Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z | Photo Credit: Prashant Shetty

Going by the precedent it has set over the last 25 years, a Pulsar isn’t the kind of motorcycle that lets you ponder. Constant engagement is key to the Pulsar’s character and, to that effect, the new Pulsar NS400Z is very much worthy of its nameplate. It first appeared over a year ago, in full 373.3cc spec and although its run as the Pulsar flagship was interrupted by the GST diktat inconveniencing motorcycles above 350cc, Bajaj was quick to chalk up a downsizing formula, the newest recipient of which is the Pulsar.

Was it necessary? Yes. You see, had Bajaj retained the Pulsar’s original spec, it may have been priced ₹20-30,000 higher on-road given the increased taxation, thereby taking away one of the core appealing factors of Pulsars across segments — aggressive pricing and strong value for money. Why can’t Pulsars command a premium? That’s a story for another time.

FUN-DAMENTAL

Pulsars are meant to be inherently fun and, to that effect, not much has changed. The ‘new’ motor has lost 2.4 bhp, lowering its output to 40 bhp — still a respectable figure by any standard. Peak torque has dropped to 3.38 kg-m (down by 0.2 kg-m), which isn’t much at all, although it is now generated at 7500 rpm, which is 1000 rpm higher than on the older spec bike. Bajaj claims no change in the sprint up to 60 kph (2.8 seconds), a nominal difference in 0-100 kph acceleration (6.8 seconds, up by 0.3 second), and a marginally lower top speed of 156.6 kph (as opposed to 158.3 kph).

These claims are difficult to verify in the real world — and I mean that in a good way — because the NS400Z hasn’t changed in character at all. You expect a Pulsar, especially the flagship, to feel busy and animated, and the NS400Z is all of that and more. There is a degree of refinement, too, but that’s never what you’re after, astride a Pulsar. It’s a motorcycle that has historically thrived on being thrashed and there’s no change to that narrative. Thankfully, I must add.

Once I’d settled into its sporty-looking but quite comfortable seat, the roughly 100 km that followed felt absolutely entertaining. While it lacks the crispness of a KTM 390 Duke or the refinement of a Triumph Speed 400, the NS400Z is punchy and it’s the mid-range that you’ll particularly enjoy. The 6-speed gearbox is quite well-suited to this demeanour, too. Sure, its evolution into a larger, heavier and relatively more sophisticated motorcycle has come at the expense of some of its brazen hooliganism, but it still isn’t a bike you’ll find yourself riding gently.

EVERYDAY HERO

This always-on mood is further aided by the Pulsar’s flickability. Oh, this bike loves to carve through traffic! Its sportiness doesn’t come in the way of comfort either, be it in terms of the suspension or ergonomics. The 43-mm USD fork and monoshock are tuned to offer a supple ride that’s great for everyday usability without eating into the Z’s sporty attitude. Braking, too, feels amply sharp and the tyres, a 110/70-17 up front and 150/60-17 at the rear, do well to grip in dry conditions.

While there are four riding modes on offer (Rain, Road, Sport and Off-Road), I stuck to Sport for the most part, which is where the NS400Z feels most alive. Road mode, which I tried briefly, does smoothen things out a bit, but that isn’t the frame of mind I like to be in astride a Pulsar of any sort.

At ₹1.82 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Pulsar NS400Z is quite irresistible! Whether you’re a college-goer trying to extract the most out of a lenient parent or in your 40s but adamantly young at heart, the NS400Z is really, really easy to like. That it’s practically peerless is a different matter altogether.

@TheMotorGram

Published on July 3, 2026