Bajaj Pulsar F250 Review —The Perfect Successor To The Pulsar 220F?

In October 2001, the very first Pulsar was launched. It turned around Indian riders' perception of motorcycling and introduced performance motorcycling to the masses. 20 years later, on 28 October 2021, the all-new Bajaj Pulsar 250 motorcycles were launched. The N250 and F250 are the biggest Pulsars yet.

They build on the Pulsar characteristic that we have known so well and also promise a new level of motorcycling thrill. We got on the saddle of the Pulsar F250 to find out what it is all about. How does it ride? Does it still carry the Pulsar genes while still being modern and 'new'? Is it a worthy spiritual successor to the Pulsar 220F? Read on to find out.

Bajaj Pulsar F250 Design & Style

Designing the new Pulsars must have been one of the most difficult tasks faced by the designers at Bajaj. The new motorcycles would have to keep the Pulsar character lines intact while still being all-new. This is something that the Pulsar F250 certainly excels at.

The muscular character line that runs along the side of the motorcycle from the fuel tank to the rear has been a standard feature on all Pulsar models since the very beginning. Yet another Pulsar design trait is the twin vertical stack LED tail lamps introduced in 2006. These two intrinsic design characteristics have been retained on the Pulsar F250 as well.

However, these elements too have seen some changes on the new 250s. The muscular line extends until the front of the motorcycle on the semi-fairing. The vertical tail lamp now features a slight curve towards the upper end. Apart from these two design traits, the rest of the motorcycle is brand-new.

It gets a semi-faired front-end with a fixed headlamp position, much like the Pulsar 220F. In the centre of the headlamp cluster is an LED projector unit that has both the high and low beams integrated into it. Slightly above the headlamp to the left and right are the reverse-boomerang LED DRLs. Above the headlamp is a visor that reduces windblast to a great extent.

The analogue-digital instrument cluster is positioned in the semi-fairing. The Pulsar F250 features a clip-on handlebar and the switchgear too is brand-new. The sharp and angular design lines continue at the rear too.

The shape of the split-seat on the F250 adds to the overall design and style of the motorcycle. The engine casing is finished in a shade of dark Gold and underneath the engine is a super stylish bashplate, finished in the body colour. You also get the simple and classy Red and White graphics.

The short and stubby exhaust unit adds more character to the overall design of the motorcycle. The twin-port exhaust end-can gets a Silver-coloured cover and this becomes a contrasting element for the rest of the motorcycle.

The Pulsar F250 is one of the most stylish motorcycles in the segment and if semi-faired motorcycles are your thing, the Pulsar F250 is the best option for you.

Bajaj Pulsar F250 Features

The Bajaj Pulsar F250 is adequately equipped with some necessary features. The Pulsar F250 comes with the bare basics in terms of features. As aforementioned, it does get an analogue-digital instrument cluster.

The only analogue bit is the tachometer which is placed in the middle. This is flanked by tell-tale lights to the left and an LCD screen to the right. The screen displays a lot of information including the speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel level, instantaneous fuel efficiency, distance-to-empty, etc.

You even get an average fuel efficiency (AFE) number and this is an extremely useful feature. The motorcycle measures AFE differently for the two trip meters. The switchgear is brand-new and gets a backlight, just like all other Pulsars.

Other important features include the single-channel ABS and the USB slot to charge up your mobile phone. However, there is an important feature that has been omitted. In today's time and age, Bluetooth connectivity is a necessity and some entry-level motorcycles also are equipped with smartphone connectivity. However, the F250 does not get connectivity options.

Bajaj Pulsar F250 Engine Performance & Riding Impressions

Most riders have always preferred Pulsars over other motorcycles for the raw feel that only a Pulsar offers. Does the new Pulsar F250 offer the same feel? We rode it from Bajaj's Chakan factory and then on the outskirts of Pune.

The engine, for starters, is an all-new air and oil-cooled, 249cc, single-cylinder unit with a maximum power output of 24.1bhp at 8,750rpm and a peak torque output of 21.5Nm at 6,500rpm. A 5-speed gearbox drives the rear wheel via a slip and assist clutch.

Upon startup, you are greeted by a bassy rumble at idle courtesy of the twin-port exhaust. It isn't very loud, nor is it quiet. When you get on the throttle though, things change and the sound turns into the grunty note that we have grown used to on the Pulsar 220F. It sounds like a quicker version of the Pulsar 220F.

That brings us to the performance of the new Pulsar F250. On paper, the 24.1bhp power output and 5-speed gearbox combo don't seem like much. However, the way the power and torque is put down to the road makes a world of a difference.

Below 3,000rpm, the engine does struggle and there is a fair bit of knocking. Post 3,000rpm though, things change. It feels pretty torquey in all the gears and the midrange is where it feels the strongest. The sweet spot of this engine is when you keep it between 5,000 and 8,000rpm.

The engine feels smooth and there aren't a lot of vibrations. Over 8,000rpm, the engine does sound a little stressed, but other than that there's nothing really that one can complain about. Post 100km/h, you do feel the need for a 6th gear.

In terms of handling, the Pulsar F250 is pretty relaxed. It has an almost upright riding position as the clip-on handlebar is set towards a more relaxed riding stance. This translates to some brilliant touring capabilities. You do feel pretty confident going into corners and however, you do not feel like pushing it to the limits. The MRF Zapper tyres however are pretty grippy and you do feel confident.

Suspension duties are handled by a 37mm telescopic fork up front and a monoshock at the rear that is adjustable for preload. The suspension is set up a little towards the stiffer side to aid handling. However, this hasn't affected the ride quality in a negative manner and it remains a nice motorcycle to ride. The Pulsar F250 is one of the most comfortable motorcycles in the segment.

Braking duties are handled by a 300mm disc up front and a 230mm disc at the rear. This is an area in which there is a huge shift from Bajaj. For several years now, Bajaj used Bybre brakes on Pulsar motorcycles. Now, with the new Pulsar 250, Bajaj has moved to Grimeca brakes. Braking is now excellent and gives the rider immense confidence. We could not find anything to complain about when it comes to the brakes.

Bajaj Pulsar F250 Colour Options, Price & Competition

The Bajaj Pulsar F250 is available in just two colour options: Racing Red & Techno Gray. Both colours look very attractive on the motorcycle, but the Racing Red looks much better and more attractive. The Bajaj Pulsar F250 is priced at Rs 1.40 lakh, ex-showroom. This makes it one of the least expensive motorcycles in the segment.

The Pulsar F250 competes directly with the Yamaha Fazer 25 and Suzuki Gixxer 250 SF. Some other motorcycles in the quarter-litre segment include the Bajaj Dominar 250, KTM 250 Duke, etc.

Verdict

When the new F250 was launched, many complained about how Bajaj should have given it liquid-cooling, a sixth gear, etc. However, one must consider that it is an all-new motorcycle and the next-generation of Pulsars will be based on it. It is the spiritual successor to the Pulsar 220F.

When this is taken into consideration, you will realise that the F250 is indeed an awesome motorcycle. It really is the perfect spiritual successor to the Pulsar 220F. If you are curious about the Pulsar N250, do check out our detailed review of the N250.