When Bajaj Auto unveiled the new Pulsar NS400Z at an astounding Rs. 1.81 lakh, ex-showroom, it completely upended the Indian motorcycle market. Even if this is the starting price and will go up by a few thousand rupees over time, in 2024, purchasing a motorbike that is almost 400cc for this much is an incredible deal. These are the top five features of the strongest Pulsar to date.
Looks Familiar But Muscular
Although some may still contend that the Pulsar NS200’s design has been around for a long time, the NS400Z, with its redesigned panels, maintains the “NS” family design while still looking attractive.
Engine
The Dominar 400, which in turn acquired its engine from the previous generation KTM 390 Duke, shares an engine with the Pulsar NS400Z. 39.5 the 373 cc liquid-cooled engine produces horsepower and 35 Nm at 8,800 and 6,500 rpm, respectively. There is a 6-speed gearbox in use. Although we saw some buzzing in the midrange when using the engine in the Dominar 400, the engine is famed for its punchy performance.
We must ride the bike to find out if Bajaj has made any improvements. Nevertheless, the NS400Z’s engine needs to move far fewer kilograms than the Dominar 400’s, meaning it will probably be the faster bike of the two.
New Features
The NS400Z, the flagship Pulsar, has an abundance of features. Ride-by-wire, LED lighting everywhere, dual-channel ABS, and switchable traction control provide a safety net. Four ride modes are also available for the bike: rain, road, sport, and off-road. These modes adjust the ABS intervention levels and power delivery to the specific riding conditions.
For instance, the power supply would be reduced to reduce the possibility of inadvertent wheelspins if one was riding on a wet surface. To assist the rider in maintaining control, this operates in tandem with the traction control system. Simultaneously, ABS would be under high alert, prepared to engage if it detects an imminent wheel lock situation while applying panic brakes.
On the other hand, in Sport mode, there will be a significant reduction of ABS intrusion while a comparatively more forceful throttle response.
A new color LCD found on the NS400Z has never been seen on any other Pulsar. Turn-by-turn navigation and Bluetooth connectivity are characteristics of this device.
Hardware
Although the NS200’s perimeter frame is used by the Bajaj NS400Z, Bajaj claims that to optimize it for the NS400Z, it has been reinforced in some locations. This is because the NS400’s engine produces nearly twice as much horsepower than the NS200’s. This frame is supported by a gas-charged monoshock and a 43mm USD fork. It has a 230mm disc at the back and a 320mm disc with calipers axially placed.
When it comes to offering a decent mix between ride and handling, Bajaj has always done a fantastic job in setting the chassis on NS. This ought to apply to the NS400Z as well, which has the extra advantage of having wider front and rear tyres than the NS200s.
Price
As we’ve already noted, Bajaj has excelled in providing the ex-showroom, Delhi cost for the NS400Z. It cost around ₹ 1,81,101. In the current market, this is the most reasonably priced 400cc motorbike. However, that is only one part of the cost. The NS400Z is positioned nearer to bikes with lower power and dimensions.
