At a Glance
Key differences that define each motorcycle
Honda SP 125
- 124 cc Air-Cooled
- 10.87 PS @ 7500 rpm
- 65 km/l (ARAI)
- 11.2-litre tank
- 2 variants available
- CBS braking system
Bajaj Pulsar 125
- 124.38 cc Air-Cooled
- 11.8 PS @ 8500 rpm
- 57 km/l (ARAI)
- 15-litre tank
- 3 variants available
- CBS with front disc brake
Full Specification Comparison
Every number that matters — side by side
| Specification | Honda SP 125 | Bajaj Pulsar 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Displacement | 123.94 cc | 124.38 cc |
| Cooling System | Air Cooled | Air Cooled |
| Max Power | 10.87 PS @ 7500 rpm | 11.8 PS @ 8500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 10.9 Nm @ 6000 rpm | 10.8 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 | 2 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0 : 1 | 10.05 ± 0.3 : 1 |
| Bore × Stroke | 50.0 × 63.1 mm | 52 × 58.6 mm |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 (OBD2) | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Top Speed | ~100 km/h | ~100 km/h |
| Fuel & Range | ||
| Mileage (ARAI) | 65 km/l | 57 km/l |
| Mileage (Real-world) | 55–60 km/l | 45–50 km/l |
| Fuel Tank | 11.2 litres | 15 litres |
| Reserve Capacity | 1.76 litres | 2.5 litres |
| Riding Range | ~650–700 km | ~700+ km |
| Brakes & Wheels | ||
| Braking System | CBS | CBS |
| Front Brake | Drum / Disc (variant) | Disc – 240 mm |
| Front Brake Size | 240 mm (Disc variant) | 240 mm Disc |
| Rear Brake | Drum – 130 mm | Drum – 130 mm |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Tyre Size (F / R) | 80/100-18 / 80/100-18 | 80/100-17 / 100/90-17 |
| Wheel Size | 18 inch (F & R) | 17 inch (F & R) |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
| Suspension & Chassis | ||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic Type | Twin Gas Shock |
| Chassis | Diamond Type | Tubular Frame |
| Rear Preload Adjuster | No | Yes |
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Kerb Weight | 116–117 kg | 144–146 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 790 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm | 165 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1285 mm | 1320 mm |
| Overall L × W × H | 2020 × 785 × 1103 mm | 2055 × 755 × 1060 mm |
| Features & Electronics | ||
| Instrument Console | Fully Digital | Digital (variant dependent) |
| Headlight | — | LED (top variants) |
| DRLs | — | No |
| Hazard Warning Lights | — | No |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | No | Yes (select variants) |
| USB Charging Port | No | Yes (select variants) |
| Gear Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Service Reminder | Yes | Yes |
| Side Stand Engine Cut-off | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Riding Modes | No | No |
| Keyless Ignition | No | No |
| Price & Warranty | ||
| Starting Price (ex-showroom) | ₹88,750 | ₹82,420 |
| Top Variant Price | ₹95,611 | ₹92,691 |
| Number of Variants | 2 | 3 |
| Standard Warranty | 3 Years / 42,000 km | 5 Years / 75,000 km |
★ Green highlights indicate the stronger value in each row. Prices are ex-showroom India averages and may vary by city.
Variant-wise Price Comparison
All variants laid out — find the right one for your budget
Honda SP 125 Variants
Bajaj Pulsar 125 Variants
Pros & Cons
Honest strengths and weaknesses of each bike
Pros
- Best-in-class ARAI mileage of 65 km/l
- Significantly lighter at 116–117 kg vs 144–146 kg
- Highly refined, smooth, and vibration-free engine
- Fully digital instrument console on all variants
- Honda's proven reliability and build quality
- ACG silent start motor for quieter ignition
- Better real-world mileage (55–60 km/l)
Cons
- Lower peak power (10.87 PS vs 11.8 PS)
- Smaller fuel tank at 11.2 litres
- No Bluetooth connectivity on any variant
- No USB charging port
- Higher starting price (₹88,750)
- Shorter warranty (3 years vs 5 years)
Pros
- Higher peak power – 11.8 PS @ 8500 rpm
- Sporty Pulsar design with muscular fuel tank
- Larger 15-litre fuel tank for greater range
- Front disc brake standard across all variants
- Bluetooth & USB charging on top variants
- 3 variants for wider budget choice
- Outstanding 5-year / 75,000 km warranty
- Lower starting price (₹82,420)
- Wider rear tyre (100/90-17) for better grip
Cons
- Much heavier at 144–146 kg
- Lower real-world mileage (~45–50 km/l)
- Firmer ride quality on broken roads
- No ABS on any variant
- Semi-digital console on base variant
Key Differences Explained
What really sets these two bikes apart
Engine Character
The SP 125 uses a 124 cc PGM-FI injected engine tuned for silky refinement and effortless city riding. The Pulsar 125 uses a 124.38 cc air-cooled engine that revs more freely and delivers stronger top-end performance with 11.8 PS vs 10.87 PS.
Fuel Efficiency & Range
The SP 125 leads with an ARAI-certified 65 km/l, though its smaller 11.2-litre tank gives a range of around 650–700 km. The Pulsar 125 returns 57 km/l ARAI from a much larger 15-litre tank, offering a theoretical 700+ km range per fill.
Braking & Safety
The Pulsar 125 has a front disc brake as standard across all three variants, giving it a clear braking advantage at the entry level. The SP 125 only gains a front disc on its higher ₹95,611 variant; the base drum variant relies on drums at both ends.
Warranty & Ownership
The Pulsar 125 comes with a market-leading 5-year / 75,000 km warranty versus the SP 125's 3-year / 42,000 km coverage. The Pulsar's warranty significantly reduces long-term ownership risk and repair exposure.
Price & Value
The Pulsar 125 starts at ₹82,420 — about ₹6,330 less than the SP 125's ₹88,750 base price. With three variants to choose from versus two, the Pulsar gives buyers more options across a broader price band.
Ride & Handling
The SP 125 is nearly 28 kg lighter, making it far more nimble and easy to manoeuvre in city traffic. The Pulsar 125 offers a more planted, sporty feel with a longer 1320 mm wheelbase and wider rear tyre, but its weight makes it feel bulkier at low speeds.
Expert Verdict
Which one should you actually buy?
Buy the Honda SP 125 if…
- You want the best fuel efficiency in the 125cc class
- Engine refinement and smoothness are top priorities
- You prefer a lightweight, easy-to-handle commuter
- Honda reliability and brand trust matter to you
- You do 30+ km daily city commuting
- Vibration-free, quiet riding experience is important
Buy the Bajaj Pulsar 125 if…
- You want the most powerful 125cc commuter
- Sporty Pulsar styling and road presence matter
- You want a front disc brake even at the base variant
- A larger 15-litre tank suits your riding pattern
- Budget is tight — starts ₹6,330 cheaper
- Long warranty coverage (5 years) is important
- You want Bluetooth connectivity options
Overall Winner: A Close Call — Depends on Your Priority. The Honda SP 125 wins on refinement, mileage, and lightweight agility — ideal for urban commuters who value smoothness above all. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 wins on price, performance, standard disc brake, tank size, and warranty — making it the more practical all-round value proposition for most Indian buyers. Choose the SP 125 if you prize refinement; choose the Pulsar 125 if you want more for less money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our experts
The Honda SP 125 is better for riders who prioritise fuel efficiency (65 km/l ARAI vs 57 km/l), engine refinement, and lightweight handling. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 is better for riders who want stronger performance (11.8 PS vs 10.87 PS), a standard front disc brake, a larger tank, lower price, and a longer 5-year warranty.
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 starts at ₹82,420 while the Honda SP 125 starts at ₹88,750 ex-showroom. The SP 125 is approximately ₹6,330 more expensive at the base variant level. However, at the top variant, the Pulsar 125 (₹92,691) is still cheaper than the SP 125 Disc (₹95,611).
The Honda SP 125 has significantly better mileage at 65 km/l (ARAI certified) with real-world figures of 55–60 km/l. The Bajaj Pulsar 125 delivers 57 km/l ARAI with real-world figures of 45–50 km/l. For daily commuters focused purely on running costs, the SP 125's mileage advantage is meaningful over the long term.
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 makes more power at 11.8 PS @ 8500 rpm compared to the Honda SP 125's 10.87 PS @ 7500 rpm. The Pulsar's engine revs harder and delivers stronger top-end performance, while the SP 125 is tuned for smooth, linear power delivery.
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 offers a significantly better warranty of 5 years or 75,000 km compared to the Honda SP 125's 3 years or 42,000 km. This is a major ownership advantage for the Pulsar 125, substantially reducing long-term repair risk and costs.
The Bajaj Pulsar 125 comes with a front disc brake standard on all three of its variants, starting from ₹82,420. The Honda SP 125's base Drum variant (₹88,750) only has drum brakes at both ends — you need to step up to the Disc variant (₹95,611) to get a front disc. This gives the Pulsar 125 a clear safety advantage at the entry price point.