In the bustling world of Indian motorcycling, few names resonate as strongly as the Pulsar. Since its inception, this brand has been synonymous with affordable performance, capturing the hearts of young riders across the nation.
Now, with the Pulsar N250, Bajaj has taken things up a notch, offering a machine that’s not just about raw power, but a refined riding experience that caters to the evolving needs of today’s bikers.
A Design That Turns Heads
Let’s face it, in a market flooded with options, looks matter. The Pulsar N250 doesn’t disappoint in this department.
It’s got that muscular stance that screams “street fighter,” with a design that’s both aggressive and elegant.
The front end is dominated by a single LED projector headlight, flanked by sleek LED DRLs that give it a distinctive face in the crowd.
For 2024, Bajaj has spruced things up even further. The N250 now comes in three eye-catching colors: Glossy Racing Red, Pearl Metallic White, and Brooklyn Black.
But here’s the kicker – the red and white variants get golden-colored front forks, adding a premium touch that’s sure to turn heads at traffic lights.
The overall silhouette is compact yet purposeful, with tank extensions that add to its beefy appearance.
And let’s not forget the exhaust – it’s short, stubby, and looks like it means business. It’s the kind of bike that looks fast even when it’s standing still.
Heart of the Beast
Now, let’s talk about what really matters – the engine. The Pulsar N250 is powered by a 249.07cc, air-and-oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine.
It’s not the most sophisticated mill out there, but it’s got character. This powerplant churns out a respectable 24.1 bhp at 8,750 rpm and 21.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.
What does this mean in real-world terms? Well, it’s got enough grunt to zip through city traffic with ease and still feels comfortable cruising on the highway.
The power delivery is linear, which means it’s not intimidating for newer riders, but still exciting enough for those with a bit more experience under their belt.
One thing worth noting is the 5-speed gearbox. Some riders might wish for a 6th gear for more relaxed highway cruising, but in city riding, the 5-speed setup works just fine.
Plus, it comes with a slipper clutch, which is a nice touch for a bike in this segment.
Tech That Impresses
Here’s where the 2024 Pulsar N250 really shines. Bajaj has loaded this bike with features that were once the domain of much more expensive motorcycles. Let’s break it down:
Fully Digital Instrument Console: Gone are the days of analog dials. The N250 sports a sleek, fully digital reverse-LCD display that’s easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yep, you can now connect your smartphone to your bike. This allows for features like turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and SMS notifications – all visible on the instrument cluster.
LED Lighting: Full LED lighting isn’t just about looking cool (though it does that too). It provides better visibility, both for you and for other road users.
USB Charging Port: A small but incredibly useful feature, especially on longer rides. No more worrying about your phone dying mid-journey.
Traction Control: This is a big deal. The Pulsar N250 is the first Bajaj bike to feature traction control, adding an extra layer of safety, especially in slippery conditions.
Three ABS Modes: The dual-channel ABS now comes with three modes – Rain, Road, and On/Off-Road. This allows riders to adjust the level of ABS intervention based on riding conditions.
It’s clear that Bajaj has put a lot of thought into making the N250 not just a performance machine, but a smart, connected ride for the modern biker.
Ride and Handling
On the road, the Pulsar N250 feels like a well-balanced package. The riding position is sporty yet comfortable, striking a good balance between aggressive and relaxed.
It’s the kind of bike you could commute on during the week and still enjoy on a weekend ride.
For 2024, Bajaj has upgraded the suspension, fitting the N250 with 37mm upside-down forks at the front. This not only looks premium but also improves the bike’s handling characteristics.
At the rear, you get a gas-charged monoshock, which does a good job of soaking up bumps and potholes – a crucial feature for Indian road conditions.
Braking duties are handled by a 300mm disc up front and a 230mm disc at the rear, both governed by dual-channel ABS. The setup provides good stopping power, inspiring confidence even under hard braking.
The MRF tires (110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear) offer decent grip, though some riders might want to upgrade to stickier rubber if they’re planning on more spirited riding.
Efficiency Matters
In a country where fuel efficiency is often as important as performance, the Pulsar N250 doesn’t disappoint.
Bajaj claims a mileage of 39 kmpl, which is pretty impressive for a 250cc motorcycle. In real-world conditions, you can expect somewhere between 35-40 kmpl, depending on your riding style.
With a 14-liter fuel tank, this gives you a decent range, making the N250 suitable for both city commutes and the occasional highway jaunt.
Price and Positioning
Now, let’s talk money. The 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 is priced at ₹1,51,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This puts it in an interesting spot in the market.
It’s more expensive than 160cc naked bikes but significantly cheaper than other 250cc offerings like the Suzuki Gixxer 250.
When you consider the features on offer, the Pulsar N250 presents a compelling value proposition.
You’re getting a lot of bike for your money – a potent engine, modern features, and the backing of Bajaj’s extensive service network.
The Competition
The Pulsar N250 faces competition from bikes like the Suzuki Gixxer 250 and to some extent, the Honda CB300F.
However, with its competitive pricing and feature list, the N250 makes a strong case for itself.
It’s worth noting that the N250 is about ₹50,000 cheaper than the Gixxer 250, while offering similar, if not better, features.
This pricing strategy could be a game-changer in the 250cc segment.
Living with the Pulsar N250
Owning a Pulsar N250 seems to be a largely positive experience, based on user reviews. Owners praise the bike’s performance, comfort, and features.
The torquey engine makes city riding a breeze, while the comfortable ergonomics make longer rides enjoyable.
Some users have reported a slight drop in mileage after the 15,000 km mark, but this seems to be rectified with a change of engine oil.
The front brake receives praise for its performance, though some riders feel the rear brake could be improved.
The Future of Bajaj Pulsar N250
The Pulsar N250 represents an important step for Bajaj. It shows that the company is not just resting on its laurels but actively working to evolve the Pulsar brand.
With the addition of features like traction control and multiple ABS modes, Bajaj is clearly aiming to make the Pulsar more than just an affordable performance bike – it’s positioning it as a technologically advanced, feature-rich offering that can compete with more premium brands.
As we look to the future, it’s exciting to think about where Bajaj might take the Pulsar brand next. Could we see a larger displacement Pulsar?
Or perhaps a fully-faired version of the N250? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – the Pulsar N250 has set a new benchmark in its segment.
Conclusion: Is the Pulsar N250 Worth It?
After considering all aspects of the 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250, it’s hard not to be impressed. This bike manages to strike a fine balance between performance, features, and affordability.
It’s not perfect – some might wish for a 6-speed gearbox or more sophisticated engine cooling – but for the price, it offers exceptional value.
If you’re in the market for a 250cc naked bike that can handle daily commutes, weekend rides, and everything in between, the Pulsar N250 deserves a serious look.
It’s a bike that stays true to the Pulsar DNA of accessible performance while pushing the envelope in terms of technology and features.
In the end, the Pulsar N250 is more than just a motorcycle – it’s a statement. It’s Bajaj saying, “We’re still here, we’re still innovating, and we’re still the kings of affordable performance.”
And based on what we’ve seen with the 2024 model, that crown is secure for now.