logo
2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z review, first ride: Most fun motorcycle under Rs 2 lakh?

2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z review, first ride: Most fun motorcycle under Rs 2 lakh?

India Today13-07-2025
It's rare to ride a bike that feels like a reply. The 2025 NS400Z can be categorised as one such machine. Bajaj's response to every forum post, rider rant, and reviewer nitpick is here, and boy, have they listened to us. When I first rode the biggest Pulsar yet, back in 2024, I was impressed, just like I am now. Sure, there were some niggles, and it could do with some more work, but that mouth-watering price made me glance over most of these downsides. However, I feel Bajaj learned in this process that the Indian consumer has evolved. We want the right equipment with the right machine, and it can't just be all about saving money. I also feel that the homegrown giant showed class with this move, showcasing respect to the Pulsar brand name. On the surface, it's hard to tell that the new NS400Z has changed. That's certainly how I felt when I arrived at the dealership. Bajaj has gone for refinement over reinvention, and I'm all for it. The real question is to what degree the riding experience has been altered due to the incremental changes. First, let's tackle what's new on the 2025 NS400Z.advertisementHow is it different from the first-generation NS400Z?From a design standpoint, the only thing that sets it apart is the redesigned radiator cowl, which the folks at Bajaj state has improved heat dissipation and drives hot air away from the rider's legs. There are no new colours, no new graphics, just the same in that regard, and honestly, that feels like a bit of a let down. I would've loved the Pulsar NS400Z to get the same shade of blue as the N160. Let's kick vanity aside for a minute and talk about the real meaty stuff. Bajaj has opted for sintered pads this time around to improve brake feel and durability, and the rear tyre is now wider, 150-section to be exact. The previous iteration came with a 140-section one. Both tyres are also now radial, and the 2025 NS400Z is shod in Apollo Alpha H1 units now, which again, with the aforementioned changes, should enhance overall handling. Bajaj has worked their magic in the 373cc, single-cylinder motor, one that comes from the famed older KTM 390 Duke, and also does duty on the Dominar 400. First and foremost, power figure is up from 40bhp to 43bhp, and peak output in 'Sport' mode has gone up from 9,700rpm to 10,700rpm, which is significant. Torque figure remains the same, 35Nm, but is made at 500rpm higher. The 2025 NS400Z comes with a forged piston, making for better thermal efficiency, reduced friction and should result in more durability. The internals of this engine have been rejigged, there's a revised valvetrain, cam timings have been altered, and dimensions for the intake duct are different, although the airbox remains the same as the earlier model. Most of the cycle parts pretty much remain the same, like the 43mm USD forks, rear monoshock, digital LCD, and LED lights. That's not all, though. Bajaj has collaborated with Bosch for a unique quickshifter or 'Sportshifter' in company speak, which is a sensor-less system that can only be activated in 'Sports' mode. The boffins at Pune-based company say it's based on insights gathered from rider behaviour in the aforementioned riding mode. The net result? The NS400Z's 0-60kmph time is now 2.7 seconds, which is down from 3.2 seconds. The 0-100kmph time is now 6.4 seconds, which is down from 7.5 seconds, which is fairly substantial. Top speed is up from 150kmph to 157kmph, but Bajaj has managed to keep the claimed fuel efficiency figure the same at 28kmpl. So, has it significantly changed the ride experience?What's the 2025 NS400Z like to ride?In all honesty, yes, it has. It's not a generational change, but it can be felt prominently. Wring the throttle in 'Road' mode and there's a significant shove to be had around the 5,000-6,000rpm mark. Low-end performance isn't this Pulsar's strong suit, but that addictive mid-range and impressive top-end power is genuinely astonishing. 'Rain' mode feels the most subdued, and there's an 'Off-road' mode as well, which, well, thanks Bajaj, I guess. If you're interested in the NS400Z, the most significant mode here is 'Sports'. It feels like a different motorcycle, and becomes more manic in my opinion. Also, the traction control can only be switched off in 'Sports' and 'Off-road' modes. The innovative quickshifter also works quite well, and one can go clutch-less, which comes in handy if one finds themselves in a hurry. The quality of the switchgear also feels the same as before; it feels fairly well-made, although the physical controls tend to lag a bit every once in a while. Some body panels can feel flimsy, or not up to the mark in terms of quality, but on the whole, at least for me, I don't mind at all. That's because absolute power corrupts absolutely, and that honestly feels like a fitting motto for this motorcycle. It goes like stink, and doesn't raise when you need to get it fixed, owing to the fact that it's a Bajaj. It goes fast, without having to draw attention to itself. I found people at stop lights, staring in wonderment and confusion, wondering, 'Is it modified, is it new?'.
Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

German car parts maker Bosch to cut up to 1,100 jobs
German car parts maker Bosch to cut up to 1,100 jobs

Time of India

time15 minutes ago

  • Time of India

German car parts maker Bosch to cut up to 1,100 jobs

German car parts maker Bosch will cut up to 1,100 jobs by 2029 and restructure its Reutlingen plant as a rapidly worsening auto market drives down sales, a senior company official said on Tuesday. Bosch will focus the plant mainly on manufacturing semiconductors, as making electronic control units is no longer competitive, a statement said. "The European market for control units is highly price-driven and fiercely contested by new entrants," said Bosch's executive vice president of semiconductor operations, Dirk Kress. "The necessary job cuts are not easy for us, but they are urgently needed to secure the future of the site." Bosch employs around 10,000 people in Reutlingen. German and European auto makers have come under pressure from high costs and ferocious foreign competition, as well as a tariff war between the United States and its global trading partners.>

Spark Minda teams up with Qualcomm to develop next-gen driver experience for Indian cars
Spark Minda teams up with Qualcomm to develop next-gen driver experience for Indian cars

Economic Times

time15 minutes ago

  • Economic Times

Spark Minda teams up with Qualcomm to develop next-gen driver experience for Indian cars

Spark Minda teams up with Qualcomm Minda has collaborated with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to develop smart and advanced cockpit solutions for the Indian automotive market, the company announced on Wednesday. The flagship company of Spark Minda announced that it is designing a next-gen cockpit platform powered by the Snapdragon® Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies. The driver's compartment, designed under this collaboration, will be equipped to support rich multimedia experiences, AI-driven interfaces and seamless cloud integration enhancing the cockpit performance, digital user interface and vehicle connectivity for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). This cockpit platform enhances in-car experiences by delivering sophisticated displays, audio, computing and connectivity, making them more responsive and enjoyable, the company said. Also read: Qualcomm aims to diversify revenue base amid muted global smartphone growth The American company Qualcomm Technologies aims to redefine the in-vehicle experience for Indian consumers with this collaboration. "We are excited to collaborate with Spark Minda to deliver advanced, localized cockpit solutions tailored for India's evolving automotive landscape using our Snapdragon Cockpit aim to redefine the in-vehicle experience for Indian consumers, bringing innovation and connectivity to the next generation of vehicles," Savi Soin, Senior Vice President, India President, Qualcomm Technologies said.

Tesla India receives mixed reactions amid booking woes
Tesla India receives mixed reactions amid booking woes

Time of India

time15 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Tesla India receives mixed reactions amid booking woes

Tesla's long-anticipated debut in India has finally materialised, with the EV giant opening its first showroom at Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and launching online bookings for its Model Y. While this marks a milestone for India's EV landscape, the rollout has been met with a surprising mix of excitement and frustration among potential buyers. Tesla India made the announcement on social media, stating, 'Now everyone in India can order directly on our website,' while highlighting priority delivery in four key cities — Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Gurugram, IndiaTimes reports. The Model Y, Tesla's first offering for India, is being imported as a completely built unit (CBU) from the company's Shanghai Gigafactory and is priced from ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Customers can configure their car online, select features such as interiors, wheels and Enhanced Autopilot, and confirm the booking with a ₹2 lakh refundable deposit. Customer Frustration Over Delayed Deliveries However, the launch has triggered discontent among early backers and reservation holders. Several customers who placed deposits as early as last year — in some cases amounting to $1,000 (approx. ₹83,000) — claim to have seen no progress in their delivery timelines or received refunds without further explanation. Varun Krishnan, founder of tech blog FoneArena and an early Tesla supporter, voiced his disappointment over the lack of communication and delivery clarity. Similarly, Vishal Gondal, founder and CEO of a fitness tech firm, said he booked a Tesla Model 3 back in 2016 but felt underwhelmed after visiting the new Mumbai showroom this week. Imported Model Y Faces Regulatory and Pricing Challenges Tesla's initial India entry is being carried out without local manufacturing, relying instead on imports that attract steep tariffs — a hurdle that Elon Musk had repeatedly cited in the past. Despite recent dialogues with the Indian government, the Model Y remains a premium product with limited appeal due to high costs. Still, Tesla's move to open online bookings across India marks a shift in the company's India strategy. Interested buyers can now select the Model Y via the official website by choosing configurations and making a refundable deposit. Once booked, a delivery advisor is assigned to assist the buyer through the next steps. For now, the launch has set expectations high — but also raised questions about whether the brand can live up to its promise in India's complex and competitive EV market.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store