The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is here, and it’s more than just a bigger sibling in the iconic Pulsar family. With a fresh design, mechanical upgrades, and advanced rider aids, this street-naked motorcycle has redefined what value performance means in the Indian market.
Whether you’re a seasoned Pulsar fan or a first-time performance bike buyer, this Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z First Look will help you understand if this 400cc beast fits your style, budget, and expectations.
Table of Contents
Pulsar’s Evolution into the 400cc League
With the NS400Z, Bajaj brings the long-anticipated upgrade to the Pulsar platform by introducing its most powerful naked bike ever. Drawing inspiration from the Dominar 400’s engine but tuned for sharper city riding, the NS400Z is aimed at riders who want thrill without premium pricing.
Design and Styling: Muscular and Modern
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z continues the legacy of the NS series with aggressive bodywork, sharp tank shrouds, and a menacing stance. But this time, it gets a more premium, mature look.
Key Styling Highlights:
- New split LED headlamp setup with DRLs
- Revised tank extensions for aerodynamic efficiency
- Dual-tone paint with contrast pinstriping
- Split seat and sharp tail with LED indicators
- Chunky 150-section rear tyre (Apollo Alpha H1)
Verdict: The design looks bold without being overdone—a fine blend of form and functionality.
Engine and Performance Upgrades
At the heart of the NS400Z lies a 373.3cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine derived from the KTM 390 platform (similar to Dominar 400). However, Bajaj has tuned it differently for a punchy low-end and linear midrange.
Performance Specs:
- Power: 42.4 PS @ 9000 rpm
- Torque: 37 Nm @ 7000 rpm
- Gearbox: 6-speed with bi-directional quickshifter
- Top Speed: ~155 km/h
- 0–100 km/h: Approx. 6.5 seconds
This engine delivers refined aggression, making it suitable for both city zipping and highway touring.
Ride & Handling: Precision for City and Highways
Built on the perimeter frame chassis, the Pulsar NS400Z is agile and planted. Its kerb weight (~174 kg) gives it enough stability at high speeds without compromising flickability in traffic.
Hardware Highlights:
- 43mm telescopic front forks
- Nitrox monoshock at the rear
- Front disc: 320mm | Rear: 230mm
- Dual-channel ABS with cornering function
Combined with sintered brake pads and grippy tyres, the ride quality feels confident, especially for street-focused riders.
Features and Technology: TFT Console, Quickshifter & More
One of the biggest upgrades comes in the form of technology and connectivity, areas where older Pulsars lacked.
Notable Features:
- Full-color TFT instrument cluster
- Bluetooth connectivity with navigation, call/SMS alerts
- Bi-directional quickshifter (standard across all variants)
- USB charging port
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Riding modes: Street, Rain, and Track
This makes the NS400Z one of the most feature-rich bikes under ₹2 lakh.
Safety and Braking System
The inclusion of cornering ABS, traction control, and larger disc brakes gives the NS400Z a serious edge in safety. These features are rare in this price segment and elevate rider confidence in both wet and dry conditions.
Pricing and Rivals in the Segment
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is expected to retail at:
- ₹1.90–1.95 lakh (ex-showroom)
Competitors:
| Model | Price | Power | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| TVS Apache RTR 310 | ₹2.43 lakh | 35.6 PS | Dynamic LED, cruise control |
| Dominar 400 | ₹2.31 lakh | 40 PS | Touring focused |
| KTM 250 Duke | ₹2.39 lakh | 30 PS | Lightweight and agile |
| Hero Mavrick 440 | ₹1.99 lakh | 27 PS | Neo-retro design |
NS400Z undercuts most of them while offering similar or better features, making it one of the best value-for-money options in 2025.
✅ Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best-in-segment power and features
- Sharp and premium design
- Cornering ABS and ride modes
- Quickshifter and TFT screen standard
- Excellent pricing for the package
Cons:
- No slipper clutch (yet)
- Vibrations at higher RPMs reported in early test rides
- Limited color options at launch
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z?
If you’re looking for a power-packed streetfighter under ₹2 lakh that doesn’t cut corners on design, features, or performance—the Pulsar NS400Z is a game-changer. It’s the most advanced Pulsar ever made, balancing raw muscle with modern finesse.
For budget-conscious riders who want performance without a premium badge, this is arguably the best value performance motorcycle in 2025 so far.
FAQs – Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z First Look
Q1. Is the NS400Z engine the same as Dominar 400?
Yes, but it’s tuned differently for quicker throttle response and sportier city dynamics.
Q2. Does it have Bluetooth and navigation?
Yes, via the TFT console with Bluetooth integration.
Q3. What is the mileage of Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z?
Real-world mileage is expected to be around 30–35 km/l, depending on riding style.
Q4. Is the quickshifter standard?
Yes, a bi-directional quickshifter is available on all variants.
Q5. Is this good for touring?
Yes, with a few modifications (windscreen, luggage mounts), it can handle touring thanks to its stable chassis and engine performance.
