In a move that’s likely to spark debate among enthusiasts, Bajaj Auto has updated the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z with a smaller 350cc engine, replacing the earlier 400cc unit. What’s interesting is that everything else—from features to pricing—remains exactly the same.
This comes right after a similar shift on the Bajaj Dominar 400, suggesting this isn’t a one-off change but part of a bigger strategy.
Engine tweaked, not reinvented
Let’s get straight to it—the headline change is the engine. The NS400Z now uses a 350cc motor that delivers 39.45 hp and 33.2 Nm of torque.
But Bajaj hasn’t gone back to the drawing board. Instead, they’ve simply reduced the stroke while keeping the bore unchanged. In real-world terms, that means the engine feels familiar, just slightly less bulky in displacement.
It’s more of a recalibration than a downgrade.
No changes where it actually matters
Beyond the engine, the bike is pretty much untouched—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
You still get:
- 6-speed gearbox
- Assist and slipper clutch
- Ride-by-wire throttle
- Four ride modes: Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road
- Traction control and dual-channel ABS
The connected LCD console continues to offer navigation, call alerts, music control, and even a lap timer. So from a rider’s perspective, the experience stays premium and tech-loaded.
Price list (India, ex-showroom)
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z (New) | 350cc | 39.45 hp | 33.2 Nm | ₹1.93 lakh |
| Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z | 400cc | ~40 hp | ~35 Nm | ₹1.93 lakh |
| Bajaj Dominar 400 (Updated) | 350cc* | ~39 hp | ~32 Nm | ₹2.30 lakh* |
Same hardware, same road feel
Bajaj hasn’t messed with the hardware either. The NS400Z continues with:
- 43 mm USD front forks
- Preload-adjustable rear monoshock
- 320 mm front and 230 mm rear disc brakes
- 17-inch tubeless tyres
So if you liked how the bike handled earlier, expect the same planted feel on the road.
Price unchanged—strategy shift?
Here’s the part that stands out: despite the smaller engine, the price remains ₹1.93 lakh (ex-showroom).
That tells you Bajaj isn’t positioning this as a downgrade. Instead, it feels like a move towards better balance—possibly improved efficiency, smoother rideability, or even long-term reliability.
Not just Bajaj—industry is moving this way
This trend isn’t happening in isolation. Global brands are also rethinking performance in a more practical way.
Triumph Motorcycles has already found success with the Triumph Speed 400, while KTM continues to refine bikes like the KTM 390 Duke.
The focus is clearly shifting from just bigger engines to smarter performance.
So, should buyers care?
Honestly, for most riders, probably not.
The power figures are still strong, the features are unchanged, and the overall package remains solid. If anything, a slightly smaller engine might actually make the bike more usable in daily city conditions.
But yes, if you were buying it just for the “400cc” badge, this change might feel a bit off.
