Bajaj Auto recently launched the Pulsar NS400Z in India, making it the biggest and most powerful Pulsar in the country. It is based on the Dominar platform and uses the same engine and chassis as its elder sibling. So, how different is it from the Dominar 400? Let’s find out.
Design
The most significant difference between the two is obviously the way these bikes look. Although the Pulsar NS400Z’s styling is largely similar to the NS200, the sharper detailing and the sporty design elements make it look fresh. The Dominar 400, meanwhile, looks butch and muscular in comparison, but the design hasn’t evolved since its launch in 2017 and has started to feel long in the tooth.
Features
Bajaj has bestowed the Pulsar NS400Z with a plethora of features. It gets a switchable traction control system, ride-by-wire throttle, four ride modes, Bluetooth connectivity, and turn-by-turn navigation. These features aren’t available on the Dominar 400, despite it being the flagship offering from Bajaj. Meanwhile, common features on both motorcycles include full LED lighting, digital instrument console, and dual-channel ABS.
Dimensions
The biggest difference between the two motorcycles is that the NS400Z has a shorter wheelbase of 1,343mm, which is 100mm less than the Dominar 400. This should bestow the Pulsar with improved handling and dynamics. Then, it is also 18kgs lighter than the Dominar 400, which should make it easier to flick around in corners or even manoeuvre it in traffic. The NS400Z also features a sharper rake, which should improve its agility even further.
Engine
Both motorcycles are powered by the same 373cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor, but feature slightly different tuning. While the power and torque output numbers are similar at 39.5bhp and 35Nm, they are delivered at different RPMs in both motorcycles. But, the bigger play is in the sprocket sizes. The Dominar 400 gets 15/45-teeth sprockets, while the Pulsar NS400Z gets a larger 46-teeth rear sprocket. This should help the Pulsar with better acceleration in the low-end and mid-range.
Price
Despite offering more features than the Dominar 400, the Pulsar NS400Z is priced lower at Rs. 1.85 Lakh (ex-showroom). This makes it nearly Rs. 46,000 cheaper than its elder sibling, offering phenomenal value and getting more motorcycle for the price you pay.
