[ad_1]
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Design
Like the case has been for the Pulsar NS brand, the new entrant joins in with a striking and aggressive design, characteristic of a true streetfighter.Put simply, the motorcycle has a nice appearance, but it doesn’t grab attention dramatically when on the road, mainly because it shares similarities with the NS200 and N250. However, there are elements that give it a distinctive identity, like the large tank extensions, eye-catching projector headlamp setup flanked by thunderbolt LED DRLs, and graphics that enhance its overall appeal.
To add to all this, it is not a hidden fact that customers were expecting a radical change in the design, however, for Bajaj the Pulsar brand since its inception has been about affordability and performance. As a result, the motorcycle does share a host of components from its other siblings to manage the development cost-cutting bits but at this price point, the NS400Z, without a doubt comes out a striking package if we talk about appearance; not as bulky but definitely not boring.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Performance
The NS400Z boasts a 373 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine sourced from the Dominar. It delivers 40 hp and 35 Nm of peak torque and comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. As mentioned earlier, Bajaj prioritizes offering a balance of affordability and performance with this motorcycle. With a price-to-power ratio of Rs 4,625, this means you’re paying this amount for every 1 hp, which is notably lower than that of other competitors in the market. Now coming back to the performance aspect, we tested the motorcycle both on Bajaj’s test track at the Chakan plant and during a road trip from Pune to Lonavala.
While we were able to gun the motorcycle at speeds of more than 150 kmph on the track, the engine felt smooth but vibrations did start to kick in on the handlebar beyond this point. In the city and on highways, however, the engine’s smoothness at low and mid-range revs impressed, and power delivery was effortless as the motorcycle easily reached triple-digit speeds. Therefore, it will be safe to say that the NS400Z is ideal for highway cruising and overtaking maneuvers – and it is fun too!
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Ride and Handling
The NS400Z features a perimeter frame sourced from its smaller 200 cc sibling, although it has been stiffened in certain areas. This frame is suspended by classy-looking 43mm champagne gold USD forks in front and a preload adjustable monoshock unit at the rear.
As a result, the motorcycle handles quite well and it was fun to corner around the neatly-designed test track at Bajaj’s facility. Overall, the handling was nimble and it was a great ride during our 80-odd km journey. The ride quality strikes an excellent balance between stability and comfort, with the motorcycle maintaining composure even on uneven pathways. It did handle harsh roads admirably. The tyres (110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear) and sharper steering geometry do make you feel confident when taking on corners but a wider rear tyre would’ve been appreciated.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Features and Safety
The biggest Pulsar ever does come at a competitive price but isn’t devoid of features. The flagship Pulsar features all-LED lighting, coloured LCD instrument console that has excellent visibility under the sunlight, Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation etc.
The safety package, on the other hand, has switchable traction control and dual-channel ABS. It gets four riding modes namely, Rain, Road, Sport, and Off-Road – of which, we primarily utilized the Sport mode only – in which power delivery alterations happen and ABS settings are calibrated to offer a sportier ride. During our ride, the ABS performed admirably, providing confident and controlled braking throughout. Although, the bite on the front brake leaves room for improvements.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z: Verdict
While the Pulsar N series is meant for father and son, the NS series is more suited for the son, as Bajaj would describe it. As the Indian market shifts from entry-level commuter bikes to performance-oriented models, the NS400Z enters the scene guns blazing, providing nearly everything without breaking the bank. While the design might not appeal to everyone, the NS400Z is a powerful and well-equipped motorcycle that caters to riders seeking a value-driven package. This motorcycle should do well for Bajaj.
