Is the Pulsar N250 a good touring motorcycle?
The Pulsar N250 is primarily being marketed as a sporty commuter, but many riders in India use their motorcycles for touring up to long distances. The N250 has sparked a discussion on its ability to double as a touring machine. As enthusiasts debate what matters for long rides—comfort over long stretches, fuel efficiency on highways, cargo capacity, or overall stability at cruising speed—they seem to be trying to fit the proverbial round peg into a square hole. It's less aggressive ergonomically than fully faired sports bikes, but some riders like that, others wonder if it has the power for comfortable highway cruising with a pillion and luggage. Much of this includes conversations about how reliable the bike is on longer trips, how effective the headlight is for night riding, and how it stacks up against purpose built tourers in the same price range. On top of that, riders are also talking about ways they may improve the N250 for touring.
I could do a 1000km weekend trip on my N250 and I gotta say, it surprised me. Long rides ergonomics are spot on, and the engine is relaxed at highway speeds. It isn't a dedicated tourer but it's a good enough long ride bike.
I've toured on both the old 220F and the N250, so I have mixed feelings. Of course the N250 is much more comfortable and refined, but I do miss the raw highway punch of the 220F. Fully loaded with luggage and a pillion it feels a bit underpowered.
People are forgetting about N250's fuel efficiency on tours. On highways, I always get over 40 km/l, so no more fuel stop and more time on the road. That’s a big plus for touring in my book.
It’s a compromise, let’s be real. As far as weekend getaways and short tours go, it’s good enough, but if you are serious about long distance riding, you’d be better off with something like the Dominar 400. What the N250 just doesn’t have is the extra oomph and features for hardcore touring.
With a few mods, I’ve found the N250 to be a capable tourer. Just add a taller windscreen, some soft panniers, and a comfy seat cover and you have a decent touring setup for not a lot of money.
Touring the real MVP is the headlight. It’s bright and has a good spread, which takes the sting out of night riding. It’s something that gets overlooked but is crucial for long rides.
For long tours I find the N250 a bit cramped as a tall rider. On longer rides the pegs are a tad too rear set for my liking. After a few hours, it’s fine, but beyond that and I start to feel it out in my knees.
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Discussions and Questions Is The Pulsar N250 A Good Touring Motorcycle
Is the Pulsar N250 a good touring motorcycle?
30 January 2025 09:32
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