Bajaj Pulsar N250SS Review: More Bang For Your Buck

Earlier this year, Bajaj kicked off the celebration of 25 years of the Pulsar with the new Pulsar N160SS. Now a few months down the line, that same SS treatment has been given to the Pulsar N250.

Like the N160SS, the new Bajaj Pulsar N250SS gets a host of upgrades along with a new TFT console with Google Maps mirroring, and it costs Rs 14,000 more than the standard N250. We rode the new Bajaj Pulsar N250SS in Pune to find out whether those upgrades add up to a better motorcycle.

Bajaj Pulsar N250SS Review - What's New?

The design of the new Pulsar N250SS is carried over from the standard N250, with new graphics and colours the only visible changes. Most of the changes made to bike are not what people will easily be able to spot at first glance.

The 249cc, air and oil-cooled single now has a four-valve head in place of the two-valve unit. It makes 24.6bhp and 22Nm, up from 24.1bhp and 21.5Nm in the standard bike. A six-speed gearbox replaces the former five-speed unit, and Bajaj has also added a quickshifter along with an electronic throttle body that makes ride modes possible.

The new 5-inch TFT console replaces the old LCD and mirrors Google Maps for navigation. Other additions are adjustable levers, a USB Type-C port, a hazard switch and Panic Brake Alert, which flashes to warn traffic behind you under hard braking.

Bajaj Pulsar N250SS Review - Riding Impressions

The updated 40valve engine of the Bajaj Pulsar N250SS is strong and responsive, and it stays smooth through regular riding. Pickup from low speeds is good, and the N250SS gets going quickly when you ask it to. It feels fast, with power that arrives easily.

The addition of the sixth gear improves the bike more than its spec sheet suggests. The extra ratio makes highway cruising calmer and takes some of the strain out of riding at speed. The bike feels smoother and more refined overall, but slight vibrations creep in at triple digit speeds. They don't ruin the ride, though they are the one rough edge on an otherwise polished motor.

There are four ride modes, Road, Rain, Offroad and Sport, and you pick the one that matches the conditions. We preferred the Sport mode, which is the one to pick when you want fun. The initial pickup is strong and makes the bike feel properly quick.

The N250SS is stable at higher speeds and handles corners well, and changing direction doesn't take any effort. The suspension is balanced and gives a decent level of comfort over regular roads. Braking is good, with enough bite and stopping power.

Bajaj has raised the handlebar slightly on the Pulsar N250SS, and it works. The riding position is more upright and comfortable, and the ergonomics feel right. The seat is decent for daily commutes and short highway runs. The 5-inch TFT is easy to read with good visibility. Google Maps mirroring works well once it's running, but the initial setup is a bit fiddly and takes some patience the first time.

Bajaj Pulsar N250SS Review - Verdict

The Bajaj Pulsar N250SS is a smoother, quicker and more rounded bike than the standard N250. The four-valve engine feels powerful, the six-speed gearbox makes highways easier, and the TFT with Google Maps is a useful addition. Handling, braking and the upright riding position are all good too. The vibrations at higher speeds are the main gripe, and the Google Maps setup could be simpler. However, neither takes much away from the riding experience.

At Rs 1.59 lakh, the N250SS costs only Rs 14,000 more than the standard N250 but it still undercuts rivals like the Gixxer 250 and the Xtreme 250R Carbon. If you're shopping around for a quick 250cc naked, the Pulsar N250SS is one we would recommend.

Riding Impressions by Varun Bhatt, Photos by Mufeed Qasim, Words By Dennis James