Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Yamaha R15M: Spec Comparison

The Yamaha R15 V4 is one of the most exciting 155 cc sport motorcycles that you can buy in India. It feels peppy to ride, handles extremely well, and if you take it to the track, it will blow your mind with its dynamics. However, at ₹1.97 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), this Yammie also goes down as one of the most expensive options in the 155 cc segment. 

Interestingly, the newly launched Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z with a performance-oriented, bigger engine and a longer feature list has a more affordable price than the R15M at ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom). So, from a holistic riding point of view can the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z deliver the same exciting experience that you can very easily find with the Yamaha R15M?

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Yamaha R15M: Engine

Despite its smaller capacity, the Yamaha R15M’s engine feels more tractable and exciting to ride. This is primarily because it produces its peak power and torque at higher RPMs, and is also blessed with VVA tech that gives it good low-end grunt as well.  Where the Pulsar scores is with its sheer grunt. With a claimed 0-100kmph time of less than 7 seconds and a top speed of 154 kmph, the new NS400Z has the performance edge over the Yamaha. But where the Yamaha scores is in its sporty finesse as it gets a bi-directional quickshifter something that the flagship Pulsar misses out on. 

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Yamaha R15M: Dimension

Weighing 33 kg (wet) less and coupled with its shorter wheelbase – the Yamaha R15M leads the charge feels light on its foot and is extremely agile. Thus it shouldn’t come as a surprise when the Yamaha R15 is regarded as one of the best learner track bikes across the globe. The Pulsar NS400Z might have the performance advantage, however, its ergonomics and dimensions don’t sound sporty enough. Its longer wheelbase and slightly less committed riding stance will help make it a better tourer than the R15M over longer distances.  

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Yamaha R15 V4: Suspension And Brakes

Hardware components available with the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z sound more premium and functional than the ones available with the Yamaha R15M. As a result, the flagship Pulsar should ideally offer a more refined and stable ride quality, with better-stopping power. However, that shouldn’t lead you to believe that the Yamaha R15M doesn’t ride comfortably. But the suspension tuning does feel slightly more firmer in the Yammie, the Pulsar on the other hand has more suspension travel, thereby it might offer a better ride quality.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Yamaha R15M: Features

It's the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z which is loaded with more functional features than the Yamaha R15M. From switchable traction control to  different ABS modes, and assist/slipper clutch. The flagship Pulsar also features ride-by-wire throttle control, as a result, it also benefits from four ride modes - Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-road. Bajaj also debuted a new LCD-dot matrix instrument cluster The Pulsar’s unit also supports Bluetooth connectivity which further allows for turn-by-turn navigation, music playback, call/SMS alert, and accept/reject calls. You can also adjust the brightness level of the screen, and time your laps if you have taken the sub-400 cc Pulsar to a track. 

The Yamaha R15M also gets a premium-looking R1-inspired backlit TFT cluster that is smartphone-compatible via the Y-Connect app. The latter keeps riders informed about the bike's last parking location, maintenance recommendations, malfunction notifications, and much more. However, there are no turn-by-turn navigation or music playback functions. And lastly, although the R15M is available with ride modes, it is limited to just two - Track and Street.

Aside from that, LED headlight and tail light are common in both the motorcycles and the Pulsar NS400Z also gets adjustable brake and clutch levers, something that feels like a sore miss in the Yamaha R15M. But as mentioned before the R15 gets a quickshifter. 

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z vs Yamaha R15M: Verdict

Both the Pulsar NS400Z and Yamaha R15M represent two different extremes of motorcycling. However, from a value-for-money point of view, it's the Pulsar NS400Z that packs in the essentialities more efficiently and sophisticatedly. The Yamaha R15M on the other hand looks sporty, offers thrilling riding dynamics and has the legendary Yamaha brand name associated with it. In the end, it boils down to what are you looking out for in a motorcycle, having said that, the Pulsar NS400Z is a tempting option given the performance and pricing.