250

The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 is priced at Rs. 1,50,829 ex-showroom Delhi, which is only Rs. 850 higher compared to the previous generation model.

Words – Neville Barsivala