2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z review, first ride: Most fun motorcycle under Rs 2 lakh?

India Today

2 days ago

It's rare to ride a bike that feels like a reply. The 2025 NS400Z can be categorised as one such machine. Bajaj's response to every forum post, rider rant, and reviewer nitpick is here, and boy, have they listened to us. When I first rode the biggest Pulsar yet, back in 2024, I was impressed, just like I am now. Sure, there were some niggles, and it could do with some more work, but that mouth-watering price made me glance over most of these downsides. However, I feel Bajaj learned in this process that the Indian consumer has evolved. We want the right equipment with the right machine, and it can't just be all about saving money. I also feel that the homegrown giant showed class with this move, showcasing respect to the Pulsar brand name. On the surface, it's hard to tell that the new NS400Z has changed. That's certainly how I felt when I arrived at the dealership. Bajaj has gone for refinement over reinvention, and I'm all for it. The real question is to what degree the riding experience has been altered due to the incremental changes. First, let's tackle what's new on the 2025 NS400Z.advertisementHow is it different from the first-generation NS400Z?From a design standpoint, the only thing that sets it apart is the redesigned radiator cowl, which the folks at Bajaj state has improved heat dissipation and drives hot air away from the rider's legs. There are no new colours, no new graphics, just the same in that regard, and honestly, that feels like a bit of a let down. I would've loved the Pulsar NS400Z to get the same shade of blue as the N160. Let's kick vanity aside for a minute and talk about the real meaty stuff. Bajaj has opted for sintered pads this time around to improve brake feel and durability, and the rear tyre is now wider, 150-section to be exact. The previous iteration came with a 140-section one. Both tyres are also now radial, and the 2025 NS400Z is shod in Apollo Alpha H1 units now, which again, with the aforementioned changes, should enhance overall handling. Bajaj has worked their magic in the 373cc, single-cylinder motor, one that comes from the famed older KTM 390 Duke, and also does duty on the Dominar 400. First and foremost, power figure is up from 40bhp to 43bhp, and peak output in 'Sport' mode has gone up from 9,700rpm to 10,700rpm, which is significant. Torque figure remains the same, 35Nm, but is made at 500rpm higher. The 2025 NS400Z comes with a forged piston, making for better thermal efficiency, reduced friction and should result in more durability. The internals of this engine have been rejigged, there's a revised valvetrain, cam timings have been altered, and dimensions for the intake duct are different, although the airbox remains the same as the earlier model. Most of the cycle parts pretty much remain the same, like the 43mm USD forks, rear monoshock, digital LCD, and LED lights. That's not all, though. Bajaj has collaborated with Bosch for a unique quickshifter or 'Sportshifter' in company speak, which is a sensor-less system that can only be activated in 'Sports' mode. The boffins at Pune-based company say it's based on insights gathered from rider behaviour in the aforementioned riding mode. The net result? The NS400Z's 0-60kmph time is now 2.7 seconds, which is down from 3.2 seconds. The 0-100kmph time is now 6.4 seconds, which is down from 7.5 seconds, which is fairly substantial. Top speed is up from 150kmph to 157kmph, but Bajaj has managed to keep the claimed fuel efficiency figure the same at 28kmpl. So, has it significantly changed the ride experience?What's the 2025 NS400Z like to ride?In all honesty, yes, it has. It's not a generational change, but it can be felt prominently. Wring the throttle in 'Road' mode and there's a significant shove to be had around the 5,000-6,000rpm mark. Low-end performance isn't this Pulsar's strong suit, but that addictive mid-range and impressive top-end power is genuinely astonishing. 'Rain' mode feels the most subdued, and there's an 'Off-road' mode as well, which, well, thanks Bajaj, I guess. If you're interested in the NS400Z, the most significant mode here is 'Sports'. It feels like a different motorcycle, and becomes more manic in my opinion. Also, the traction control can only be switched off in 'Sports' and 'Off-road' modes. The innovative quickshifter also works quite well, and one can go clutch-less, which comes in handy if one finds themselves in a hurry. The quality of the switchgear also feels the same as before; it feels fairly well-made, although the physical controls tend to lag a bit every once in a while. Some body panels can feel flimsy, or not up to the mark in terms of quality, but on the whole, at least for me, I don't mind at all. That's because absolute power corrupts absolutely, and that honestly feels like a fitting motto for this motorcycle. It goes like stink, and doesn't raise when you need to get it fixed, owing to the fact that it's a Bajaj. It goes fast, without having to draw attention to itself. I found people at stop lights, staring in wonderment and confusion, wondering, 'Is it modified, is it new?'.
Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch