With its Pulsar NS400Z, Bajaj offered you one of the strongest VFM propositions in the entry-level performance bike segment. Now that the NS400Z has been downsized to 349cc, has the experience been diluted or does it retain its signature strengths?

Design and Features – 7/10

In terms of appearance, quality and features, nothing has changed on the 349cc Pulsar NS400Z. While this design can’t shirk its age off, it is still pleasing to look at, and overall quality is quite decent for the price you pay, although in some areas (like the dated-looking display, rudimentary rear brake pedal and the clicky switchgear) you can tell that this bike was built to meet a target price.

That being said, what is nice to see is that the upgrades the biggest Pulsar received last year (sintered brake pads, radial tyres, 4 riding modes and a software-based bi-directional quickshifter in Sport mode) continue onto the 349cc version as well. 

Performance and Fuel Economy – 8/10

Speaking of the motor, the Pulsar NS400Z’s 373cc capacity was downsized to 349cc by reducing the stroke from 60mm to 56.1mm, while retaining the 89mm bore. Barring some essential changes necessary for the downsizing process to the engine’s head, the mill retains everything from before, including its compression ratio. The end result is that the Pulsar’s peak output has dropped from 43hp and 35Nm of torque to 40.6hp and 33.2Nm, and the motor has also become noticeably more peaky than before.

In the real world, the reworked 349cc engine in the Pulsar NS400Z feels a little more mellow than the 373cc motor in the low- and mid-range, but past 7,000rpm, there’s good performance to be had. Of the four riding modes (Sport, Road, Rain and Off-road), we preferred using Road by and large because it had the most consistent and predictable throttle response (helpful in stop-and-go traffic) and the performance drop compared to Sport mode wasn’t a big one. Some oddities that continue from before are that only Sport mode allows the use of the bidirectional quickshifter, and while each riding mode has different ABS intervention, you can’t turn the rear ABS off in any of the four modes.

Depending on the sort of rider you are, the Pulsar’s newfound mellow nature will be a good or bad thing. If you’re someone used to faster machines or even the older 373cc version, this engine may come across as a bit too calm. On the other hand, if you’re a newer rider looking to move up from a 150-250cc machine, there is surely enough performance to keep you interested for quite a while, and in fact, the mellow nature of this engine will be more welcoming and forgiving for newbie riders.

Ride and Handling – 8/10

Even so, it can be seriously quick, both in a straight line as well as when the road goes squiggly. A short 1346mm wheelbase and a light 176kg kerb weight mean that the Pulsar changes direction quickly without too much effort and you can take corners at seriously quick speeds. The one detractor when riding through the twisties is that the Pulsar scrapes its footpegs and bellypan a little too easily.

Of course, this isn’t a big complaint considering how comfortable the Pulsar’s seating position is, and this would make for a capable and sporty long-distance machine. On open highways, the 349cc motor is capable of sustaining 100-120kph rather easily without any intrusive vibrations at any of the touch points – this is a similar trait to the downsized Triumph 400s, but in contrast to the downsized KTM 390s.

You also need to be aware that while the Pulsar NS400Z is a reasonably comfortable machine that is in the spectrum of sporty naked bikes, over bad roads though, you will feel more of the road surface, although it’s far from being harsh or uncomfortable.

Price and Verdict – 8/10

While the 349cc Pulsar NS400Z has changed in one fundamental way to its 373cc predecessor, it still retains its core strength of being fantastic value for money at Rs 1.82 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). There is simply nothing to match up to it in terms of sheer speed and associated giggles under your helmet at this price point. Also, had Bajaj not downsized the NS400Z, it would have cost roughly Rs 30,000 more, which would have eroded its biggest USP, thereby significantly hampering its very existence.

Sure, this bike and platform now seriously feel their age, and the final layer of finesse and polish seen on more premium bikes from other brands is lacking here. However, if you are on a tight budget and want the maximum bang for your buck in terms of sheer performance as well as some bragging rights, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is still top dog.