Amit Saraswat 
If you were an owner of a Bajaj Pulsar NS200, you were compelled to jump the ship to Bajaj’s sister brand, namely KTM, for a sensible upgrade. Bajaj left out the 400cc space for long and the struggling Dominar 400 sales didn’t help. However, Bajaj is keen to fill the white space and grab a sizable chunk of the segment with its latest street fighter — the Pulsar NS400Z.
Bajaj’s latest offering, the Pulsar NS400Z, resembles its smaller sibling, the NS200, from certain angles. However, the front profile takes a significant departure with distinctive Z-shaped LED DRLs.
This aggressive design element elevates the NS400Z’s aesthetics, which is further complemented with larger tank extensions and tail section. The design looks contemporary but strikingly similar to the NS200, which may upset a good set of buyers. Nonetheless, Its bold front end gives it a big-bike presence and more-importantly, a unique identity.
Its functionality extends beyond visual appeal. The digital instrument cluster boasts excellent readability in all lighting conditions. However, the layout may seem cluttered and overwhelming with information.
Additionally, a few grammatical errors were seen on our pre-production motorcycles’ displays and the controls felt slightly fiddly. These minor shortcomings are areas Bajaj has promised to address in customer motorcycles.
A significant upgrade comes in the form of a ride-by-wire throttle. This technology unlocks selectable riding modes for the first time on a Pulsar. Riders can now tailor the engine’s character to suit their needs with a simple switch. Rain mode offers a toned-down riding experience, while the Sport mode unlocks the engine’s full potential. Bajaj has also offered an Offroad mode, which reduces ABS intervention for improved loose-surface handling.
The offroad mode is meant to deal with loose road surfaces rather than outright offroad sections. The NS400Z also features traction control, which can be turned off only in Sport and Offroad riding modes.
On the engine front, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z boasts a 373cc, liquid-cooled engine shared with its cousin, the Dominar 400. Its 40PS and 35Nm outputs put the NS400Z abreast to the more expensive motorcycles like the Dominar and Triumph Speed 400. At lower revs, the NS400Z offers impressive torque delivery, making city traffic navigation effortless. However, pushing past the 6,000 rpm mark transforms the engine. It rushes towards the redline with a satisfying surge of power and sound.
Its 6-speed gearbox is a delight to use. The clutch action is light and requires minimal effort, while the gear shifts feel precise and rapid. Bajaj has equipped the NS400Z with an extra tooth on the rear sprocket over the Dominar, thereby prioritising acceleration. At the back straight of Bajaj’s test track, I managed to clock 165kmph indicated top speed despite tipping the weighing scale above 100kgs!
Speaking of vibrations, the pre-production motorcycles we rode were plagued with intrusive vibrations at higher speeds. The vibrations from the engine could be felt on the handlebar, foot pegs and the seat. Bajaj ensured that they will streamline the vibrations over time with the customer motorcycles. The seat cushion felt hard on our journey from Chakan to Lonavala, which exhibited lower back ache mid way through the journey.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z scores high numbers when it comes to handling. Thanks to a degree shorter rake angle over the NS200, the NS400Z leans into the corners confidently and feels agile throughout the riding experience. The turn-ins feel sharp and the tyres also induce confidence in leaning further. Around the test track, I had a heart-in-the-mouth moment when the front tyre squirmed rushing into a corner.
As I found out later, I went too hard into the corner and learned a lot more on the front than I should have, which resulted in that instance. The only shortcoming I felt around the track was the weak bite from the front brake. The organic brake pads didn’t exhibit confidence and hard braking robbed away the stopping power after a couple of hard laps. Bajaj may offer sintered brake pads as an accessory for those who aspire to do track days with their NS400Z motorcycles. On the road, though, the braking performance was adequate but not impressive.
As an outcome of precise handling, the ride quality leans towards the stiffer side, effectively transmitting bumps from the front wheel to the handlebar. While the rear suspension performs well at lower speeds, absorbing bumps with relative ease, larger imperfections can unsettle both the rider and the motorcycle. This trade-off between sharp handling and plush comfort is a common consideration for performance-oriented motorcycles, and you should factor that in your intended usage when making a decision.
However, the NS400Z regains ground when it comes to features, particularly for its price point. Traction control, riding modes, bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and music control, 43mm upside-down front forks, a type-A charging port for on-the-go device charging, and adjustable levers are just some of the features Bajaj has packed into this motorcycle while ensuring an impressive price tag.
If I try to sum up the experience, the new Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z stood above my expectations. It comes across as an impressive street fighter even without the advantage of a stellar price tag. The cost cuttings are evident that have been made to attain the INR 1.85 lakh ex-showroom price tag. A lot of part sharing from the Dominar and smaller Pulsar motorcycles has kept the costs low and the benefit is directly handed to the customers. If you are looking for a peppy street fighter on a budget, there is nothing out there better than the Pulsar NS400Z.
