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On December 1, 2024, I brought home the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, a bike I had been eyeing for a while. Before this, I owned a Pulsar 150 Neon (2019 model), which was my trusted companion for years. The 150 Neon was an excellent bike for its segment—offering great mileage and incredibly low maintenance. It was dependable and economical, making it a great choice for daily commutes and casual rides.
However, as time went on, I started feeling the limitations of its power, especially during highway rides or when overtaking. That’s when I decided it was time to upgrade to something more powerful and thrilling, leading me to the Pulsar NS400Z.
The Pulsar NS400Z has been a significant upgrade for me. Right from the first ride, I could feel the raw power of the 400cc engine. The bike is not just powerful; it’s also smooth and responsive, making every ride an exciting experience. The exhaust note is another aspect I absolutely love—it has a deep, sporty growl that adds to the thrill of riding. The digital speedometer is well-equipped, displaying most of the essential information a rider needs. However, there are a couple of things I feel could be improved. For instance, the absence of a temperature gauge and an instant fuel economy display is noticeable, especially for a bike in this category.
Here are the pros and cons of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z based on my experience: Pros:
When it comes to fuel efficiency, I’ve been getting an average mileage of 28.6 kmpl, which is reasonable for a 400cc bike. I’m quite mindful of my riding habits—I usually keep the RPMs under 3,000 and maintain a maximum speed of 60 kmph(in rain mode). Only on three occasions have I pushed the bike to higher speeds, and those instances were more about exploring the bike’s capabilities rather than regular riding.
I recently completed the first servicing, which cost ₹2,300. While this is a bit on the higher side compared to what I was used to with the Pulsar 150 Neon, it’s understandable for a bike with a bigger engine and higher performance. The maintenance costs are undoubtedly higher, but considering the sheer power and performance the NS400Z offers, it feels like a fair trade-off.
One aspect of the bike that has left me a bit disappointed is the braking system. The brakes don’t feel as sharp as I expected, and they make a squealing noise, which is quite noticeable. When I took the bike to the service center to address this issue, I was told that the noise is normal and there’s nothing that can be done about it. This was a letdown, as I believe a bike in this segment should have a more refined braking system.
Overall, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z has been a thrilling upgrade for me. It offers the power and performance I was looking for, with a sound and feel that make every ride enjoyable. While there are some areas for improvement, such as the addition of a temperature gauge, instant fuel economy display, and better brakes, I’m still happy with my decision to upgrade. It’s a bike that balances power, style, and functionality, making it a worthy choice for those who want more excitement on the road.
If you’re someone considering an upgrade from a smaller-capacity bike like the Pulsar 150 Neon and are looking for a mix of power and style, the Pulsar NS400Z is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for slightly higher maintenance costs and minor quirks along the way.
However, as time went on, I started feeling the limitations of its power, especially during highway rides or when overtaking. That’s when I decided it was time to upgrade to something more powerful and thrilling, leading me to the Pulsar NS400Z.
The Pulsar NS400Z has been a significant upgrade for me. Right from the first ride, I could feel the raw power of the 400cc engine. The bike is not just powerful; it’s also smooth and responsive, making every ride an exciting experience. The exhaust note is another aspect I absolutely love—it has a deep, sporty growl that adds to the thrill of riding. The digital speedometer is well-equipped, displaying most of the essential information a rider needs. However, there are a couple of things I feel could be improved. For instance, the absence of a temperature gauge and an instant fuel economy display is noticeable, especially for a bike in this category.
Here are the pros and cons of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z based on my experience: Pros:
- Powerful Engine: The 400cc engine offers significant power, making it a thrilling upgrade from smaller bikes.
- Sporty Exhaust Note: The deep, sporty sound enhances the riding experience.
- Informative Speedometer: The digital speedometer displays most essential information, ensuring convenience for the rider.
- Good Mileage for a 400cc Bike: An average mileage of 28.6 kmpl (in rain mode) is reasonable given the engine capacity.
- Smooth Riding Experience: The bike is responsive and performs well, even at lower RPMs and speeds.
- Stylish and Modern Design: A head-turner on the road, the NS400Z stands out with its aggressive styling.
- No Temperature Gauge: The absence of a temperature gauge is noticeable and inconvenient for monitoring the engine's health.
- No Instant Fuel Economy Display: This missing feature could have added to the rider's ability to monitor fuel consumption.
- High Maintenance Costs: The first servicing cost ₹2,300, which is expensive compared to smaller bikes.
- Brakes Could Be Better: The braking system feels less sharp than expected for a 400cc bike.
- Squealing Noise in Brakes: The brakes make a squealing noise, which the service center claims is normal but feels off-putting.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, I’ve been getting an average mileage of 28.6 kmpl, which is reasonable for a 400cc bike. I’m quite mindful of my riding habits—I usually keep the RPMs under 3,000 and maintain a maximum speed of 60 kmph(in rain mode). Only on three occasions have I pushed the bike to higher speeds, and those instances were more about exploring the bike’s capabilities rather than regular riding.
I recently completed the first servicing, which cost ₹2,300. While this is a bit on the higher side compared to what I was used to with the Pulsar 150 Neon, it’s understandable for a bike with a bigger engine and higher performance. The maintenance costs are undoubtedly higher, but considering the sheer power and performance the NS400Z offers, it feels like a fair trade-off.
One aspect of the bike that has left me a bit disappointed is the braking system. The brakes don’t feel as sharp as I expected, and they make a squealing noise, which is quite noticeable. When I took the bike to the service center to address this issue, I was told that the noise is normal and there’s nothing that can be done about it. This was a letdown, as I believe a bike in this segment should have a more refined braking system.
Overall, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z has been a thrilling upgrade for me. It offers the power and performance I was looking for, with a sound and feel that make every ride enjoyable. While there are some areas for improvement, such as the addition of a temperature gauge, instant fuel economy display, and better brakes, I’m still happy with my decision to upgrade. It’s a bike that balances power, style, and functionality, making it a worthy choice for those who want more excitement on the road.
If you’re someone considering an upgrade from a smaller-capacity bike like the Pulsar 150 Neon and are looking for a mix of power and style, the Pulsar NS400Z is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for slightly higher maintenance costs and minor quirks along the way.
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