Bajaj Pulsar NS400: The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated motorcycles in India’s mid-range segment. As someone who has been following Bajaj’s Pulsar lineup for years, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this beast. What follows is my first-person review of the NS400, covering everything from its design to performance, and even its quirks. Let’s dive in!
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Design and Build Quality
When I first saw the Bajaj Pulsar NS400, I was struck by its aggressive streetfighter design. It carries forward the muscular and edgy styling that Pulsar fans have come to love, but with a more commanding presence. The hydroformed tubular handlebar and split seat design scream sportiness. The bike looks like it belongs on a racetrack but feels equally at home in city traffic.
The build quality is a noticeable upgrade compared to older Pulsar models like the NS200. Bajaj has clearly stepped up its game, delivering a premium feel that rivals international brands like KTM and Triumph. However, there are some minor issues—vibrations at lower RPMs and noise from the dashboard area—that slightly detract from the experience.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Engine Performance
The heart of the NS400 is its 373.27cc liquid-cooled engine, which churns out 40 PS at 8800 rpm and 35 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. On paper, these figures are impressive, and on the road, they translate into thrilling top-end performance. The bike feels alive beyond 4,000 rpm, pulling spiritedly all the way up to its claimed top speed of 154 km/h.
However, I did notice some vibrations below 4,000 rpm, especially on the handlebars and footpegs. While these smooth out as you climb higher in the rev range, they can be a bit irritating during city commutes. If you’re planning to use this bike primarily for urban riding, this might be something to consider.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Ride Quality and Handling
One of the standout features of the NS400 is its handling. Equipped with 43mm upside-down forks at the front and a monoshock unit at the rear, it offers superior stability and precision. Whether you’re carving through twisty mountain roads or navigating crowded city streets, the bike feels planted and responsive.
The braking system is equally impressive. With a 320mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc coupled with dual-channel ABS, stopping power is precise and confidence-inspiring. Additionally, Bajaj has introduced four ride modes—Rain, Road, Off-road, and Sport—which make it adaptable to different terrains and conditions.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Technology Features
The NS400 comes loaded with modern tech features that enhance both convenience and safety. The fully digital instrument cluster includes Bluetooth connectivity for navigation, call alerts, and music control. While this sounds great in theory, I found the user interface to be somewhat cluttered. The blue TFT display also suffers from pixelation when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods—a minor but noticeable drawback.
Other features like projector headlights, DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and mobile app integration add to its appeal. However, I did encounter an issue with the headlight alignment; the low beam seemed too high, which could blind oncoming traffic. Thankfully, this is something Bajaj promises can be fixed during servicing.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort-wise, the NS400 strikes a good balance between sportiness and practicality. The split seat design provides adequate support for both rider and pillion during long rides. I took it out for a weekend tour covering over 300 kilometers and didn’t experience any discomfort.
Heat management is another area where this bike shines. Despite riding in peak summer conditions, I didn’t feel excessive heat emanating from the engine—a common issue with high-performance bikes in this segment.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Fuel Efficiency
With a claimed mileage of 34 km/l, the NS400 offers decent fuel efficiency for a 400cc motorcycle. During my test rides in mixed conditions (city + highway), I managed to get around 30-32 km/l—a respectable figure considering its performance capabilities.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Price
At ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), the NS400 is competitively priced against rivals like KTM Duke 390 and Royal Enfield Hunter 450. For what it offers—powerful performance, modern features, and striking design—it’s hard not to see it as a great value for money.
However, if refinement is your priority (especially at lower RPMs), you might want to explore other options in this price range.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Aggressive streetfighter design
- Powerful engine with thrilling top-end performance
- Excellent handling and braking
- Modern tech features like Bluetooth-enabled console
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Vibrations at lower RPMs
- Cluttered instrument cluster UI
- Headlight alignment issues
- Pixelation on TFT display under sunlight
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Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400 is an exciting addition to the Pulsar lineup—a true flagship that blends sportiness with practicality. It’s ideal for riders who want a powerful yet affordable streetfighter that can handle both city commutes and weekend adventures.
While it does have some flaws (vibrations being the most notable), these are minor inconveniences compared to what you’re getting overall. If you’re willing to overlook these quirks—or better yet, embrace them as part of its character—the NS400 might just be your perfect ride.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! But as always, take it for a test ride first—you might just fall in love like I did!
FAQs
Here are 10 FAQs for the Bajaj Pulsar NS400
1. What’s the price of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400?
A: It starts at ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), making it cheaper than rivals like the KTM Duke 390, which costs around ₹3 lakh. Great value for a 400cc bike!
2. How powerful is the NS400’s engine?
A: It packs a 373cc liquid-cooled engine delivering 40 PS power and 35 Nm torque. Perfect for highway bursts and quick overtakes.
3. Does it vibrate at low speeds?
A: Yes, vibrations are noticeable below 4,000 RPM (handlebar, footpegs), but they smooth out once you rev higher. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
4. What’s the fuel efficiency like?
A: Bajaj claims 34 km/l, but in real-world mixed riding, expect 30–32 km/l. Pretty decent for a performance bike!
5. How’s the ride comfort on long trips?
A: Surprisingly good! The split seat is supportive, and heat management is excellent—no thigh roasting even in traffic. Weekend tours? Absolutely doable.
6. What tech features does it have?
A: Bluetooth-enabled TFT display (navigation, calls), four ride modes (Rain, Road, Off-road, Sport), and dual-channel ABS. The UI feels cluttered, though.
7. Can it handle off-road trails?
A: The “Off-road” mode helps, but it’s not a true adventure bike. Stick to light trails—the 17-inch alloy wheels and street tires are best for tarmac.
8. How does it compare to the KTM Duke 390?
A: The Duke has a sharper throttle response and better refinement, but the NS400 is cheaper, equally powerful, and looks more aggressive. Your call!
9. Are there any common issues?
A: Minor quirks like headlight alignment (low beam too high) and dashboard rattling. Nothing major, but get these checked during servicing.
10. Is the NS400 good for beginners?
A: It’s manageable for confident newbies, but the power delivery might feel overwhelming. If you’re upgrading from a 150–200cc bike, you’ll love it!