2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z First Ride: Pulsarmania Is Back, Properly!

Thank you, Bajaj. Thank you for finally listening to us and bringing the much needed updates that we so longed for on the Pulsar NS400Z. Because when we rode it in 2024, it felt dated, not as exciting and there was some more sportiness to be had. And the new updates won’t make you break the bank, just ₹7000 more. Hence, how well worth the wait are the new bits on the flagship Pulsar?

Grip Galore

The biggest issue on the previous iteration were the tyres. The cross-ply MRF tyres were no good. Thankfully, the new Apollo Alpha H1s are far, far better. These tyres are tried, tested, and most importantly, trusted. We've experienced them on a lot of motorcycles of late and they are certainly up to the task.

As a result, the tyres provide a lot more confidence when attacking the corners. It is very stable in the middle of the corner. There is no squiggly or squashy sensation when you're pushing hard now. And even when the inclement weather plays up, you do have the surety of traction control on hand. So, the grippier tyres plus traction control make this Pulsar a far more confidence-inspiring handler as well as a fun one, something that the previous bike was lacking.

Swiftly Sheds Speed 

We don’t know why Bajaj still persists in offering organic brake pads on other motorcycles that it manufactures. (*cough* Scrambler 400 X *cough* 390 Adventure X *cough* 250 Duke *cough*). But definitely the switch to the sintered pads has helped the Pulsar NS400Z. The initial bite is fierce and aggressive, something that was so dearly lacking on the previous motorcycle.

Hence, it slows down rapidly without much fuss or the ABS being too trigger-happy. Brake feel could have improved, but considering the budget master cylinder, it seems okay for the intention. Finally, the braking capabilities are on par with the engine performance.

The Pulsar Spirit Is Here

Bajaj has reworked the engine internals quite a bit. The 373 cc single cylinder engine has got a lot of new internal components, including a forged piston like the KTMs. In fact,  it is making similar horsepower figures as the older KTM 390 Duke, 42.4 bhp to be precise. 

And the three extra horses are definitely noticeable, making the bike feel a lot livelier, especially in the top end. The main story here is that it feels a lot more exciting all throughout the rev range. The torque curve is flatter and punchier until 6500-7000 rpm, post which there is a noticeable step up in performance.  

The Pulsar finally gets a quickshifter, the first Bajaj-branded bike to get the aid. This is not the same quick shifter that we find on the KTMs, nor is it a pressure-based quick shifter that is found on most high-end motorcycles. 

This is sort of a proprietary system that Bajaj has developed in conjunction with Bosch. It uses the gear position sensor and smart algorithms to give slick and precise shifts. It works best above 3000 rpm, all the way to the redline, no hiccups there whatsoever. 

But it's only available in Sport riding mode. Having experienced quick shifters on smaller motorcycles like the Yamaha R15 or on bikes like the TVS Apache RTR 310 and RR310 and even the KTM 250s and 390s, it becomes more of an aid than a feature or a tool. As a result, it makes the bike effortless to ride during commuting or in traffic. Hence, having offered this aid in the other modes would have also been beneficial.

Should’ve Been This From The Start

The asking price for the 2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z has shot up to ₹1,92,328 (ex-showroom Delhi), making it ₹7328 dearer in the process. And it is worth every single penny. Bajaj has perfected the formula now without disrupting its sub-₹2 lakh pricing strategy. It no longer feels built to a price but more bang for buck, reminding us a lot of the original KTM 390 Duke. It has that firecracker energy about it with a distinct Pulsar flavour. And not to forget the quick shifter is a welcome addition. Overall, it is a far more compelling product than the previous version and one that is a great choice in the sub-400 cc space.