Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z Review – Raw Power Meets Everyday Thrill

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z arrives with high expectations. It marks a bold move by Bajaj to dominate the sub-400cc performance segment in India. Positioned as a street-naked bike with aggressive styling and practical usability, the NS400Z blends raw power with daily ride comfort. It draws heavily from its older siblings in the NS family but carves out a unique identity with its 373cc heart and sharper dynamics. Is it the ideal bike for thrill-seekers who still need something they can live with every day? Let’s break it down.

Bajaj Pulsar NS 400Z Review

Engine Performance and Ride Quality

The NS400Z shares its powerplant with the Dominar 400 but tunes it differently to suit the bike’s streetfighter character. The 373.3cc engine delivers strong mid-range performance, and the throttle response is crisp, making it ideal for quick overtakes and city sprints.

At high speeds, it remains stable and planted. The slipper clutch is a great addition for aggressive downshifting, especially when tackling corners or hard braking scenarios. Vibrations are minimal, even near redline, which is a major plus for a single-cylinder motor of this size.

Design and Road Presence

While clearly an evolution of the NS lineage, the 400Z gets several unique touches. The LED lighting setup, bold tank shrouds, split seat, and sharper tail design give it a muscular, aggressive stance. It looks premium and edgy without trying too hard. The digital instrument cluster is functional, though not flashy. You get turn-by-turn navigation, gear position indicator, and mobile connectivity—all wrapped in a clean layout.

The NS400Z grabs attention, especially in red and white color options. It’s not just a bike—it’s a statement on the road.

Handling and Suspension

Bajaj has equipped the NS400Z with a perimeter frame and a beefy front USD fork (inspired by the Pulsar N250), offering excellent front-end feedback. It stays composed through tight corners and is nimble enough to weave through traffic without effort.

The rear monoshock complements the setup well. It’s firm but not punishing, ideal for Indian road conditions. Whether you’re darting through city lanes or leaning hard into twisties, the bike stays surefooted.

Braking and Safety

Dual-channel ABS comes standard, paired with 320mm front and 230mm rear discs. Braking is sharp and confidence-inspiring. The setup doesn’t bite too aggressively but gives the right amount of feedback for both city and highway use.

You also get four riding modes—Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-road—which adjust ABS and traction control sensitivity. This is a first in the Pulsar range and makes the NS400Z more versatile for varied riding conditions.

Practicality and Comfort

Despite being performance-focused, the NS400Z doesn’t forget everyday comfort. The seat height of 807mm makes it accessible to most riders. The seat cushioning is firm but supportive, and the upright riding posture ensures long rides don’t turn into back-breaking chores.

There’s no windscreen, which limits its touring potential at high speeds, but for urban use and weekend rides, it nails the balance. The fuel tank holds 12 liters, enough for over 350 km of range on mixed riding.

Value for Money

At ₹1.85 lakh ex-showroom, the Pulsar NS400Z undercuts rivals like the KTM Duke 390 while offering competitive features. It offers:

• A powerful 373cc engine

• Upside-down front forks

• Dual-channel ABS with riding modes

• Sporty design with real road presence

This makes it one of the best value-for-money options in the segment for riders who want performance without stretching their budget.

Competitors and Alternatives

The NS400Z competes with the KTM Duke 390, TVS Apache RTR 310, and Honda CB300R. While the Duke offers more finesse and tech, it also comes at a higher price. The Apache 310 leans more toward track performance, whereas the NS400Z focuses on street-friendly aggression and usability.

FAQ

What is the top speed of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z?

The top speed is approximately 154 km/h under ideal riding conditions.

Is the NS400Z suitable for long rides?

Yes, thanks to its refined engine and comfortable ergonomics, though the lack of a windscreen may affect high-speed touring comfort.

What is the mileage of the Bajaj NS400Z?

You can expect a real-world mileage of 35–38 km/l depending on riding habits and conditions.

Does the NS400Z have Bluetooth connectivity?

Yes, it features Bluetooth-based mobile connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation.

How does the NS400Z compare to the KTM Duke 390?

The Duke 390 offers more advanced electronics and slightly better performance but at a higher price. The NS400Z offers a better balance of performance, price, and practicality.

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