Abhijeet A
Hello friends! For what feels like a decade, every Indian biker has heard the legendary tale of the “Pulsar RS400.” A fully-faired, 400cc beast that would rule the highways. Well, those rumors are flying around again!
But is a new RS400 really coming? The truth is, Bajaj has played a surprise move. They didn’t launch the RS400. Instead, they launched something that might be even more exciting for Indian roads: the all-new Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z! Let’s dive into what this bike is all about and see how it stacks up against its biggest rivals.
Key Specs at a Glance
Forget the RS400 rumors for a second and look at the specs of the Pulsar you can actually buy. The NS400Z borrows the powerful engine from the Dominar 400, making it the most powerful Pulsar ever made.
| Specification | Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z |
| Engine | 373cc, Liquid-Cooled, Single-Cylinder |
| Power | 40 PS |
| Key Feature | Ride-by-Wire Throttle, 4 Riding Modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road) |
| Brakes | Front and Rear Disc with Dual-Channel ABS |
| Mileage | ~28-30 kmpl |
| Ex-Showroom Price | An incredible ₹1.85 Lakh (Introductory) |
Price: What’s the Real Deal?
This is where Bajaj has created a huge shockwave. The introductory ex-showroom price of ₹1.85 Lakh for the Pulsar NS400Z is simply unbelievable value. But what’s the final on-road price? Here’s a look at what you’ll actually pay for the NS400Z and its main competitors.
| Car Model | Delhi | Mumbai | Bengaluru |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z | ~₹2.15 Lakh | ~₹2.25 Lakh | ~₹2.35 Lakh |
| Triumph Speed 400 | ~₹2.68 Lakh | ~₹2.95 Lakh | ~₹3.05 Lakh |
| TVS Apache RTR 310 | ~₹2.85 Lakh | ~₹3.10 Lakh | ~₹3.20 Lakh |
(Note: These are estimated on-road prices and can change. The NS400Z price is introductory and may increase.)
The Main Event: NS400Z vs. Speed 400 vs. Apache RTR 310
The new Pulsar NS400Z isn’t just competing; it’s here to destroy the competition on price. But how does it stack up in the real world?
| Feature | Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z | Triumph Speed 400 | TVS Apache RTR 310 |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹1.85 Lakh | ₹2.33 Lakh | ₹2.43 Lakh |
| Engine Power | 40 PS | 40 PS | 35.6 PS |
| Mileage (“Kitna deti hai?”) | ~28 kmpl | ~28 kmpl | ~30 kmpl |
| Key Feature/Weakness | Feature: Unbeatable value for money. Weakness: Looks similar to smaller NS bikes. | Feature: Premium build quality & smooth engine. Weakness: Costs much more. | Feature: Packed with amazing tech (cooled seat!). Weakness: Most expensive. |
Our Verdict: The Right Choice for YOU
We’ve ridden all these bikes, and the choice is actually simpler than you think. It all comes down to your budget and what you truly want from a bike.
- For the “Maximum Power, Minimum Price” Rider: The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Let’s be blunt. What really makes the NS400Z a massive, unbelievable ‘paisa vasool’ deal is its price tag. You are getting the proven, powerful engine of the Dominar 400 in a lighter Pulsar body for less than the price of many 250cc bikes. We rode it through city traffic, and its multiple riding modes are genuinely useful. If you want the most performance and power for your money, the NS400Z is the undisputed king of the universe right now.
- For the “Sophisticated & Quality-Conscious” Rider: The Triumph Speed 400 If you appreciate the finer things, like top-notch build quality, a smooth and refined engine, and a premium international brand name, then the Triumph Speed 400 is absolutely worth the extra money. It feels solid, looks classy, and has a level of quality that the others can’t match. It’s a bike you’ll be proud to own.
- For the “Tech-Crazy Gadget Lover”: The TVS Apache RTR 310 The Apache RTR 310 is like a superbike from the future. It’s packed with incredible technology you won’t find on any other bike in this list, like a seat that can cool you down in traffic, cornering ABS for extra safety, and even cruise control! If you are a tech geek who loves features and a sharp, aggressive design, the Apache is a brilliant and unique choice.
Common Questions Answered (FAQ)
So, is Bajaj going to launch the Pulsar RS400 (the faired version)?
Bajaj has not confirmed anything officially. While the NS400Z has been a huge success, we will have to wait and see if they decide to launch a faired RS version based on this new platform in the future. For now, the NS400Z is the only 400cc Pulsar.
Is the Pulsar NS400Z just a cheaper Dominar 400?
It uses the same engine, but it’s in a lighter and more agile body (the perimeter frame of the NS200). This makes it feel sportier and quicker to handle than the Dominar, which is more of a power cruiser.
Which of these bikes is best for long-distance touring?
The Triumph Speed 400 is arguably the most comfortable all-rounder for touring, thanks to its smooth engine and comfortable seat. The NS400Z is also very capable, but the Triumph has a slight edge in refinement.
Does the Pulsar NS400Z feel like a big bike on the road?
While it has big-bike power, it shares its body with the smaller NS200. So, it doesn’t have the massive road presence of something like a Dominar or a Harley. It’s a bit of a sleeper – it looks like a 200cc bike but goes like a 400!
