Bajaj Pulsar N250 Review: 250cc Streetfighter for the Young Enthusiast

The Bajaj Pulsar N250 arrives as a 250cc streetfighter aimed squarely at young riders craving performance with practicality. With a potent 249 cc engine, aggressive styling, and affordable price tag, the Pulsar N250 seeks to strike a balance between spirited rides and everyday usability. In this review, we explore whether it delivers as a compelling 250cc option for the urban-to-highway rider.

Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Pulsar N250 lies a 249.1 cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled, fuel-injected engine producing around 24.1 bhp (≈ 24.5 PS) at 8,750 rpm with 21.5 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm. This setup, paired with a 5-speed gearbox and assist-and-slipper clutch, ensures smooth power delivery, especially in city traffic or mixed riding conditions. Riders report the torque is spread evenly from around 3,000 rpm up to redline, making the bike tractable at low speeds and punchy when you open up the throttle.

In real-world testing, the bike returned fuel efficiency around 44 km/l, which translates to a real-world average between 35-40 km/l depending on riding style. On the highway, N250’s top speed is claimed around 132 km/h, but sustained runs beyond 100 km/h start to push the engine: riders note strain and rising vibrations, especially because there’s no sixth gear.

Chassis & Handling
Built on a tubular frame, the Pulsar N250 delivers a balanced package for agility and stability. The front sports a 37 mm telescopic fork (USD fork in newer model updates) while the rear uses a Nitrox mono-shock, helping maintain control over rough city roads and smooth stretches alike.

Handling is among the N250’s strongest suits — the chassis gives confident feedback, the front end feels light and flickable, making lane changes, traffic weaving, and quick direction shifts smooth and intuitive. That said, the stock MRF Zapper tyres don’t offer the best grip in spirited cornering, and on rough terrain the rear suspension may feel a bit firm for some riders.

Technology & Features
The N250 brings in essential modern touches for its price segment: a full LED projector headlamp with DRLs, a semi-digital console showing gear position, fuel range, and average fuel efficiency, and a dual-channel ABS braking system with a 300 mm front disc and 230 mm rear disc.

It also includes an assist and slipper clutch which helps smoother downshifts and reduces rider fatigue in stop-and-go traffic. However, the lack of advanced features common in newer bikes — like smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, or full-digital display — remains a downside.

Conclusion
The Bajaj Pulsar N250 stands out as a strong-value 250cc streetfighter that caters well to young riders or those upgrading from smaller commuter bikes. Its engine offers sweet spot balance of city-friendly torque and decent highway potential, while good handling, competent braking, and modern essentials like LED lighting and ABS add to its everyday usability.

That said, it's not for those seeking top-end highway performance, ultra-refined engines, or feature-rich modern bikes. For riders who want an affordable, reliable, and fun-to-ride 250cc option for daily commuting and occasional spirited rides — the Pulsar N250 remains a worthy pick.