As the festive season enveloped India, we decided to ride the pulse of this spirit in the true city of festivals – Goa. But we wanted to add our own twist to this plan – instead of simply heading straight to Goa, we decided to take the scenic route via Ratnagiri. And to make the journey even more special, we rode on two brand-new Bajaj Pulsar NS400Zs.

Route :: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Aw7Y67Ezhd5GMej87

The ride kicked off in the early morning of December 4, 2024, from Mumbai, where I was joined by our good friend, Suraj Sawant, an experienced rider from Pune. Suraj, a seasoned traveller and motorcyclist, had a deep knowledge of the coastal Konkan route, which proved to be an asset as we explored this beautiful stretch of India. Little did we know, this ride would not just be a ride to Goa, but an adventure through the Western Ghats and coastal India, with the perfect companion, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z.

Having travelled to Mumbai from Delhi, where the temperatures were at a cool 8-9°C, stepping into Mumbai in December was a bit of a shock. The city’s warm and somewhat oppressive heat contrasted sharply with the chill of the north, but this was to be expected. Despite it being winter, Mumbai greeted us with temperatures that made us feel like it was the middle of summer. The heat, combined with the mechanical steamy warmth of our bikes, added a unique challenge to the beginning of our journey.

Yet, the feeling of anticipation was far greater than any discomfort. The Bajaj Pulsar NS400Zs roared to life, their engines gleaming under the morning sun, ready for the adventure ahead. With the engines roaring and the sun shining brightly, we made our way towards the Western Ghats, the first major hurdle of our journey.

As we traversed the ghats, the challenges of the road began to unfold. The serpentine turns, steep climbs and sharp descents posed their own set of obstacles. But the NS400Z never wavered. Despite the not-so-great riding conditions, where some stretches of the road were bumpy and even filled with potholes and loose gravel, the Pulsar remained rock-solid. It absorbed every bump and jerk with ease, never allowing the rough terrain to transfer the shock to my hands or shoulders. The suspension was quite commendable, even on tricky roads.

The NS400Z’s smaller wheelbase and 10kgs lighter weight made a significant difference in these conditions. Unlike the more hefty Bajaj Dominar, which can feel a bit heavy during tight turns or traffic, the NS400Z felt nimble and agile. Every twist of the throttle was smooth, every curve of the road was navigated with ease, and every sudden stop was handled without any hesitation. It felt like the perfect motorcycle for the narrow, winding roads of the Western Ghats.

By the end of Day 1, we reached Ganesh Gule, a beautiful little town in Ratnagiri, where we called it a night. We couldn’t help but feel a sense of achievement – not just for making it through the day, but also for the performance of the NS400Z, which had kept us comfortable and secure throughout the day’s ride.

Day 2 began with clear skies, the kind that makes you feel like the world is full of possibilities. After a light breakfast, we started our journey towards Goa. The route we took had a mix of coastal and forest terrain, which meant we got to enjoy a variety of landscapes.

The smooth tarmac, combined with the gentle coastal breeze, made the ride even more pleasant. The NS400Z continued to impress with its handling. On long straights, it effortlessly picked up speed, yet when we hit the more technical sections with sharper turns or narrow roads, the bike maintained its composure and agility. Suraj, who knew the route well, guided us through some of the less obvious but equally beautiful roads that ran alongside the coast, offering magnificent views of the Arabian Sea.

We reached Goa by the late afternoon and immediately dove into the vibrant Goan atmosphere. There’s something about Goa that makes it a unique destination for any traveller, and for a motorcyclist, the roads are a perfect blend of adventure and leisure. We explored Goa’s colonial-era churches, stunning beaches, and Portuguese-influenced architecture.

But the highlight of our time in Goa was the motorcycling festival we attended. The event was spread across two days, and it was exhilarating to see the variety of activities organized for bikers. What stood out was the presence of our beloved Bajaj Pulsar – a true representation of Indian engineering and a favourite among the motorcycle community.

Among the various activities, there was a 100-foot wide bridge hanging 25 feet above the ground – a daring feat for any motorcyclist. There was also a stunt school where riders could learn the art of stunts from professionals. We spent hours marvelling at the skills of the riders and enjoying the spirit of camaraderie among the biking community.

After a few days of soaking in the Goan vibes, it was time to return. But this time, we took a different route via Amboli Ghat. The journey was just as breathtaking as the ride to Goa. As we cruised through the stunning hills and valleys of the Western Ghats, we made our way to Kolhapur. Upon reaching Kolhapur, we were greeted warmly by the local bikers who showed us around, and we shared a hearty lunch before heading towards our final stop for the day, Pune.

In Pune, we stopped at The Pitlane, a garage and cafe owned by Suraj. Here, we were treated to some local delicacies, including the famous Puran Poli, which was the perfect way to end a long day of riding. We spent the evening chatting about bikes, roads, and our journey so far.

The final day of our journey began with an early start as we headed towards Mumbai. It was a fitting end to an unforgettable ride, the sun rising in the distance, the cool morning breeze against our faces, and the hum of our machines as we cruised down the highway.

By the time we reached Mumbai, we had completed a 1300-kilometer journey. Looking back, the ride had been nothing short of incredible, not just because of the scenic beauty and the joy of exploring new places, but because of the performance of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z Ride Review

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z.

Engine & Performance

The heart of this beast is a 373.3cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that churns out 40 PS of power and 35 Nm of torque. On the road, you can feel every bit of that power as you open up the throttle. Cruising effortlessly at 120-130 km/h, I even pushed the NS400Z to its top speed of 154 km/h, and it remained remarkably stable, thanks to its balanced design and a kerb weight of just 174 kg. For a bike in the 400cc segment, that’s impressive!

Whether you’re cruising on highways or navigating through the narrow roads of the Western Ghats, the engine provides enough performance without feeling overwhelming. It strikes a balance between power and comfort, making it an ideal touring companion.

Handling & Ride Comfort

One of the key features that impressed me about the NS400Z is its handling. The smaller wheelbase makes it feel much more agile than some of its bigger counterparts, like the Bajaj Dominar. This makes it an excellent choice for navigating through traffic and tight corners. The suspension is well-tuned, offering a comfortable ride even on rough patches. On long stretches, the bike remains stable and composed, while on twisty roads, it’s nimble and responsive.

Riding modes

When we hit the twisty roads, the real fun began, this is where the NS400Z truly comes to life! Equipped with four riding modes—Road, Rain, Sport, and Off-Road—I switched to Sport mode to get that extra punch in the ghats. The throttle response is sharp and instantaneous, and the bike hugs the corners with ease. Whether it’s tight bends or flowing curves, the NS400Z feels connected to the road, making it a delight to ride through challenging terrain.

The bike’s 12-litre fuel tank means fewer fuel stops, which is a real advantage on long rides like these. Even after hours on the road, you don’t feel the need to refuel constantly. And speaking of long rides, the traction control system is a lifesaver, especially when you encounter wet, mossy patches that can be tricky to navigate. It keeps the bike grounded, enhancing confidence in tough conditions.

Braking & Safety

The braking system on the NS400Z, with its disc brakes at both ends and the presence of dual-channel ABS, ensures that the bike remains stable under hard braking. It inspires confidence on both wet and dry roads.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the most common questions with performance bikes is about mileage. During my ride, I averaged about 28.5 km/l on highways and slightly less in the ghats. For a bike with this kind of performance, that’s quite solid! The combination of good mileage and a decently sized fuel tank means you can comfortably cover over 300 kilometres before needing to stop for fuel.

The Design

The NS400Z looked stunning against the backdrop of the ocean, mountains and even highways. The Metallic Pearl White that we rode turned out to become my personal favourite, but the bike is also available in Glossy Racing Red, Brooklyn Black finish and Pewter Grey. The aggressive lines and muscular tank give it a bold, sporty stance. The sharp LED headlights and sporty digital console add a modern touch, making the NS400Z not just a powerhouse on the road, but also a visual treat.

Value for Money

Now, how does the NS400Z compare to other bikes in its segment? While competitors might offer similar performance, the NS400Z stands out with its incredible affordability. At just ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), it is one of the most value-for-money options in the 400cc segment. The combination of solid performance, great handling, and versatility at this price point makes the NS400Z a strong contender for anyone looking for a well-rounded motorcycle.

Final Thoughts

After completing this journey, it was clear to me – the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is an underrated gem in the Indian motorcycle scene. It offers a perfect blend of power, comfort, and agility, making it an excellent choice for long-distance rides and urban commuting alike. As I rode through scenic roads, challenging ghats, and the festive city of Goa, one thought kept popping up in my mind: “Don’t underestimate the power of an Indian brand.”

This ride not only allowed us to explore some of the most beautiful places in India but also gave me a deep appreciation for the Pulsar NS400Z. It’s a motorcycle that’s ready to take on any challenge, whether it’s the winding ghats or the bustling city streets. And as an Indian brand, it stands tall with its own identity and legacy.