Bajaj sold over 36,500 units of the Pulsar 125cc range in December 2025 alone, according to sales data reported by Autocar India, while Honda’s SP125 continues to post steady numbers as one of the country’s most fuel-efficient 125cc commuters. Both bikes sit in the same price bracket and chase the same buyer: someone who wants more than a basic scooter but isn’t ready to spend on a 150cc or 160cc machine.
This comparison breaks down the bajaj pulsar 125 vs honda sp 125 question across price, engine performance, mileage, features, comfort, and running costs, using the latest 2026 variant pricing and specifications from both manufacturers. You’ll also find answers to the most common questions buyers search for before walking into a showroom.
Most comparison articles on this topic stop at a spec sheet. This one goes further by pulling in real owner-reported mileage figures, current EMI numbers, and a clear buying recommendation based on how you actually plan to ride — not just which bike has a bigger number on paper.
Bajaj Pulsar 125 vs Honda SP125: Price Comparison (All Variants)
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is priced lower at entry level but has more variants spread across a wider range. The 2026 Pulsar 125 Neon Single Seat starts at an ex-showroom price of roughly ₹82,420, while the top Carbon Fibre Split Seat variant with Bluetooth and a fully digital cluster touches around ₹94,770. Honda’s SP125, on the other hand, starts a bit higher: the STD variant is priced from approximately ₹88,528 ex-showroom, going up to ₹96,116 for the DLX (OBD2B) variant with the TFT display and connected features.
| Variant Type | Bajaj Pulsar 125 (Ex-Showroom) | Honda SP125 (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Base/Entry Variant | ₹82,420 | ₹88,528 |
| Mid Variant | ₹88,155 – ₹92,698 | ₹91,771 (approx.) |
| Top Variant | ₹94,770 | ₹96,116 |
| On-Road Price (Delhi, approx.) | ₹1.01 lakh | ₹99,888 – ₹1.08 lakh |
On road, the gap narrows because Honda’s insurance and RTO charges tend to run slightly lower in some states. If you want exact figures for your city rather than averages, the step-by-step guide to checking Bajaj Pulsar 125 on-road price by city walks through how RTO and insurance differ by state. For financing, Bajaj’s EMI calculator shows monthly payments starting around ₹3,595 for a 36-month tenure, while Honda’s SP125 EMI starts near ₹1,836 per month over a longer 60-month period — so compare tenure length, not just the monthly figure, before deciding.
Engine and Performance Compared
Both bikes run nearly identical displacement, but the power delivery feels different in daily use. The Pulsar 125 uses a 124.4cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing around 11.8 PS at 8,500 rpm and 10.8 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. The SP125’s 123.94cc OBD2B-compliant engine makes 10.8 PS at 7,500 rpm and 10.9 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox in both cases.
The Pulsar’s twin-spark plug setup and sportier gearing give it a slight edge in outright acceleration and a livelier feel when you twist the throttle hard. The SP125 prioritizes smoothness over punch — Honda’s engine tuning produces fewer vibrations at sustained highway speeds, which matters if your commute involves long stretches rather than constant stop-and-go traffic.
On bajaj pulsar 125 max speed, real-world testing puts the figure around 100–105 kph, depending on rider weight and road conditions, according to Autocar India. For a closer look at how that number holds up against claimed figures, the site’s detailed breakdown of Bajaj Pulsar 125 max speed and real performance covers acceleration timing and gear ratios in more depth. The SP125’s top speed sits a notch lower, generally reported between 95 and 100 kph, which fits its commuter-first design brief.
Mileage: City and Highway Riding
Fuel efficiency is where the SP125 pulls ahead consistently, and it’s the single biggest reason commuters lean toward Honda in this segment. The SP125 carries an ARAI-claimed mileage of 63 kmpl, with real-world owner reports in the 60 to 65 kmpl range under normal city riding. The Pulsar 125 is ARAI-rated at 57.5 kmpl, but real-world figures typically land between 50 and 55 kmpl — a noticeable gap over a full tank.
Quick Note: Mileage figures change with riding style, traffic density, and tyre pressure. Treat ARAI numbers as a ceiling, not a guarantee, and budget for the lower end of the owner-reported range.
On the highway, both bikes lose some efficiency once you push past 70 kmph, since neither is built for sustained high-speed cruising. The difference becomes more visible on city rides with frequent gear changes, where Honda’s fuel injection and lighter throttle response help it sip less petrol per stop-start cycle. If mileage data across the broader Pulsar range interests you, the Pulsar N160 fuel economy comparison covering city versus highway mileage shows how Bajaj’s tuning philosophy plays out across displacement sizes.
Features and Technology Comparison
This is where the SP125 has closed the gap fastest in recent updates. The 2025-2026 SP125 DLX variant comes with a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity through the Honda RoadSync app, turn-by-turn navigation, voice assist, a USB Type-C charging port, and a silent starter system. It also includes side-stand engine cut-off and an idling-stop system to help squeeze out extra mileage.
The Pulsar 125’s top Carbon Fibre variant offers a semi-digital console with Bluetooth connectivity, an LED tail lamp, and 5-step adjustable Nitrox rear suspension — solid for the price, but it doesn’t match the SP125’s full TFT display or navigation support. Both bikes skip ABS entirely, relying instead on a Combined Braking System (CBS), so neither is the safer pick by a wide margin on paper.
- SP125 DLX: TFT display, Bluetooth, navigation, voice assist, USB-C port
- Pulsar 125 Carbon Fibre: semi-digital console, Bluetooth, LED tail lamp, adjustable rear suspension
- Both: 5-speed gearbox, CBS braking, tubeless tyres, alloy wheels
- Neither: ABS, dual-channel braking, riding modes
Brands like TVS (with the Raider 125) and Hero (with the Glamour) compete in this same space, and both have pushed Bajaj and Honda to add connected features faster than they otherwise might have. Our take: if smartphone connectivity and a modern display matter more to you than outright styling, the SP125’s DLX variant is the better-equipped bike for the money right now — Bajaj still leans on the Pulsar name and sporty looks rather than matching Honda’s tech feature list.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Pulsar 125 carries Bajaj’s familiar muscular tank design and a slightly forward-leaning riding posture, which feels sportier but can tire out your wrists on rides longer than 40 minutes. Seat height sits at 790mm, and ground clearance of 165mm handles speed breakers and potholes without much drama.
The SP125 takes a more upright, relaxed seating position that’s friendlier for shorter riders and daily commuters who value comfort over sportiness. Suspension on the SP125 absorbs rough patches well and stays composed with a pillion on board, according to Autocar India’s road test notes. Neither bike is uncomfortable, but the SP125 is the better choice if your daily ride involves potholed city roads for 30+ minutes at a stretch, while the Pulsar 125 suits riders who want a sportier feel and don’t mind a slightly stiffer stance.
Service and Maintenance Costs
Bajaj covers the Pulsar 125 with a 5-year or 75,000 km warranty, one of the longer coverage periods in the segment, while Honda backs the SP125 with a standard 3-year or 42,000 km warranty. Bajaj’s longer warranty window is a real advantage if you plan to keep the bike for the long haul, since major component repairs after year three would otherwise come out of your own pocket on the Honda.
Routine maintenance costs run close between the two, though Honda’s wider service network in smaller towns can mean shorter wait times for parts. If you ever need to reach Bajaj for a warranty claim or service issue, the bajaj pulsar customer care number is +91 7219821111, and Bajaj Auto is headquartered at Akurdi, Pune. For day-to-day upkeep advice that applies to the wider Pulsar lineup, the guide on choosing the right Bajaj Pulsar engine oil to protect the clutch is worth a read before your first service visit.
One trade-off worth flagging honestly: Bajaj’s wider dealer network in tier-2 and tier-3 cities can work in the Pulsar’s favor for quick servicing, but Honda’s parts pricing has generally stayed more predictable over the ownership period, based on patterns reported by owners across multiple cities.
Who Should Buy Which?
If your priority is fuel efficiency and a smoother daily ride with modern connected features, the Honda SP125 DLX variant is the stronger pick — its mileage advantage alone can save a meaningful amount over a year of city commuting. If you want sportier styling, a marginally quicker engine feel, and a longer warranty period, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 Carbon Fibre variant makes more sense, especially at its slightly lower starting price.
Neither bike is the wrong choice for a first-time 125cc buyer in India. The decision really comes down to whether you ride mostly in dense city traffic (lean SP125) or want a bike that feels a bit sportier on open stretches without stepping up to a 150cc (lean Pulsar 125).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Bajaj Pulsar 125 or Honda SP125?
Neither bike is objectively “better” — it depends on what you value. The SP125 wins on mileage and connected features in its top variant, while the Pulsar 125 offers sportier styling, a marginally quicker feel, and a longer 5-year warranty. Test ride both before deciding, since seating posture preference varies a lot between riders.
What is the on-road price difference between Pulsar 125 and SP125?
The Pulsar 125’s base variant on-road price is typically ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 lower than the SP125’s base variant in most cities, though this gap narrows at the top-end trims since the SP125 DLX and Pulsar Carbon Fibre Split Seat land closer in price. Exact figures shift by city due to RTO and insurance differences.
Is the Honda SP125 worth the extra price over the Pulsar 125?
If you ride mostly in the city and care about fuel costs over the next few years, yes — the SP125’s mileage advantage of roughly 8 to 10 kmpl over the Pulsar can add up to real savings. If styling and a sportier ride matter more than a few extra kilometers per liter, the Pulsar 125 is the better value at its lower starting price.
What is the most common mistake buyers make when comparing these two bikes?
Many buyers compare only the ex-showroom prices and ignore on-road costs, which can shift the comparison by several thousand rupees depending on the state. Another common mistake is ignoring warranty length — Bajaj’s 5-year coverage versus Honda’s 3-year coverage matters more than most buyers initially think when budgeting for the next five years of ownership.
Does the Bajaj Pulsar 125 have ABS?
No, the Pulsar 125 does not come with ABS in any variant. It relies on a Combined Braking System (CBS) instead, which links the front and rear brakes for more balanced stopping power but doesn’t prevent wheel lock-up the way ABS does.
How do I calculate EMI for the Bajaj Pulsar 125?
Bajaj’s official EMI calculator on their website lets you enter the ex-showroom price, down payment, interest rate, and tenure to get a monthly figure — EMIs currently start around ₹3,595 per month for a 36-month loan. Compare this against Honda’s SP125 EMI options too, since a longer tenure on the Honda can result in a lower monthly payment despite a higher base price.
Final Thoughts
The bajaj pulsar 125 vs honda sp 125 decision ultimately rests on one trade-off: the Pulsar gives you sportier looks, a longer warranty, and a lower entry price, while the SP125 gives you better mileage, a more modern tech package in its top trim, and a smoother ride for pure commuting. Both are dependable 125cc motorcycles backed by strong service networks across India.
Before you book either bike, take a test ride of both back to back in the same afternoon — riding posture and throttle feel are hard to judge from spec sheets alone, and a 15-minute ride will tell you more than any comparison chart.
