Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z

Bajaj Auto has launched the biggest capacity Pulsar bike yet, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, with an incredibly affordable price tag. But how is it like to ride in the real world, and does it have enough to excite Pulsar enthusiasts? Let’s take a look: 

Design

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z gets the styling of the Bajaj Pulsar NS200 and is built on the Bajaj Dominar 400’s platform. Compared to the NS200, it does get some differentiating elements like the new LED projector headlight with the Z-shaped DRLs, bigger tank extensions and radiator shrouds, redesigned belly pan and mirrors from the Dominar 400. It also gets different paint schemes with new graphics. The sharp design language gives the bike quite a good road presence but too much similarity with the NS200 has robbed the NS400Z of its own unique character. 

Engine, Performance and Mileage

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is powered by the Dominar 400’s 373cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 40PS at 8500rpm and 35Nm at 7000rpm. It gets a 46-tooth rear sprocket compared to the 45-tooth sprocket setup on the Dominar 400. So, along with the 19kg lighter kerb weight (174kg), it gets better low-end performance. The motor is quite tractable and you can move around at speeds of 40kmph in 3rd gear, which is very useful in city commutes. 

The motor can also do speeds of 100kmph in 6th gear and under the 5500rpm mark comfortably. But when pushed beyond the 6500rpm mark (or about 120kmph), vibrations can be felt at the handlebar and the footpegs. Bajaj claims the NS400Z gets a top speed of 154kmph but we were able to achieve a speedometer-indicated top speed of 166kmph in our road test. The Pulsar NS400Z gets a claimed mileage of 28.5kmpl.

Ride And Handling

Overall, the Pulsar NS400Z has good handling dynamics and is quite easy to manoeuvre in city traffic conditions. The bike is quite stable on the straights till 100kmph, post which it gets twitchy and feels unstable because of the absence of a front radial tyre. It handles corners really well but, because of its heaviness, needs a bit of effort to be tipped into corners when compared to the likes of the KTM 390 Duke. 

The 320mm front disc and the 230mm rear disc brake setup provides good bite and stopping power, but the lever pull takes a bit of effort. The inverted fork and monoshock suspension setup is on the stiffer side, which suits the bike’s sporty nature.  

Comfort

The stiffer suspension setup results in the potholes and speed bumps being felt at higher speeds. However, on paved roads, the ride quality is quite smooth. Also, the well-padded seat adds to the comfort levels of the bike. The combination of the slightly rear-set footpegs and the tall, single-piece handlebar leads to a nice blend of an upright yet sporty riding posture.  

Features

The Pulsar NS400Z gets an LCD instrument console with a dot matrix inset. It comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation, music control, call and SMS alerts and lap timer. All the information in the console is well laid out and is easy to read under sunlight. The bike comes equipped with four ride modes: Road, Rain, Sport and Off-Road. The riding modes get varying levels of power delivery and ABS intervention. It also gets traction control, which can be switched off in Sport and Off-Road mode. On the left side of the handlebar, the streetfighter gets a new 4-way switchgear to navigate through the console. These buttons could’ve been designed better as it is a bit difficult to use them with the gloves on. And with the adjustable brake and clutch levers, the Pulsar NS400Z gets a fantastic feature package for what it costs. 

Should You Buy The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z?

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z provides a combination of good performance, decent handling dynamics and an extensive list of features. Yes, despite being the biggest capacity Pulsar yet, it lacks a unique design language that sets it apart from the other NS models in Bajaj’s lineup and and the addition of a radial front tyre (even with a minor price hike) would've been well worth it as it would've improved its handling considerably. But at a price tag of Rs 1,85,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), it offers fantastic value for money for someone looking for a capable 400cc streetfighter with an extensive list of features.