2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Road Test Review

Styling and Quality

Before we fire up that engine, I wanted to touch upon the design of the Pulsar NS400Z. To my eyes, this is the best-looking Bajaj Pulsar in recent times. It stands true to the design ethos of the original Bajaj Pulsar, being brawny, oozing visual mass, and cutting a rather handsome figure. Bits like the flash-shaped LED DRLs, sculpted fuel tank, the way the tank extensions flow onto the top of the radiator shrouds, and the exposed perimeter frame - they catch your attention and how! Even the tail section is beautifully executed, with its sharp profile.

Adding to the visuals are the contrasting stickers on the belly pan, rims, and other parts of the body work. Some may argue that the NS400Z’s design feels old, and there’s no denying that there is clear inspiration from the OG Pulsar NS200 as well. But, I firmly believe that the NS400Z looks good.

The quality of the parts and materials is also notably better than Pulsars of yore - whether it is the switchgear, paint finish levels, or the plastics used. However, there is scope for improvement and I wish Bajaj paid even more attention to quality.

Take the wires for the rear turn indicators, for instance. They are exposed as they run along the rear numberplate holder bracket and are tethered to it using zip ties. The horn on our test bike had also become weak, after merely 500km of testing. And the quickshifter was inconsistent, especially while shifting from 5th to 6th, forcing me to pull in the clutch lever.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Being a naked sport, the Pulsar NS400Z is reasonably comfortable. The rider’s seat is spacious, while the reach to the handlebar isn’t a stretch. And, although the footpegs are rearset, they aren’t set at an extreme angle. To summarise, the rider’s triangle is sporty yet comfortable. Commuting and even some amount of touring on the bike will not leave you with aches in the lower back or wrists.

The Pulsar NS400Z employs a fat USD fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock to take care of suspension duties. They do a fine job of soaking up most of the bumps and undulations that you’d encounter on Indian roads. That said, you will feel potholes and some of those oddly shaped patchworks on highways, considering the firm edge of the suspension.

Performance and Handling

The updates Bajaj has made to the engine inject more power and consequently more fun into the NS400Z’s demeanour. The mid and top end of the rev range is where this engine truly comes into its own. In Sport mode, the throttle calibration felt the most natural, while the turn of speed is what makes this motorcycle earn its stripes as the quickest Pulsar.

The bike shoots off the line, and you quickly see the digits on the speedo race to the other side of 100kmph. This performance, coupled with the sound coming off the under-belly exhaust, is reminiscent of the Gen 1 KTM 390 Duke. Perhaps, Sia’s song, Cheap Thrills could’ve played in the background, but you get the drift, right? In short, the performance of the Pulsar NS400Z is going to be the biggest reason to buy it. Do you want this kind of performance for the money this bike asks? Nothing comes close.

The acceleration aside, the Pulsar NS400Z also doubles up as a good tourer, considering the gearing. It’ll happily sit at 100kmph without any signs of strain from the engine, and at a little over 120kmph, the revs sit a shade above 7,000rpm. Engine refinement, too, is pretty good, both at highway and city speeds.

Speaking of the city, the engine is tractable for the sportbike application it caters to. Switching the ride modes to Road, reduces the urgency of the acceleration, compared to Sport mode, and makes it easier to manage all that power. My peeve, however, is with the Rain mode, which feels super restrictive. The throttle response felt artificial and heavy, which began to feel like a lot of work over a period of time.

In fact, given how well the traction control system works, I don’t think Bajaj needed to make the throttle response so restrictive. While I understand the intent of widening the safety, especially for newbies, the throttle calibration in Rain mode requires to be reworked.

As for the brakes, the move to sintered brake pads has improved braking power. That said, I wish there was more initial bite and better progression, considering how swiftly this bike gets past legal highway speeds.

Features and Technology

The Bajaj PulsarNS400Z is packed with features, pushing the value quotient of the bike further up the scale. There’s all-LED lighting, and I’m a fan of the projector-style LED headlight for its throw and spread.

There’s a colour LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity. The four ride modes- Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-road - bring versatility to the table, while traction control adds to safety, as does dual-channel ABS.

Efficiency

We put the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z through the standard BikeWale fuel efficiency test cycle. It returned a decent 32.5kmpl in moderate traffic conditions. With a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres, expect a range of roughly 390km between tank ups.

Verdict

The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z’s biggest flex is the unbeatable value it brings to the table. Here is a bike that packs the performance to entertain, has the legs to sit at highway speeds with ease, and can handle the rigours of commuting without feeling like it is a handful. The added safety net of traction control is also more than welcome.

There’s nothing quite like this bike under Rs. 2 lakh, ex-showroom. While there is scope for improvement, and Bajaj definitely should work on areas like throttle response and braking, the new Pulsar NS400Z still packs a punch. In today’s times, this is the sub-500cc sportbike for those on a budget.

Photography by Kapil Angane