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Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Review: The Biggest Maniac Is Here
The Bajaj Pulsar is perhaps more responsible for getting Indians going down the sports bike route than any other motorcycle that has ever been sold here in India. Since it first arrived in 2001, the Bajaj Pulsar has given rise to a big fan following, referred to as the Maniacs, that have made the Pulsar synonymous with "sports bikes" on our roads.
Now, nearly 23 years down the line, the biggest Pulsar of all time has escaped the skunkworks at Chakan and has made its way into the wild. So does this new Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z herald a new era of motoring for the maniacs? We headed to Bajaj's test track to find the answers...
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Review: Design & Features - Streetfighter Gets Meaner
The NS lineup of Pulsars has always been known for their mean streetfighter looks and the latest and largest addition to that group is perhaps the meanest of the lot. Think of the Pulsar NS400Z as an NS200 that has gained a lot of muscle after flexing it out in the gym.
While there is quite a bit of the NS200 in the looks of the new NS400Z, the biggest Pulsar ever has quite a few of its own design quirks that make it a rather unique animal. The most recognizable of these are the lightning LED DRLs that flank either side of the projector headlamp setup at the front.
Other highlights include the large tank extensions that join up with the radiator shroud at the front along with the champagne-coloured USD front forks. The Pulsar NS400Z also features unique graphics that can be seen on the fuel tank as well as the engine guard.
The new Pulsar NS400Z also sports a split seat setup along with an upswept tail section that hosts the iconic split taillights of the Pulsar lineup. The NS400Z also features an underbelly exhaust setup that emits a rather bassy tune as you race through the revs.
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is also the first Pulsar to feature Ride-by-Wire technology. This also makes it the first Pulsar to feature multiple riding modes. The chosen riding mode along with the Bluetooth and turn-by-turn Navigation options can be viewed on the NS400Z's new colour LCD that hasn't ever been seen on any Pulsar before this one.
Pulsar NS400Z Review: Specs & Dimensions - Big Not Only In Name
The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z sports the largest engine ever fitted to a Pulsar in the form of the KTM-derived 373.3cc single-cylinder unit from the Dominar 400. This liquid-cooled engine produces 39.45bhp at 8,800rpm and 35Nm of peak torque at 6,500rpm and revs till 9,500rpm.
The Pulsar NS400Z's engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox with assist and slipper clutch that sends power to the rear wheel via a chain drive setup.
The introduction of the ride-by-wire tech means that NS400Z offers four riding modes - Road, Rain, Sport and Offroad. These modes change the way power is delivered by altering the traction control and how the dual-channel ABS system responds.
The new NS400Z borrows the perimeter frame setup from the NS200. However, to help it deal with the new bike's power output, Bajaj strengthened the frame to help it deal with the NS400Z's extra power.
The new NS400Z's frame is hung off a 43USD fork at the front and a 6-step pre-load adjustable monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are handled by a 320mm disc at the front and a 230mm disc at the rear that are clamped down by Grimeca callipers.
The new Pulsar NS400Z rides on 17-inch wheels that are shod with 110/70 (front) and 140/70 (rear) tyres. While the rear wheel is shod with a radial tyre, the front isn't.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Review: Riding Impressions - A Properly Big Pulsar
The new Pulsar NS400Z immediately sets itself apart with its front design, which is both stylish and slightly bulkier compared to the NS200 and gives it a distinct presence whether standing still or on the move.
On the move, the NS400Z's engine loves to rev with peak power arriving at 8,800rpm. The engine redlines up to 9,500rpm and you find yourself keeping it high up in the revs as you look to enjoy it on the track.
The implementation of ride-by-wire technology enhances the bike's responsiveness especially when you switch it into Sports mode which allows you to enjoy the NS400Z's engine to its fullest.
Power delivery is crisp, but vibrations are present, between 3,000 and 4,000rpm in third gear and come out to annoy you again when you go past the 7,500rpm in almost every gear. There were also some heating issues when we pushed it around the Chakan track in 44-degree centigrade summer heat.
The suspension setup is quite nicely done and along with the increased rake angle (compared to the Dominar) allows you to flick the NS400Z in and out of corners with ease at speeds as high as 110km/h on the track.
However, the MRF Rev-S tyre is something we'd look at replacing for even better performance both on the track and on the road, where the NS400Z's rear felt a bit slippery. The brakes are another part that we would upgrade as they feel a bit off for the amount of power on offer.
The rider's triangle is the same as that of the Dominar, slightly forward but very comfortable to ride around for long periods while also being sporty enough to help you enjoy it on the track. The seat is very comfortable and combined with the seating position makes the new NS400Z an extremely comfortable bike to ride even over longer distances.
Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Review: Final Thoughts & Verdict - The Biggest Maniac
The Pulsar NS400Z is the biggest Pulsar to have escaped the confines of the Chakan test track to date and boy does it live up to the big numbers that follow that iconic nameplate.
On the track, provided you can deal with the slightly underpowered brakes, it is an absolute treat to hoon around. On the street, the NS400Z is as comfortable as can be but can turn into an absolute maniac when you wish for a bit of fun.
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