In terms of design, you’ll not be able to tell any difference, because there aren’t any. The only change between the older version and this one is the engine (more on that later). It is still pretty loaded, with an LCD instrument cluster shared with the Pulsar NS400Z, four different riding modes, dual-channel ABS, USD forks, a rear monoshock, and multiple factory-fitted accessories. It also has a USB port, but it is not a C-type one.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the new, downsized 349cc engine. The smaller displacement is the result of a reduction in the stroke length by 3.9mm, just enough to fit this engine under the 350cc bracket. On paper, it sounds too good to be true, as Bajaj has managed to increase the peak power output by 0.6PS! However, the peak torque has dropped by 1.8Nm, and the rpm at which it arrives has also shifted up by 1,000rpm (40.6PS at 9000rpm and 33.2Nm at 7500 rpm). For your reference, the older 373cc unit produced 40PS at 8800rpm and 35Nm at 6500rpm. 

The power delivery is linear, just as before, but feels more muted now, which is bound to happen with a less strong mid-range. Also, at the top of the rev range, there is no drama, and the motorcycle feels flat. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a fast motorcycle, but the lack of torque is noticeable, especially during city riding. With the torque now shifted up, you’ll have to hold each gear for longer to get optimal performance. On the highway, which had always been the natural hunting ground of the Dominar, it still feels easy and relaxed. On a different note, the refinement levels have gone up, and the engine feels smoother with significantly less vibration.

Priced at ₹2.04 lakh ex-showroom, the 350cc Dominar 400 offers way more bang for the buck, with very little compromise. The 373cc Dominar 400 was priced at ₹2.40 lakh ex-showroom, so you are saving around ₹36,000, which is still a sizable amount. According to Bajaj’s claim, the customer is saving up to ₹50,000, but that’s not the case. That amount is calculated on the ex-showroom price with 40 percent GST, but that never happened as Bajaj absorbed the GST price hike instead of passing the difference on to the customers. 

It is a brilliant motorcycle in isolation, but if you have ridden the old Dominar, this one is unlikely to cut the mustard. Nevertheless, the Dominar 400 still makes a strong case for itself and is a viable option to consider for someone who is in the market for a sport touring bike.

Words Yash Bhargava
Photography Alex Toppo

The post 2026 Bajaj Dominar 400 First Ride Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

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

The post 2026 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z First Ride Review first appeared on Turbocharged.

Although it appears that there is still time for these motorcycles to be production-ready, they are expected to be launched sometime this year. The 350cc engine is not going to be an all-new engine, but it is expected to have a smaller bore to reduce the capacity to 350cc from the existing 373cc single-cylinder engine.

​The reduction of the bore of the 373cc engine will also change its characteristics. This could essentially mean a linear and usable power output. It also means that the power figures will see a reduction from the current numbers. However, it is highly unlikely that there are going to be any mechanical changes to the motorcycle.

The post Bajaj to Launch 350cc Pulsar and Dominar first appeared on Turbocharged.