Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India launched the updated SP 125 last week. The 125cc commuter bike received new colour options and some additional features up its sleeve. It competes against a series of 125cc motorcycles. Let us look at how the updated Honda SP 125 fares against the Bajaj Pulsar N125, another new entrant in the 125cc commuter segment.
Honda SP 125 vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Dimensions
Honda SP 125 and Bajaj Pulsar N125 have very similar dimensions on paper. The Pulsar N125 is a little heavier than the SP 125. Also, the N125 offers a much better ground clearance of 198mm as compared to the SP 125 which offers 160mm. The wheelbase on the Pulsar N125 is 10mm longer.
| Dimensions | Honda SP 125 | Bajaj Pulsar N125 |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 117 | 125 |
| Seat Height (mm) | 790 | 795 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 160 | 198 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,285 | 1,295 |
Honda SP 125 vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Features
Both motorcycles are equally equipped with common features like a digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity with calls and text alerts, LED headlamps and taillamps, and USB charging port. However, Honda races past Bajaj with a TFT instrument panel, a C-type charging port, and a turn-by-turn navigation via Honda RoadSync app compatibility. Both bikes offer an idling stop/star system which enhances fuel efficiency.
Honda SP 125 vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Powertrain
Honda SP 125 draws its power from a 124cc, single-cylinder engine which is now OBD2B compliant to meet the upcoming government regulations. This engine continues to push out a similar peak output of 10.72 bhp and 10.9 Nm of torque. Transmission duties are carried out by a five-speed gearbox.
| Powertrain specs | Honda SP 125 | Bajaj Pulsar N125 |
| Displacement (cc) | 124 | 124.58 |
| Max Power | 10.72 bhp @ 7,500 rpm | 11.83 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 10.9 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 11 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Top speed (kmph) | 100 | 100 |
Powering the Bajaj Pulsar N125, on the other hand, is a 124.6cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which pushes out 11.8 bhp at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 11 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Transmission duties are carried out by a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Honda SP 125 vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Hardware
Both Honda SP 125 and Bajaj Pulsar N125 are based on a traditional diamond frame which sits on telescopic front forks but the SP 125 gets dual springs at the rear whereas the Pulsar N125 gets a more modern monoshock. The Pulsar rides on 17-inch front and rear alloy wheels whereas the SP 125 rolls on alloy wheels a size smaller. Stopping power in both bikes is achieved by 240mm front disc and 130mm rear drum brakes.
| Hardware specs | Honda SP 125 | Bajaj Pulsar N125 |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic Type | Monoshock Absorber |
| Frame | Diamond | Diamond |
| Front brake | 240mm disc | 240mm disc |
| Rear brake | 130mm drum | 130mm drum |
| Front Tyre Size | 80/100 – 18 | 80/100 – 17 |
| Rear Tyre Size | 100/80 – 18 | 110/80 – 17 |
Honda SP 125 vs Bajaj Pulsar N125: Prices
Honda SP 125 is available in two variants: Drum and Disc priced at Rs 91,771 and Rs 1,00,284 (both ex-showroom), respectively. On the other hand, Bajaj Pulsar N125 is also offered in two variants: LED Disc and LED Disc with Bluetooth priced at Rs 94,707 and Rs 98,707 (both ex-showroom), respectively.