[Omkar]

2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250

What you'll like:

• Well-rounded, good-looking sporty commuter package packed with features and practicality
• Nicely priced. Undercuts most rivals in the segment
• Addresses almost all the weak points of its predecessor, while still retaining the solid fundamentals such as the engine and chassis characteristics
• Packed with features such as slip-and-assist clutch, upside-down fork suspension, digital instrument cluster, turn-by-turn navigation, LED projector headlight, switchable traction control, ABS modes, integrated USB charger, etc.
• Tractable engine with oodles of low-end torque coupled with good gearing and very light clutch makes riding effortless and adaptable to varied usage
• Refined engine with NVH levels rivaling Japanese 250cc commuters
• Deep and bassy exhaust note
• Mature suspension behaviour offers a nice balance between ride quality and handling

What you won't:

• Front brake feels wooden and lacks progressive feedback. Rear brakes are devoid of any bite
• Some quirks in the ergonomics department, including placement of rear view mirrors, handlebar & side-stand lever
• Windblast and buffeting even at moderate speeds
• Sporty only within urban confines. Not very composed at highway speeds or during fast cornering
• 2-valve engine runs out of breath with climbing revs. Lack of sixth gear reduces the fun factor on highway rides
• Quality of plastics and decals, although better than before, has room for improvement
• Bajaj bikes are not known to age very well and it remains to be seen how long-lasting the refinement levels and plastic quality will prove to be over a few years of usage

Review Link

Bajaj Pulsar NS200

Ownership Review

Yamaha MT15

Launch Discussion

TVS Apache RTR 200 4V

Ownership Review

Suzuki Gixxer 250

Ownership Review Link

Keeway SR250

Launch Discussion

Bajaj Dominar 250

Launch Discussion

[Omkar]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line.

[vattyboy]

I have a favourite among all these bikes, and it's N250. Whenever I'm riding my bike on the road, this particular bike always catches my attention with its stunning looks.

It is a complete package, and the exhaust note is quite impressive too. Also, it comes at a reasonable price point.

My second choice is Gixxer 250, but it needs an update on looks quickly.

[payeng]

I can suggest another option Pulsar NS400Z

[AulusGabinius]

I guess I'd have to pick the Gixxer 250, because it might be most powerful, the most friendly, and the most reliable. I know it's dated, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The closest competitors would be the Pulsar N250 for the VFM, and the MT-15, despite the smaller figures, for the Yamaha brand and its design.

[Sudarshan42]

I don't think I can look at any of these as viable options when the NS400Z exists for a tiny premium more. Voted for Other.

That said if you're hell bent on staying under 300cc and want an air cooled engine for simplicity, I'd take a look at the CB300F. So again, my vote is Other.

[Amrit@wheels]

I love my FZ25 BS4. It may not have any features or a good headlight but it is very capable mechanically, at least in my usage pattern. Oodles of torque, a fairly refined engine, a likable exhaust note, a high level of comfort, and a go-anywhere capability with the right tyres. But among these, my vote goes to the N250.

[Flechazo]

I have bs6 p2 ns200. Wanted to get f250/n250 but it wasn't updated at that time. One thing I learnt after riding ns is that you will enjoy the sound and the way it revs up, if you love riding. N250 might sound better at low speeds, but that feel that you're doing some speed is what makes ns more involving. For most city commutes and some highway running n250 is enough. But if you want to enjoy riding ig it would be ns for me. Yes it doesn't have bluetooth or led lights(my variant) but honestly even if it had that it won't make much of a difference to me. Btw when ns400 is present, doesn't make sense to get a 250 unless you want your running cost to be low. Rest of the bikes are priced above these 2

[VinodDevil81]

If only the votes here translated to actual sales, the Gixxer 250's lackluster sales would have seen some improvement!

That said, I voted for the Pulsar N250.
Only this morning, I had extensively test-ridden the updated all new 2024 Pulsar N250 with USD forks, and I came back highly impressed.
The bike is in an altogether different league, and is miles ahead of the older 220 series in terms of handling, power delivery, refinement and braking.
Unlike the other pulsars, Gears are slick and precise, and clutch is ultra-light to operate.
I confirmed the booking, and will be taking delivery by the middle of next month.

[RD410]

I voted for Pulsar N250 as it's the most value among the bikes listed. But one thing people should know is that the N250 is a practical bike and not a sporty bike. With the smooth engine, loads of torque and soft suspension, It feels like a Honda Unicorn on steroids.

NS 200 is still the most sporty one in that segment. That KTM derived high revving engine is still the most satisfying if you like to ride hard.

RTR200 4v is the best balance between sportiness and practicality. It's sharp, super agile and just darts into corners. It's engine is also quick revving and loves to revv. At the same time it has decent low end torque, ride quality and pillion comfort.

To be honest, with the introduction of NS 400z, the 200-300c class has kind of become irrelevant now. Forget price, even the FE is not much different. 200-250 cc give 35 kpl, NS400 gives 28-33 kpl : )

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by RD410

To be honest, with the introduction of NS 400z, the 200-300c class has kind of become irrelevant now. Forget price, even the FE is not much different. 200-250 cc give 35 kpl, NS400 gives 28-33 kpl : )

What Bajaj will do is kill off the competition from the lower class, and then comfortably start their price creep unopposed. The market gets a max 1-2 year honeymoon period of disruptive pricing. Then 400 cc becomes the old 250-350 cc class. And so on.

Cheers, Doc