Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs competition: specification comparison

Bajaj has launched the Pulsar NS400Z at a mouth watering price of Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) which begs the question of how it stacks up against some of its competitors. We’ve only picked motorcycles that either share a similar price or similar specifications for this comparison.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs competition: engine & output

Though the Speed 400 triumphs on paper with a higher capacity and slightly more torque, it's actually the 373cc Pulsar that has the best power-to-weight ratio in this company. In that regard, the simpler engines on the Honda CB300F and Royal Enfield Classic 350 fall short and fail to pack as hard a punch. The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 is the smallest bike here but despite its cubic capacity disadvantage it manages to have a comparable power-to-weight ratio to the larger CB300F.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs competition: weight & dimensions

The Pulsar NS400Z has the shortest wheelbase in this comparison thanks to Bajaj incorporating a shorter swingarm and steeper rake and in fact its wheelbase is even tighter than the smaller Pulsar NS200. The Honda CB300F may have taken a bit of a hit in the engine department but it claws back some ground by having the lowest seat height and kerb weight in this quintet. This makes the little CB the friendliest motorcycle here for shorter riders. And the CB300F is the lightest bike here despite carrying the most fuel in its tank. Unsurprisingly, the metal-bodied Classic 350 is the heaviest bike here compared to the fibre-bodied sporty naked bikes here (except the Speed 400).

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs competition: suspension & brakes
 

While most motorcycles in this comparison come equipped with a USD fork and monoshock setup, the Classic 350 stays true to its heritage and is the only one here with a telescopic fork and twin shock setup. In fact, the lower variants of the Classic 350 can even be had with a drum rear brake.

The tyres on the Speed 400 and the CB300F are the widest tyres in this test, Bajaj said they’ve equipped the NS400Z with a narrower rear tyre mainly to enhance its agility and to keep the price in check.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs competition: features

The Pulsar NS200 is equipped with a LCD display that features bluetooth connectivity and turn by turn navigation. The Speed 400 gets an analogue speedometer and a monotone LCD display for the rev counter. It also comes equipped with an immobiliser, traction control and dual channel ABS. The CB300F also gets an LCD display along with a USB charging port. It also gets dual channel ABS as standard but isn’t switchable. The Classic 350 gets an analogue speedometer with an LCD display for additional information. Royal Enfield has also provided an optional navigation pod. The NS400Z on the other hand gets a coloured LCD with bluetooth navigation, turn by turn navigation, 4 riding modes, switchable traction control and a USB charging port for added convenience.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs competition: price

Compared to the Pulsar NS200, the NS400Z costs just Rs 28,000 more and gives you nearly twice the capacity, power and torque which makes it great value. Bajaj has managed to keep the price so competitive thanks to parts sharing with its other models.

The Triumph Speed 400 is the most expensive in this comparison but is still relatively affordable for its capacity. The Classic 350 comes in second and can range from being above or below the 2 lakh mark based on the variant you pick.

The CB300F may seem like great value until you consider its power figures are nearly on par with the Pulsar NS200 which still undercuts it. In case you’re wondering, we’ve intentionally left out motorcycles that may share similar numbers but pose a much bigger price gap to the Pulsar NS400Z such as the TVS Apache RTR 310 and the KTM 250 Duke. So far the Pulsar NS400Z’s price seems to have been well received by the public but its sales success in the Indian market is yet to be seen.