Calling all Pulsar enthusiasts! Craving a street bike that injects a dose of adrenaline into your daily rides? Look no further than the highly anticipated Bajaj Pulsar N250 upgrade. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of everything we know so far about this exciting new iteration, packed with features designed to elevate your riding experience.
Safety First: Traction Control and ABS Modes
Bajaj is making a groundbreaking move with the N250 by introducing a first-in- its-class traction control system. This innovative feature enhances rider confidence, especially on slippery roads, by preventing the rear wheel from losing grip during acceleration. And the best part? The traction control will likely be switchable, allowing you to customize your ride based on conditions.
But that’s not all! Bajaj is also upping the safety ante with multiple ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) modes. Imagine three different levels to choose from:
- Maximum ABS Intrusion: Ideal for tackling rainy or wet surfaces, this setting ensures maximum braking intervention for optimal control.
- Balanced Braking: This mode offers a bit more freedom for hard braking maneuvers, with slightly delayed ABS engagement for a more nuanced riding experience.
- Rear Wheel ABS Disengagement: For experienced riders seeking enhanced feedback and the ability to perform controlled slides, this setting allows for complete deactivation of rear-wheel ABS.
Tech Upgrade: Digital Dash and Smartphone Connectivity
The new N250 ditches the old-school instrument cluster for a sleek, fully digital display. This modern upgrade provides riders with clear and easy-to-read information on speed, rpm, fuel gauge, and other vital stats. But the real game-changer is smartphone connectivity – a feature that’s quickly becoming a must-have. Imagine receiving call and SMS alerts directly on your instrument console, ensuring you stay connected without compromising safety. This, of course, necessitates a revised switchgear setup with additional buttons for navigating the settings menu and various other functions.
Enhanced Performance: Upside-Down Shocks and Upgraded Braking
Bajaj isn’t holding back on the performance front either. The N250 gets a significant hardware upgrade, starting with premium upside-down forks. These high-performance units offer superior handling and stability, especially when taking on corners or uneven roads. Additionally, the braking system receives a much-needed boost with the inclusion of petal discs at both the front and rear wheels. These innovative discs dissipate heat more effectively than conventional discs, resulting in sharper and more consistent braking performance.
The N250 continues to roll on 17-inch wheels, but we might see a slight increase in tire width for improved grip. The current model uses a 130-section tire, and the updated version could potentially sport a wider 140-section option for enhanced stability and cornering confidence.
Powertrain: Tried-and-Tested Reliability
While the focus is clearly on innovative features and safety enhancements, Bajaj is retaining the N250’s reliable 250cc, oil-cooled engine. This proven powerplant continues to deliver a healthy 24.1bhp and 21.5Nm of torque, offering a satisfying blend of power and efficiency for navigating city streets and highways alike. The engine remains paired with a smooth-shifting five-speed gearbox, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience.
Colour Options and Expected Price Hike
Colour choices for the new N250 might be limited, with classic red and black options likely available. However, the substantial upgrades across features, technology, and hardware come at a price. The current N250 retails for around Rs. 1.50 lakh, and the new model is expected to see a price hike of approximately Rs. 10,000.
The Verdict: A Strong Contender in the Street Bike Segment
The upcoming Bajaj Pulsar N250 looks poised to become a compelling contender in the 250cc street bike segment. With its focus on safety features like traction control and multiple ABS modes, the N250 prioritizes rider confidence. The addition of a digital instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity and performance upgrades like upside-down forks and improved braking elevate the overall riding experience. While the price might see a bump, the value proposition for the feature-packed N250 appears strong. Especially when compared to rivals like the Suzuki Gixxer SF, the N250 could potentially offer a more well-rounded package for the price-conscious rider seeking a feature-rich and exciting street bike.
