Bajaj Pulsar NS 400: I still remember the day I first saw the original Pulsar on Indian roads back in 2001. That distinctive “definitely male” machine changed what we expected from domestic motorcycles forever. Fast forward to today, and Bajaj has done it again with the Pulsar NS 400—a bike that’s been rumored, speculated about, and eagerly anticipated for years before finally roaring onto our streets in 2024. After spending three exhilarating weeks with this machine, I’m convinced it’s not just another addition to the Pulsar lineup; it’s the new benchmark for affordable performance motorcycling in India.

Beast Mode Activated: Styling and Presence

The NS 400 doesn’t whisper—it screams. Bajaj has clearly taken the aggressive naked sport styling of the NS 200 and cranked it up several notches. The predatory headlamp assembly with its split LED DRLs gives the bike an unmistakable face, while the muscular fuel tank with sharply sculpted extensions practically bulges with barely contained energy.

Last Sunday, I parked it outside my regular coffee shop, and within minutes, it drew a small crowd of admirers. “That can’t be a Pulsar,” one guy insisted until he spotted the badging. That’s perhaps the biggest compliment to Bajaj’s design team—they’ve created something that looks several segments above its price point.

The dual-tone paint schemes deserve special mention, particularly the Electric Blue with Graphite Black that seems to change character depending on the light. The underbelly exhaust keeps the profile clean, while the exposed perimeter frame in red adds just the right amount of visual drama.

Heart of Fire: Engine and Performance

The numbers tell an impressive story: 373.3cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine, 40PS of power, 35Nm of torque. But numbers don’t convey the character of this motor. Derived from the KTM 390 Duke platform but thoroughly reworked by Bajaj’s engineers, this engine delivers power in a way that’s both accessible and exciting.

Unlike my friend’s 390 Duke that feels twitchy in city traffic, the NS 400 offers a more linear power delivery that makes daily commuting surprisingly pleasant. But don’t mistake refinement for dullness—twist the throttle past 4000rpm, and there’s a noticeable surge that pushes you back into the seat.

The bike comfortably cruises at 120kph with minimal vibrations—something I tested extensively on the Mumbai-Pune expressway last weekend. The six-speed gearbox shifts with a precise mechanical click that becomes second nature after just a few days. The slipper clutch is a godsend in city traffic, reducing left-hand fatigue significantly.

Dancer in Disguise: Handling and Dynamics

Tipping the scales at 175kg (wet), the NS 400 isn’t exactly a featherweight. Yet, it hides its mass remarkably well once on the move. The perimeter frame and optimized weight distribution give it an agility that belies its size and power.

I discovered this while tackling the twisty backroads of Lavasa, where the bike changed direction with surprising eagerness. The wide handlebars provide excellent leverage, allowing you to counter-steer the bike into corners with confidence. The suspension setup—43mm USD forks up front and a monoshock at the rear—strikes a brilliant balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort.

The stock Michelin Road 5 tires deserve special praise. Even during an unexpected rain shower on my way back from Lonavala, they maintained impressive grip. The dual-channel ABS with three modes (Road, Rain, and Sport) provides an additional safety net without feeling intrusive.

Tech That Matters: Features and Electronics

Bajaj hasn’t gone overboard with electronic aids, focusing instead on features that actually enhance the riding experience. The 5-inch TFT display is bright enough to remain visible even in direct sunlight, while the Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation proved genuinely useful during my weekend explorations.

The bike offers three riding modes (Eco, City, and Sport) that noticeably alter throttle response and power delivery. I found myself using City mode for daily commutes and switching to Sport for weekend fun runs. The LED lighting all around is not just energy-efficient but also provides excellent visibility at night.

Unlike some competitors that throw in fancy electronics that you rarely use, everything on the NS 400 feels purposeful and well-integrated. The mobile app that pairs with the bike provides useful information like maintenance alerts, ride statistics, and even a rudimentary geo-fencing feature that I’ve set up to alert me if the bike moves from its parking spot.

Living With a Legend: Comfort and Practicality

Performance bikes often demand significant compromises in everyday usability, but the NS 400 breaks that mold. The 790mm seat height makes it accessible to riders of various statures, while the ergonomics strike a smart balance between sporty and comfortable.

On my daily 30km commute through Mumbai’s notorious traffic, the bike remains surprisingly manageable. The heat management is impressive for a high-performance single—even in stop-and-go traffic, it never becomes uncomfortably hot. The 14-liter fuel tank provides a practical range of approximately 350km, making weekend getaways possible without constant refueling anxiety.

Value Proposition: Price and Competition

Priced between ₹1.89-2.05 lakh (ex-showroom), the NS 400 positions itself as a serious value proposition in the 350-400cc segment. It undercuts both the BMW G 310 R and the KTM 390 Duke by a significant margin while offering comparable—and in some aspects, superior—performance and features.

The 3-year standard warranty (extendable to 5 years) adds to the ownership peace of mind, while Bajaj’s extensive service network ensures that maintenance won’t be a headache regardless of where you live in India.

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Bajaj Pulsar NS 400: The Verdict: Game-Changer or Just Another Pulsar?

After three weeks and nearly 1,000km with the NS 400, I’m convinced that Bajaj has created something special here. It’s not perfect—the seat could be more comfortable for long rides, and some plastic bits don’t feel as premium as they could—but these are minor quibbles in an otherwise outstanding package.

The Pulsar NS 400 isn’t just another addition to Bajaj’s lineup; it’s a statement that indigenous Indian engineering can create world-class performance motorcycles at accessible price points. It’s the bike that thousands of Indian enthusiasts have been waiting for—a true “value-for-thrill” proposition that doesn’t demand KTM-level finances. The king of Indian performance motorcycling has a new contender, and it wears the Pulsar badge with well-deserved pride.