For many of us who grew up watching the Pulsar bikes racing through Indian streets, the name Bajaj Pulsar brings a sense of excitement and nostalgia. Over the years, Bajaj has kept the Pulsar legacy alive with newer models that are more powerful, stylish, and tech-loaded. In 2024, the brand has taken things to the next level with the launch of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, a muscular and modern streetfighter motorcycle that blends the iconic Pulsar DNA with the raw power and tech of today.
Let us take a closer look at the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, a machine that aims to dominate the streets with its aggressive styling, powerful engine, and next-gen features, while still being pocket-friendly for the Indian youth.
First Impressions Matter: Streetfighter Looks with Sporty Vibe
When you first set eyes on the NS400Z, it immediately makes a bold statement. The design language is muscular and aggressive, perfect for those who want their bike to stand out in a crowd. It carries the streetfighter look confidently, with sharp lines, compact proportions, and an athletic stance.
The headlamp design is a true highlight, featuring an LED projector setup with a signature Z-shaped daytime running light. This signature lighting not only improves visibility but also gives the motorcycle a unique identity on the road. At the rear, the LED tail light continues the aggressive styling, while LED turn indicators complete the all-round modern appearance.
The bike is available in multiple attractive colour options such as Brooklyn Black, Glossy Racing Red, Pewter Grey, and Pearl Metallic White, giving riders enough choices to match their personality.
Power at Your Wrist: Engine That Packs a Punch
Under the stylish bodywork of the NS400Z lies a heart that is both powerful and refined. The motorcycle is powered by a 373.27 cc single-cylinder engine, which is liquid-cooled and comes with a four-valve dual overhead camshaft setup. The engine is equipped with diamond-like carbon coated finger followers, which reduce friction and increase performance and durability.
This engine produces a solid 40 PS of power at 8800 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm, making it one of the most powerful motorcycles in the 400 cc segment. With a six-speed manual gearbox and an assist and slipper clutch, gear changes are smooth, and clutch action is light. The ride-by-wire throttle adds to the precision, allowing the rider to get a more connected and responsive feel while riding.
This is the same engine base used in the Dominar 400, but the NS400Z feels more tuned for an exciting and sporty experience. It is ideal for those who enjoy quick overtakes, thrilling acceleration, and an energetic riding character.
Designed for Indian Roads: Comfort and Performance Combined
Built on a strong perimeter frame, the NS400Z is engineered for stability and handling. This type of frame offers high rigidity, which is important for sharp cornering and high-speed control. The bike is equipped with 43 mm upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock with Nitrox, offering six-step preload adjustability. Whether you are riding solo or with a pillion, the suspension can be adjusted according to comfort and road conditions.
At 174 kilograms of kerb weight, the bike is not too heavy, making it manageable in city traffic and quick to handle on twisty roads. The seat height is 807 mm, which is quite accessible for most Indian riders, and the ground clearance of 168 mm is enough to avoid scraping on speed breakers or potholes.
The 12-litre fuel tank offers a decent range, especially when paired with the claimed mileage of 34 km per litre. So whether you are riding to the office, heading for a weekend trip, or just enjoying the open road, fuel stops will not be too frequent.
Control and Safety: Brakes and ABS That Inspire Confidence
Braking duties on the NS400Z are handled by a 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc, both of which offer strong stopping power. The motorcycle is equipped with dual-channel ABS, which ensures safety during emergency braking or slippery conditions. The brakes feel progressive, and the ABS is well-tuned to intervene when required without being too intrusive.
The 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in tubeless tyres further add to the bike’s surefootedness. The front tyre is 110/70, and the rear is a wider 140/70 radial tyre, which offers excellent grip and stability.
Tech Lover’s Delight: Advanced Features for the Modern Rider
One of the biggest talking points of the NS400Z is its feature-rich digital LCD console. This console displays all essential information such as speed, fuel level, gear position, trip meters, and more. But that is not all. It also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, which enables call and SMS alerts, music control, and even navigation assist via turn-by-turn directions.
The bike also features four riding modes – Rain, Road, Sport, and Off-Road – which adjust throttle response and electronic traction control according to the terrain and conditions. This makes the motorcycle not just powerful but also versatile and safer to ride in different scenarios.
The traction control system is electronically managed and helps prevent rear wheel spin, especially on wet or loose surfaces. The ride-by-wire throttle allows fine control over the power delivery, and makes switching between riding modes seamless.
Other practical features include a USB charging port, lap timer, adjustable levers, pass switch, engine kill switch, stand alarm, and a hazard warning indicator. These features make the NS400Z a complete motorcycle, offering both performance and convenience in everyday life.
A Streetfighter with Everyday Practicality
While the NS400Z looks like a full-on sports machine, Bajaj has ensured it retains a level of practicality that Indian riders expect. The comfortable riding posture, smooth suspension, wide handlebars, and manageable weight make it a great option for daily commuting as well as weekend fun.
Whether you are weaving through morning office traffic or heading for a ride with your friends to the hills, the Pulsar NS400Z keeps you engaged and comfortable. The riding triangle is upright yet sporty, and the bike does not feel harsh or tiring even after longer rides.
The wide seat offers good comfort, and the pillion seat is usable too, which is important for daily life in Indian cities where carrying a pillion is quite common.
Value for Money: An Affordable Powerhouse
Perhaps the most exciting part of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is its pricing. Priced around one lakh eighty five thousand rupees ex-showroom, it undercuts many other motorcycles in the same power range, making it one of the best value-for-money options in the 400 cc segment.
Considering it offers a liquid-cooled engine, ride-by-wire, traction control, four riding modes, USD forks, Bluetooth connectivity, and stylish design, the price tag makes it a highly attractive proposition. It allows more Indian riders to access a high-performance motorcycle without breaking the bank.
Perfect for the Young and Young-at-Heart
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is designed for a generation that wants more than just a motorcycle. It is for those who want to express themselves on the road, who want their ride to reflect their personality, and who want both performance and practicality without compromise.
Young professionals, college students, and riding enthusiasts will all find something to love about this bike. It does not ask you to sacrifice comfort for style or performance for practicality. It offers a blend of all these qualities in a package that is modern, aggressive, and fun to ride.
Final Thoughts: The Pulsar That India Was Waiting For
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is more than just another addition to the Pulsar family. It is a bold step forward, one that redefines what the Pulsar name stands for. With its powerful engine, stylish looks, advanced features, and competitive pricing, the NS400Z is a bike that delivers on all fronts.
For Indian riders looking to upgrade from a 150 or 200 cc motorcycle, or for those who want their first big bike without spending too much, this streetfighter ticks all the right boxes. It offers the thrill of riding, the trust of Bajaj, and the excitement that only a Pulsar can deliver.
So if you are someone who rides to work during the week and hits the highways on the weekend, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z could be your perfect partner on two wheels.