Is the Bajaj Pulsar RS250 worth the hype?

I’ve had the RS250 for about 6 months now and it has been a little bit of a let down. It looks cool, but the performance doesn’t quite live up to the aggressive styling. However, for a 250cc bike, I expected more oomph. It is also too committed for a riding position that will suit daily commutes. I am already thinking of switching to something more practical.

The RS250 is great as someone who upgraded from a 150cc bike! The Power bump is appreciated and the handling on twisty bits felt a dream. It is more expensive than other Pulsars, but you get what you pay for. The quality of those things and the features are just a step up. It's not perfect but it's hard to beat for a sports bike in this segment.

I was super hyped for the RS250 but after test riding it, I chose the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250. It also felt rough around the edges in the Pulsar. At higher RPMs it was annoying with the vibrations and the seat is not comfortable for longer rides. A not bad bike but I thought for the money I should have had more refinement.

I had a KTM Duke 250 and a few other bikes, and I must say that I was not disappointed with the RS250. Neither fastest nor most refined, it is a good balance. It turns heads with the looks and is comfortable enough for city riding and weekend trips. Bajaj's extensive service network is the real value. All in all, I’d say it delivers about 80% of the hype.