Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Design
As in the case of the Pulsar NS brand, the fresh entrant combines an eye-catching and aggressive design, characteristic of a real streetfighter. To put it simply, the bike has nice looks but isn’t particularly striking on the road, mainly because it shares similarities with the NS200 and N250. However, there are elements that give it a distinctive identity, such as gigantic tank extensions, an eye-catching projector headlamp array flanked by blazing LED daytime running lights, and graphics that enhance its overall appearance.
Add to this that it is no secret that customers expected a radical change in design, but for Bajaj, the Pulsar brand has been focused on affordability and performance since its inception. As a result, the bike does indeed share many components from its other siblings, which helps reduce development costs, but at this price point, the NS400Z undoubtedly looks impressive when it comes to looks; not as bulky, but definitely not lifeless.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Performance
The NS400Z boasts a 373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine sourced from Dominar. It provides a power of 40 HP and 35 Nm of maximum torque and is mated to a six-speed gearbox. As mentioned earlier, Bajaj is prioritizing to offer a balance between affordability and performance with this motorcycle. With a price-to-power ratio of Rs 4,625, it means you pay this amount for every 1 HP, which is much lower than other competitors in the market. Coming back to the performance aspect, we tested the bike both at the Bajaj test track at the Chakan factory and on a trip from Pune to Lonavala.
Although we were able to ride the bike on the track at over 150 km/h, the engine ran smoothly, but after this point vibrations started to appear in the handlebars. However, around town and on the highway, the engine’s smoothness at low and mid-range revs was impressive, and power delivery was effortless as the bike reached triple-digit speeds with ease. That’s why it’s unthreatening to say that the NS400Z is perfect for highway driving and overtaking maneuvers – and it’s a lot of fun!
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Ride and Handling
The NS400Z has a perimeter frame borrowed from its smaller 200cc brother, although it has been stiffened in some areas. The frame is suspended by a classic-looking 43mm champagne gold USD fork at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear.
As a result, the bike handles quite well and it was a pleasure to take corners around the carefully designed test track at the Bajaj facility. Overall, handling was agile and it was a great ride during our 80-mile trip. The ride quality provides an excellent balance between stability and comfort, and the bike remains composed even on scratchy roads. It handled challenging roads wonderfully. The tires (110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear) and sharper steering geometry make it feel confident in corners, but a wider rear tire would be nice.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Features and Safety
The largest Pulsar ever comes at a competitive price, but it’s not lacking in features. The flagship Pulsar comes with all-LED lighting, color LCD instrument console for excellent visibility in sunlight, Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, etc.
The safety package includes switchable traction control and two-channel ABS. It has four riding modes, namely Rain, Road, Sport and Off-Road – of which we mainly used the Sport mode only – where changes to the power delivery take place and the ABS settings are calibrated to ensure a sportier ride. During our ride, the ABS worked brilliantly, providing confident and controlled braking at all times. Although the front brake bite leaves room for improvement.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Verdict
While the Pulsar N series is designed for father and son, the NS series is more suitable for son, as Bajaj would call it. As the Indian market shifts from entry-level commuter bikes to performance-oriented models, the NS400Z enters the scene with a bang, providing almost everything without breaking the bank. While the design may not appeal to everyone, the NS400Z is a powerful and well-equipped motorcycle that will meet the needs of riders looking for a value package. This bike should do well for Bajaj.
