In a move that could rattle the foundations of India’s entry-level motorcycle market, Bajaj Auto is gearing up to launch an all-new 125cc motorcycle designed to strike the perfect balance between affordability and performance. This surprise addition will plug the pricing gap between Bajaj’s existing Pulsar 125 and the sportier NS125, promising to offer something fresh and fiercely competitive in India’s commuter bike landscape.
A Bold Strategic Shift from Bajaj
The news was revealed subtly during Bajaj Auto’s recent earnings call, where top executives hinted at a stronger push into the mid-level commuter segment. This new model is being developed to serve a very specific goal: to capture the attention of value-seeking riders who are not ready to stretch their budget for the NS125, yet want more flair and performance than the basic Pulsar 125 offers.
This strategic insertion into the 125cc lineup isn’t just a cosmetic update or a rebadge—it’s a brand-new machine engineered to redefine expectations in the affordable two-wheeler space.
Why the 125cc Segment Matters More Than Ever
India’s 125cc segment has rapidly become the sweet spot in the motorcycle market. Once dominated by 100-110cc bikes, the market is now shifting towards more power-packed yet fuel-efficient options that offer a bit of thrill without blowing the monthly fuel budget. With urban and semi-urban consumers demanding stylish, reliable, and pocket-friendly motorcycles, the 125cc class has emerged as the new gold standard.
And Bajaj is keenly aware of this trend. Currently, the company offers four bikes in the 125cc segment:
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The Pulsar 125, which acts as the brand’s budget-friendly entry point.
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The NS125, a sportier alternative aimed at younger riders.
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Two more commuter-focused offerings in the category (not officially named yet in the public domain).
But the missing puzzle piece—a middle child that blends affordability with aspirational performance—is exactly what this new model aims to be.
Who This New Bike is Really For
Rather than gunning for the usual metro-based audience, Bajaj’s focus is on regional and rural markets, where buyers are fiercely value-conscious but still desire motorcycles with strong brand value, decent styling, and a reputation for reliability. These customers want more than just “basic transport”—they want a motorcycle they can proudly own without worrying about the price tag or mileage.
This new 125cc model will likely be designed with:
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A refined fuel-efficient engine tuned for both city and semi-urban conditions.
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Aggressive yet minimal styling to appeal to younger customers without bloating costs.
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Practical features like longer seat, robust suspension, and upright ergonomics for daily riding comfort.
What We Know So Far
Bajaj hasn’t confirmed a launch date, but insiders speculate that the bike will roll out in FY26 (2025–26). Pricing details remain under wraps, but given the positioning, it’s expected to fall somewhere between the ₹85,000–₹95,000 range (ex-showroom), making it highly competitive against rivals like Hero Glamour Xtec, Honda SP125, and TVS Raider.
With this move, Bajaj isn’t just filling a product gap—it’s gearing up for market domination in a segment that is now more relevant than ever.
The Bottom Line
In the ever-evolving race for commuter dominance, Bajaj’s surprise entry in the 125cc space is not just another launch—it’s a calculated strike to capture the heart of India’s budget-conscious, mileage-loving, style-aspiring motorcycle buyers.