As a Bajaj Pulsar NS200 owner, the launch of the NS400Z was a matter of pride for me. Besides the largest capacity Pulsar yet, it also marked what is arguably India’s favourite streetbike coming of age and joining what is the ‘big league’ in the single cylinder space in India. But alas, given the GST revisions last year, the biggest Pulsar is the newest victim of Bajaj Auto’s ‘engine downsizing’. So yes, the Pulsar is now powered by a 349cc, liquid-cooled engine which replaces the older bike’s 373cc mill. The question then is, does it still offer the ‘definitely daring’ experience? Read along to find out!
The NS nameplate has had a cult following, and has always appealed to buyers looking for performance in naked form without breaking their bank – the NS400Z has been the most affordable 400 you can buy! This, while also getting a lot of tech and features, like four riding modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, dual-channel ABS, USD forks and a fully-digital LCD for the instrument cluster, making it the most value for money 400s too. However, the secondary display within the instrument cluster always felt like an afterthought, but I guess buyers are satisfied with it, as it also made its way into the Dominar!
Coming to the ‘new’ 349cc engine, the motor offers 40.6PS at 9000rpm and 33.2Nm at 7500rpm. This means the power output is down by 2.4PS and peak torque by 1.8Nm as compared to the larger, 373cc engine. But thanks to a different state of tune, this engine still feels lively and aggressive, and as a fellow NS owner, I can say this is what NS customers want! Yes, the slight drop in power is noticeable, especially in the midrange, but as you cross the 7,000rpm mark, the Pulsar transforms into a different machine, but still a familiar one.
The power surge doesn’t last for long though, and you realise the need to shift up rather quickly. This cycle of having to constantly chase that surge is an experience in itself, especially if you’re used to riding a Pulsar. The bi-directional quickshifter works as well as always, and enhances the overall riding experience and is a value addition I’ve always liked, and I found it to be quite addictive given the ease and convenience it offers! The engine feels more refined too, with slight vibration at the top end, but nothing too drastic or distracting. In essence, yes, the NS400Z has traded some of its firepower quite literally, but not all has been lost, and it still retains the characteristics that Pulsar fanboys are fond of.
Overall, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is still fun and exciting. And given the revised price tag of ₹1.80 lakh ex-showroom, it is safe to say that the biggest Pulsar’s ‘definitely daring’ experience is even more accessible now.
Words Yash Bhargava
Photography Alex Toppo
