Bajaj Pulsar NS 400: The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 is a radical step forward for the Pulsar. Renowned for bringing performance biking to the masses in India, Bajaj has now presented its most powerful offering from the house of Pulsar yet, in the NS400, designed for the rider who lusts after performance, style, and street presence at a discount.
Drawing inspiration from Yamahas long sport heritage, the NS400 elevates the category to new heights with updates like a more aggressive style, updated mechanicals, and exceptional value.
With the launch, Bajaj has dared to enter the 400cc naked streetfighter segment with full assurance, taking on competitors such as the KTM Duke 390 and TVS Apache RTR 310.
Aggressive Design with NS DNA
Design Keeping the NS family’s aggressive design language intact, the Pulsar NS400 doesn’t look any different.
It gets beefy fuel tank with sharp tank extensions and edgy LED headlamp at the front with DRLs and split seat to name a few.
The bike has an athletic, purposeful look that’s especially buff from the side, where the exposed frame and upswept exhaust lend a streetfighter feel.
The Pulsar 150 Neon at the front is the same timeless machine, but build quality seems to be a level above what we had seen on earlier Pulsars, making it look and feel more premium in the hand.
Bajaj has provided the Pulsar 125 with a variety of paint schemes with contrasting graphics to attract the younger audience.
A flowing tail section, LED tail lamp and sturdy swing arm adds to the bike’s looks from the rear.
The muscular 373 cc powerhouse provides thrilling power.
Powering the NS400 is a 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine shared with the Dominar 400, albeit specially developed for the Pulsar’s sportier character.
It produces 40 PS of maximum power and 35 Nm of peak torque, coupled to a 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch.
Power comes on in a linear but punchy fashion that is great for spirited riding and getting around town.
Be it on fast flowing roads or busy urban streets, the NS400 feels like it’s really alive and dynamic.
It’s not scared to rev, and it has enough grunt in the mid-range to make overtakes a breeze.
A few more rolepholes in the exhaust, the exhaust note is bassy, the sound is mature for a Pulsar compared to its siblings.
The slipper clutch helps prevent rear-wheel hop during hard braking and helps with smooth downshifts as well.
Ride and Handling
The perimeter frame-basedPulsar NS400 ensures sharp handling and the ability to confidently tear through corners.
The front end rides on USD forks, at the rear is a monoshock assembly.
The suspension tuning is well-judged with an ample compromise between the softness of a town bike and the sporting firmness, perfect for town work, for twisty roads and even weekend touring.
Braking is managed by disc brakes at either ends with dual-channel ABS. The bite and progression out of the brakes seem consistent even in high-speed situations.
And, with the solid chassis and relaxing geometry, the bike remains stable even when under heavy attack.
Digital Console and Features
The motorcycle gets a full-digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, gear position indicator and ride modes (in the top trims).
These enhancements keep the NS400 competitive within its segment. LED lighting throughout, including backlit switchgear, accents the elevated feel.
Pros
Potent engine with smooth power delivery
Racy and dynamic styling for young riders
The motorcycle is feature-rich with digital cluster, connectivity and slipper clutch
Stable suspension for street and highway use
Bangs for buck vs more expensive 400cc rivals
Cons
There may be some slight vibrations at higher RPMs.
No adjustable suspension – may be restrictive to track focused riders
This TFT sux compared to rivals with TFT displays
Pillion seat is tiny, not suitable for longer stints with two aboard
Some details to touch still inferior to foreign rivals
Bajaj Pulsar NS 400: Verdict
Bajaj NS400 is a well put-together package that offers power, looks and value as well like no other bike in this segment.
For riders moving up from smaller capacity bikes or in search of a spritely commuter that’s capable of mile-munching stints, the NS400 ticks the majority of the required boxes.
It might not be as nicely finished as some global competitors, but it compensates with bold performance and a price to match. BajajAuto’s King in the deck of cards will soon arrive in India and it truly was worth the wait.