KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Priced at Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Four riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport, and Offroad.
- Three ABS modes on offer.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z was launched in India on May 3, and it is now effectively the biggest ever Pulsar in the lineup. With a price tag of just Rs 1.85 lakh, it undercuts a lot of its rivals, such as the TVS Apache RTR 310 and the KTM 390 Duke. However, should you consider buying one?
Let's take a look at some of its highlights, while also comparing its rivals on-paper. But first, make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to never miss out on automotive news.
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A Powerful Engine With A Slip-And Assist Clutch
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is powered by a 373.27 cc liquid-cooled engine, which puts out 39.4bhp at 8800rpm and 35Nm of torque at 6500rpm. This engine comes paired with a slip-and-assist clutch for smoother shifts.
Competitor Check: The TVS Apache RTR 310 gets a 312.2cc engine with 35.1bhp at 9700rpm and 28.7Nm at 6650rpm, while the KTM 390 Duke tops the pack with its 399cc engine producing 45.1bhp at 8500rpm and 39Nm of torque at 6500rpm.
Dual-Channel ABS And Rider Aids
The Pulsar NS400Z comes equipped with dual-channel ABS, and along with that, it also packs in kit such as traction control, and four ABS modes; rain, road, and off-road. However, there is not much to speak of in terms of the electronic aids on offer.
Competitor Check: The KTM 390 Duke and the Apache RTR 310 also get dual-channel ABS but with Supermoto mode. The 390 Duke also gets launch control, cornering ABS, a quickshifter and more, while the Apache RTR 310 packs in wheelie control, cornering cruise control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system among other things.
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Digital Cluster With Bluetooth Connectivity
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z features an LCD instrument cluster, with things such as turn-by-turn navigation, a gear-position indicator, call/SMS alerts, music control, and a lap timer.
Competitor Check: The KTM 390 Duke and the Apache RTR 310 come equipped with a 5-inch TFT cluster, but the Apache RTR 310 also brings in tech such as voice commands, online document storage, and GoPro control.
Price And VFM Quotient
The Pulsar NS400Z comes in at Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), making it among the most affordable 400cc motorcycles available today. The KTM 390 Duke is priced at Rs 3.13 lakh (ex-showroom), and it comes with a hyper-focus on performance. On the other hand, the Apache RTR 310 is available in three different variants, with prices starting from Rs 2.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
Here is a table showcasing how the Pulsar NS400Z stacks up against the other two motorcycles in contention.
| Criteria | Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z | KTM 390 Duke | TVS Apache RTR 310 |
| Engine | 373.2cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve | 399cc, liquid-cooled, LC4c | 312.2cc, liquid-cooled |
| Suspension | 43mm USD forks, 6-step adjustable monoshock | 43mm WP Apex compression and rebound adjustable forks, offset monoshock with compression and 5-step rebound adjustability | 41mm USD forks, pre-load adjustable monoshock |
| Power & Torque | 39.4bhp at 8800rpm and 35Nm of torque at 6500rpm | 45.1bhp at 8500rpm and 39Nm of torque at 6500rpm | 35.1bhp at 9700rpm and 28.7Nm at 6650rpm |
| Features | 4 ABS modes, traction control, LCD instrument cluster, navigation, ride modes, ride-by-wire, call/SMS alerts, music streaming | 5-inch TFT cluster, launch control, track mode, cornering ABS with supermoto function, quickshifter | 5-inch TFT cluster, ventilated seat, cornering ABS, cornering cruise control, wheelie control, rear-lift off control, tyre-pressure monitoring system, online document storage, crash alerts, music streaming |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | Rs 1.85 lakh | Rs 3.13 lakh |
Verdict
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z comes in as one of the most affordable 400cc motorcycles in the market, and in that sense, it comes across as a balanced, sensible package. Those who want a performance motorcycle at a relatively lower price can certainly consider it.
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