Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Mid-Range Performance and Style in the NS Line

When Bajaj first introduced the Pulsar series back in 2001, it changed the way Indian riders looked at motorcycles. The Pulsar stood for power, style, and affordability—a mix that resonated with both young enthusiasts and daily commuters. Over the years, the Pulsar family has grown to include bikes across multiple segments, from entry-level commuters to sporty streetfighters. In 2024, Bajaj took a bold step forward by unveiling its most powerful naked streetfighter in the NS lineup—the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z. Positioned as a mid-range performance bike, it blends aggressive styling, modern technology, and a price tag that makes it accessible to a wide set of riders.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes the Pulsar NS400Z a standout addition to the legendary Pulsar family.

The Evolution of the NS Line

The “NS” in Pulsar stands for Naked Sports, a series that has always emphasized muscular looks, sporty riding dynamics, and a focus on younger audiences who crave thrill without burning a hole in their pockets. Starting with the Pulsar NS200, Bajaj carved out a space in the streetfighter segment that quickly became popular. Riders admired the NS line for its sharp handling, edgy design, and reliable performance at competitive prices.
The NS400Z is now the crown jewel of this range, carrying forward the DNA of the NS family while offering a displacement that appeals to riders who want more than just entry-level thrill but aren’t ready to commit to the higher price tags of premium 600cc+ machines.

Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Pulsar NS400Z lies a 373cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine derived from the Dominar 400, which itself takes inspiration from KTM’s 390 platform (thanks to Bajaj-KTM’s long-standing partnership). This engine is tuned to deliver around 40 PS of power and 35 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful machines in its class.
The performance is designed to be smooth and engaging. Whether you are cruising on highways, overtaking in city traffic, or enjoying a spirited weekend ride, the NS400Z offers enough grunt to keep riders smiling. The 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch adds finesse, ensuring effortless gearshifts and reduced wheel hop during aggressive downshifts.
For riders who are upgrading from smaller Pulsars like the NS200 or 220F, the NS400Z offers a noticeable leap in performance while still remaining approachable and not overly intimidating.

Styling: Aggression Meets Refinement
The design of the Pulsar NS400Z sticks to the bold streetfighter aesthetic that fans love. It features a muscular fuel tank with sharp extensions, angular LED headlamps with DRLs, and a minimalist tail section that screams aggression. The bike’s stance is low, forward-leaning, and sporty, giving it an athletic look even when parked.
The NS400Z also carries a sense of refinement compared to its smaller siblings. The fit and finish have improved, with premium paint options, sporty decals, and blacked-out alloy wheels. The bike balances style with functionality—its riding ergonomics are sporty but not overly aggressive, making it suitable for daily commutes as well as weekend adventures.

Ride & Handling
One of the most appreciated aspects of the NS lineup has always been its handling, and the NS400Z continues this legacy with upgraded components. The bike is built on a perimeter frame, known for its rigidity and balance. This provides excellent stability at high speeds and confidence-inspiring cornering ability.
The suspension setup includes USD (upside-down) forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, ensuring the ride feels planted yet comfortable on Indian roads. The wide handlebars and slightly rear-set footpegs strike a balance between aggressive control and long-distance comfort.
For braking duties, the NS400Z comes with dual-channel ABS paired with disc brakes at both ends, ensuring strong and progressive braking even in tricky conditions.

Technology & Features
Bajaj has made sure the NS400Z keeps up with modern expectations. Some of the standout features include:
● Full LED lighting setup – brighter headlamps, sharp DRLs, and stylish taillamps.

● Fully digital instrument cluster – offering ride stats, gear indicator, fuel efficiency, and smartphone connectivity.

● Ride modes & ABS modes – allowing riders to switch between different riding conditions for better control.

● Slipper clutch & assist – smoother shifts and added safety during aggressive downshifts.

● Bluetooth connectivity – enabling navigation and call alerts, keeping the tech-savvy generation happy.

These features make the NS400Z more than just a powerful machine—it is also smart and future-ready.

The Mid-Range Advantage
What makes the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z truly special is how it positions itself in the Indian motorcycle market. On one side, you have entry-level streetfighters like the Pulsar NS200 or Yamaha MT-15, which are great for beginners but limited in outright performance. On the other side, you have premium machines like the KTM Duke 390 or Kawasaki Z400, which are thrilling but expensive.
The NS400Z bridges this gap beautifully. It offers close-to-premium performance and styling but at a much more accessible price point. For riders who want to step up from 200-250cc bikes but don’t want to spend a fortune, the NS400Z is the ideal middle ground.

Target Audience
The Pulsar NS400Z is designed for a wide range of riders:
● Young enthusiasts looking to upgrade from their 150cc or 200cc bikes.

● College students and young professionals who want a stylish and powerful machine without stretching their budgets.

● Weekend riders who enjoy highway cruising or spirited cornering.

● Commuters with a taste for performance, who want daily usability but don’t want to compromise on thrills.

Its versatility makes it a bike that can appeal to both city riders and touring enthusiasts alike.

Price & Value Proposition
One of Bajaj’s strongest selling points has always been value for money, and the Pulsar NS400Z continues this tradition. Priced significantly lower than its premium 400cc rivals, the NS400Z ensures that more riders can experience big-bike thrills without breaking the bank.
It’s not just about affordability, though. Bajaj’s extensive service network, availability of spare parts, and relatively low cost of maintenance give the NS400Z an edge in practicality. This means riders don’t just save money at the time of purchase but also in the long run.

Competition & Market Position
The NS400Z goes up against bikes like the KTM Duke 390, Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, TVS Apache RR310, and Honda CB300R. While each of these machines has its unique strengths, the NS400Z stands out for combining performance, aggressive styling, and affordability in one package.
While the Duke 390 offers raw aggression and advanced tech, it comes at a steeper price. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is more of an adventure-tourer, catering to a different segment. The TVS Apache RR310 leans towards track-oriented sportiness. In this diverse landscape, the NS400Z claims its territory as the affordable, everyday streetfighter with big-bike character.

Final Thoughts
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is more than just another addition to the Pulsar family—it’s a statement of how far Bajaj has come in understanding the needs of Indian riders. It embodies the perfect balance of power, style, and affordability. By delivering mid-range performance at a price point that doesn’t feel intimidating, Bajaj has ensured that the NS400Z will attract a large base of riders eager to experience “big-bike” thrills.