Bajaj has taken its longest‑running 125 cc model and given it a makeover that feels more 2026 than 2010. The new front fascia sports a sleek LED headlamp assembly, a first for the Pulsar 125, and matching LED turn indicators that cut through traffic glare. The graphics on the fuel tank, side body panels and engine cover have been refreshed, lending the bike a premium visual cue without altering its core silhouette. That matters because visual freshness can be as persuasive as performance upgrades in a crowded market.
Beyond the looks, Bajaj has layered in a few tech touches that were previously reserved for higher‑priced twins. The digital instrument cluster now includes Bluetooth connectivity, letting riders pair their phones for call alerts and navigation prompts. Illuminated switchgear adds a night‑time safety benefit, while a left‑side flash switch and engine‑kill switch give riders more control at a glance. The bike still carries a kick starter, a nod to reliability, but the added electronic aids make the ride feel contemporary. Here’s the real takeaway: the blend of old‑school mechanics and new‑age electronics could broaden the bike’s appeal.
The engine figures have not changed, Bajaj is keeping the proven 124.38 cc unit that has powered the Pulsar 125 for years. Power and torque remain modest, but the bike’s weight‑to‑power ratio stays competitive for city commuting. The addition of LED lighting improves visibility and reduces power draw, a subtle efficiency gain that adds up over long rides.
India’s 125 cc segment is fiercely contested. The Honda CB Shine, TVS Star City and Hero Splendor dominate sales charts, each offering a mix of reliability and low running costs. Bajaj’s strategy with the 2026 Pulsar 125 appears to be a blend of differentiation and continuity. By retaining the familiar engine and chassis while upgrading aesthetics and electronics, Bajaj hopes to lure riders who value the Pulsar name but want a bike that looks and feels current.
Pricing has not been disclosed yet, but the brand typically positions the Pulsar 125 slightly above the entry‑level Hero Splendor, yet below the more performance‑oriented 150 cc twins. If the price stays in that sweet spot, the LED‑lit, Bluetooth‑ready package could tip the scales for tech‑savvy commuters.
The refreshed Pulsar 125 has already been spotted on showroom floors across major Indian cities, a clear sign that Bajaj is gearing up for a formal launch later in 2026. No official launch date has been announced, but the early showroom presence suggests a rollout that could begin in the second quarter of the year. Pre‑orders are expected to open shortly after the official unveiling, with production volumes aligned to meet the strong demand historically seen for the Pulsar line.
Looking ahead, Bajaj’s move hints at a broader plan to keep the Pulsar family relevant as emission norms tighten and rider expectations evolve. Expect more incremental upgrades, perhaps a fuel‑injection variant or a mild‑hybrid version, in the coming years. For now, the 2026 Pulsar 125 offers a modest but meaningful step forward, marrying classic reliability with a dash of modern tech.
Bajaj’s refreshed 2026 Pulsar 125 is not a radical redesign, but it is a thoughtful refresh that adds LED lighting, Bluetooth‑enabled instrumentation and a premium visual package while keeping the proven 124.38 cc engine. In a segment where price and practicality dominate, those upgrades could be enough to keep the Pulsar name in the conversation for another decade.